Free Agency with Ted

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17188691/top-50-free-agents-former-top-pick-williams-is-top-player-on-open-market

I know, TT doesn't play in the FA market. But, if there was ever a year to do so, this could be it. He has an offense with very few holes. Maybe LT and center if they don't sign Wells. But other than that, the offense should be in good shape. He has the best QB in football with multiple offensive weapons, it would be a shame to waste these peak years with an undermanned defense.

I'm not sure that the D can be fixed with draft picks and internal development alone. Much depends on whether Neal can stay healthy and perform, can Collins come back, will Williams return to 2010 form and has age really caught up to Woodson. Not bringing in at least one defensive veteran would be a huge gamble. It is probably one TT will be inclined to take. But just in case he doesn't, here's my wish list.

Mario Williams no doubt, but that will never happen. Too much money. So how about Robert Mathis? He's 31, but should have a few good year left and would be pretty dynamic teamed with CMIII.

Cortland Finnegan ( I always liked him) would look good playing with Williams. Then if Collins has to retire, Woodson could move to safety and Shields could continue to develop at nickel.

A couple of others I like are Dwight Lowery and Tyvon Branch.

I'm sure the market will dictate where players end up, but I hope Ted at least considers these options.

HB, I'm with you on Finnegan. He's a tad short by TT's standards, but he definitely gets after it and is one of those guys you hate unless he's on your team (and even then only somewhat like).
Branch would be interesting as well if #36 can't come back. I gotta think Peprah is done. He did the best he could, but an upgrade is needed.

One interesting item I have seen on Mike neal is that the Pack is considering moving him to OLB. He is a good athelete but would probably have to re-make his body somewhat to focus on speed more than power.

As far as free agency goes I'm not sure to what extent the pack will be a player but mathis sounds like he could be the pass rushing option that could help. Mario will just be in too high of demand.

One thing to consider when thinking about free agency is that any FA's signed from other teams count against the FA's lost in the compensatory system. So if they were to get a 3rd for Flynn for example, depending on his contract signing Mathis could wipe that pick away. Just a part of the calculation teams must make when free agency starts.

Here is a pretty good rundown of available free agents sorted by teams from PFW:

http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/02/10/2012-free-agents-by-team

"One interesting item I have seen on Mike Neal is that the Pack is considering moving him to OLB."

I saw that as well, Ted, and pretty much fell out of my chair. Can't figure out if they really believe he could do it or are just grasping at straws at this point with him. I will say this, IF Mike Neal ends up playing OLB at some point AND does well, I will nominate whoever had the thought of switching him for immediate enshrinement in the Pack HOF.
Either way, it sure would be interesting to know who in the organization brought it up as a possibility....

I had forgotten about that Neal idea. If it worked it would be something. He is about the same size as Mario Williams.

Tracy Porter, that's a guy I really like and he fits the Packers mold much more than a guy who has some attitude problems like Finnegan. I'd rather see him in green and gold. Going after a safety is really dependent on Nick, he is healthey we don't have a need, if there is a chance he won't be than we have to get a S somewhere and there are a few good ones in FA and they tend to cost a lo tless than corners.

I heard that about Neal as well and frankly I do not see how that can work. He has not shown enough at his natural position to even be considered for a position move where he would have to lose weoght and learn a new way to play. Not a candidate imho.

I like Finnegan because of his attitude. He's feisty, and that's something our secondary could use. He's a little short, but fast and makes a lot of tackles. Not a big interception guy, but we have other guys who excel in that department.

I think Porter is soft. We already have Sam Shields. We need someone to bring some toughness to the secondary, especially with CW starting to show signs of age.

I remember reading the Neal thing too. It seems strange they would even consider that move.

Here's another available FA list from pro football focus

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/02/13/pffs-top-50-free-agents/

Toughness in the secondary comes from the safeties, I don't care how soft a guy is, well I do, but the point is CB's cover and S's hit. So if a CB can cover his ass off what he provides in tackling is farther down the list of priorities. Porter can cover.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1066265-7-free-agents-the-green-bay-packers-should-target#/articles/1066265-7-free-agents-the-green-bay-packers-should-target


This makes a lot of sense.

I'm not sure if McGinn's report about the Packers looking at Chris Myers is legit, but if it is, it means that TT is at least considering adding a veteran FA. I guess that's a good thing if whoever he signs works out as well as Woodson and Pickett.

I don't know much about Myers, going to have to check him out. What's your take on him as a player/character guy?

I did find this lukewarm review. I did not know he made the Pro Bowl this season, probably one of those injury replacements 6th down the list or something.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ag5ZGLpQQBWYP.OF51qYyRP.uLYF?slug=pfw-20120224_free_agent_scouting_report_texans_c_chris_myers

Hieronymus Bosch wrote:

I'm not sure if McGinn's report about the Packers looking at Chris Myers is legit, but if it is, it means that TT is at least considering adding a veteran FA. I guess that's a good thing if whoever he signs works out as well as Woodson and Pickett.

I wasn't aware that the Packers had an interest in this guy but Ted does his homework and has a great feel for who can fit in and contribute immediately.

Seems to me, if Wells wasn't pissed off before, he probably is now. I don't know much about Myers, other than most so called experts consider him the best FA center available. I'd be perfectly happy to see Wells snapping to AR for the next 3 or 4 years.

It's hard to predict what the market will be for 31 year old centers. Does anyone know what other teams might be in the market for a center?

This is the information I got.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/27/report-packers-pursuing-texans-center-chris-myers/

The thing is Wells is a Pro Bowler too and only one year older, doesn't make much sense to me to pursue the same guy when you have the same guy on your team already.

Why So Serious? wrote:

The thing is Wells is a Pro Bowler too and only one year older, doesn't make much sense to me to pursue the same guy when you have the same guy on your team already.

Maybe it's a money thing and Wells wants too much.

Another factor to consider, this guy's agent is Rosenhaus, a real douchebag!

He is worse than Borass and that's saying a lot.

Why So Serious? wrote:

The thing is Wells is a Pro Bowler too and only one year older, doesn't make much sense to me to pursue the same guy when you have the same guy on your team already.

I agree that it doesn't make much sense. Any "leak" about the Packers plans has to be taken with a boulder sized grain of salt. It is just as likely, or more likely, that GB would like to get the Texans to make a move to retain Myers and set a market price for FA centers that the Pack then can use in their negotiations with Wells. Knowing what a self promoting POS Rosenhaus is they could have easily banked on the fact he would tell the whole world even if they had asked him to keep it to himself.

Security of information is a concept Douche Rosenbag is entirely unfamiliar with.

Why So Serious? wrote:

He is worse than Borass and that's saying a lot.

These two guys could be brothers.

A guy I'd like to see in the Green and Gold if Nick Collins can't resume his career is Jim Leonhard. I know he had a knee injury in December last year, but if he can recover, he'd be great teamed up with Burnett at safety. Plus, he could relieve Cobb on occasion as a punt returner. He's a hard nosed kid who could QB our secondary. And I bet he's rehabbing like crazy.

He'll probably end up back with the Jets, but if not, due to the injury he could probably be signed at a reasonable price.

Hieronymus Bosch wrote:

A guy I'd like to see in the Green and Gold if Nick Collins can't resume his career is Jim Leonhard. I know he had a knee injury in December last year, but if he can recover, he'd be great teamed up with Burnett at safety. Plus, he could relieve Cobb on occasion as a punt returner. He's a hard nosed kid who could QB our secondary. And I bet he's rehabbing like crazy.

He'll probably end up back with the Jets, but if not, due to the injury he could probably be signed at a reasonable price.

Leonhard has been a very reliable safety but he may never have the mobility he once had. He'd have to sign an incentive laden contract to play for the Packers.

AA, that's probably true no matter who he signs with. He seems to me like a guy who will work really hard to come back as close to 100% as possible.

Hieronymus Bosch wrote:

AA, that's probably true no matter who he signs with. He seems to me like a guy who will work really hard to come back as close to 100% as possible.

I hope Leonhard can get back close to where he was before because the man loves the game and always gives a maximum effort.

This would be a good signing: http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120319/PKR01/120319141/Green-Bay-Packers-Jeff-Saturday-center-free-agent-Scott-Wells?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE