2018 Free Agents to Target

[GreenBaySlacker]

We all agree on a few things, and disagree on many things.

We agree on: We need to get better, and fast. Not in 3 years of developing new rookies hoping they pan out into Davante and Jordy and Collins and Sitton and Bakhtiari types, and not like Datone, Hundley, Brohm, Pat Lee, Justin Harrell, Khyrie Thornton, Terrell Manning, Jaron McMillian, etc.

We signed 4 veteran UFA's last year.

I say we up it by 1 this year with the new more aggressive GM.
What positions take a rookie awhile to blossom into being good? Definitely tight end. And for us, definitely CB.

Add 2 TEs and 2 CBs in free agency.
And there are MANY who are available and won't break the bank. Forget Jimmy Graham. He's old. He will cost too much.

Options:

TE
-Gary Barnidge -had a great year a few years ago even on Cleveland, and his TE coach that year is now with the Packers. Makes sense.
-Tyler Eifert -obviously ultra-talented, also often injured. But so was Charles Woodson before the Pack got him. Eifert won't command a big long term deal, but a 1 or 2-year prove-it type of deal could pay huge dividends.
-Troy Niklas -4 years ago, he was a popular mock guy to the Packers late rd 1. Arizona took him early Rd 2, and he's also had a handful of injuries that cost him a lot of time. None are knee injuries. He's had a hernia, and hand surgery. I think his upside is so much this could be a quiet bargain.
-Maxx Williams -Same thing, a few years ago many had him as a Packer 1st rd pick in their mocks. He's languished in Baltimore with not-elite Flacco. He could be had cheap... I don't know if his contract is up, but it wouldn't take one of our higher picks to pluck him away from Baltimore IMO. We have 12 to use. Better to use a 6th, or 5th, even a 4th IMO on him then a rookie TE project with lesser talent than big Maxx.
-Luke Wilsson, Seattle -He's hurt us before. He's got more speed than any of our TEs in a long time. And he will be pretty cheap.

All these guys are much much better options than any TE we would draft. Perhaps a rookie will become good, an asset, by the 2020 season. These guys can help now. We need instant help now.

CB
Many, and doesn't have to be the big name Trumaine Johnson or the overhyped Malcolm Butler.
The Rams and Bills each have some good CBs who would immediately be our 2nd or 1st best CB IMO.

Brett Favre. Reggie White. Charles Woodson. 3 of the best 4 Packers of the last 3 decades. None drafted by the Packers.
Also could, should have added Randy Moss in 2007, and Marshawn Lynch in 2010. Thompson blew those 2 on silver platters, and NE and Seattle took advantage.

But don't forget guys like Sean Jones, Santana Dotson, Don Beebe, Andre Rison, Keith Jackson, etc. Veterans who wanted a ring.
These are the types of veteran additions we need to add now.
Fill holes with veterans who are playing for a ring.

Then use the draft to try and find true best talents available.

Excellent post. I'm leaning for eifert myself. And a rookie, and keep Rodgers who is consistent. Even though eifert is a bigger name, I think he will be affordable. And I'm sure he would be stoked to have #12 throwing him the ball.

Two CBs is overkill. I like a lot of the guys we have. King I have high hopes to become the new Richard Sherman of the NFL. He was walking the walk! But like many rookies, he needs more muscle mass and strategy. Muscle mass to match the NFL caliber players, and strategy to make the same plays without taking solid hits to your own body. He will be a starter this year. Randall is a solid player for us when he is focused. Jones,Brice,haha,(used to be Burnett), are all a solid supporting group in the tweener/safety dept. Surely we will add a cb in the draft by day 2. And we have some decent undrafted guys developing in the ranks.... I only wish we could keep Burnett to see how he does with some better strategy... but Yea. There is some depth concerns at the top of our cb list.

Scheme changes everything though. Where we are used to needing 15 guys in the secondary because we don't use dline past Daniels/Clark/lowry. And have 27 mil tied up into two olbs last year who were good but not 27 million dollars good. That's called strategy blowing up in your face.

 

[PackFan2]

Depends on where they address it. They haven't been getting much immediate yield with the WRs they have chosen lately. Moncrief could come in and be your #2 WR immediately (depending on who else is on your roster) and while they could probably make that happen with a rookie they would have to address it pretty high in the draft. None of this 5th, 6th, 7th round potential and hope stuff. Not that I would be opposed to going WR with a day 1 or 2 pick.

Sign Moncrief only if its a friendly deal, same goes for Eifert. but I highly doubt Eifert asks for a low wage. Eiferts been injured 3 out of the 5 season, I wouldn't take that risk. Rather have us sign a FA/other teams practice squad member or draft an incoming athletic TE.

 

[FL-PACKERfan]

Thoughts on Kurt Coleman?

 

[Deleted member 6794]

If the Packers are going to try to improve the TE position via free agency, Burton would be my choice as well. Unfortunately, the TE FA market is pretty slim pickings of top players this year and he as well as Graham will probably be overpaid as a result. This might be the year the Packers should spend a 2nd or 3rd rounder on what appears to be a pretty solid group to choose from.

Unfortunately it takes rookie tight ends some years to develop into solid contributors. Therefore I would prefer Gutekunst to bring in a decent free agent to upgrade the position.

Randall is a solid player for us when he is focused. Jones,Brice,haha,(used to be Burnett), are all a solid supporting group in the tweener/safety dept. Surely we will add a cb in the draft by day 2. And we have some decent undrafted guys developing in the ranks....

The Packers definitely would have to improve the safety position if the team decides to let Burnett walk away in free agency. In addition I don't want them to rely on any undrafted players at cornerback going forward.

Sign Moncrief only if its a friendly deal, same goes for Eifert. but I highly doubt Eifert asks for a low wage. Eiferts been injured 3 out of the 5 season, I wouldn't take that risk. Rather have us sign a FA/other teams practice squad member or draft an incoming athletic TE.

FWIW Eifert has been cleared for offseason workouts today.

Thoughts on Kurt Coleman?

I knew when I saw that the Panthers released Coleman someone would bring him up as a potential target for the Packers. He's turning 30 years old before the start of the season and has struggled lately though. Not interested in him at all.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Unfortunately it takes rookie tight ends some years to develop into solid contributors. Therefore I would prefer Gutekunst to bring in a decent free agent to upgrade the position.

While that can be the case for most positions, there have been 1st and 2nd year TE's that made plenty of contributions to their teams, just a matter of finding the right one. If the FA market was deeper with quality TE's I might be more excited about going after one of the big names. You know me well enough that for years I have been saying "the Packers need to sign a top TE in free agency". That strategy worked well with Cook (for 1 year) but failed with Mo Bennett. I actually think Kendricks can be a quality starter, not a top 10 guy, but I also don't think any of the "top" FA's TE's are going to be top 10 guys or worth the money. This might be the year to invest a high pick into the Packers TE of the future.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

While that can be the case for most positions, there have been 1st and 2nd year TE's that made plenty of contributions to their teams, just a matter of finding the right one.

I'm curious to know which rookie tight ends you believe made decent contributions to their respective teams over the past few years.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

The Bears released Pernell McPhee. He might present a decent option at edge rusher for the Packers to pursue in free agency.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm curious to know which rookie tight ends you believe made decent contributions to their respective teams over the past few years.

Why only the past few years? Wouldn't you want to view it historically? I also said, 1st or 2nd year players, knowing fully well that rookies at most positions aren't on average huge contributors.

• Evan Engram (2017)
• OJ Howard (2017)
• Hunter Henry (2016-17)
• Jeremy Shockey
• Rob Gronkowski
• Heath Miller
• Jimmy Graham
• Keith Jackson
• Antonio Gates
• Mike Ditka
• Kellen Winslow
• Ozzie Newsom
• and many more.....historically

I'm not saying using a high pick (1-3 round) is going to guarantee a "top tier" TE, but investing big money in a FA TE doesn't guarantee anything either, except spending the money. Given what's available in the FA market, I just don't see the value of investing in a high end FA TE this year. If they don't resign Richard Rodgers, maybe a middle value TE with some possible upside.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Why only the past few years? Wouldn't you want to view it historically? I also said, 1st or 2nd year players, knowing fully well that rookies at most positions aren't on average huge contributors.

• Evan Engram (2017)
• OJ Howard (2017)
• Hunter Henry (2016-17)
• Jeremy Shockey
• Rob Gronkowski
• Heath Miller
• Jimmy Graham
• Keith Jackson
• Antonio Gates
• Mike Ditka
• Kellen Winslow
• Ozzie Newsom
• and many more.....historically

I'm not saying using a high pick (1-3 round) is going to guarantee a "top tier" TE, but investing big money in a FA TE doesn't guarantee anything either, except spending the money. Given what's available in the FA market, I just don't see the value of investing in a high end FA TE this year. If they don't resign Richard Rodgers, maybe a middle value TE with some possible upside.

Engram actually had the best rookie season of a tight end within the last 10 years and he hugely benefitted from the Giants running out of receivers last season. Other than him no other TE aside of John Carlson had more than 600 receiving yards during their first season.

Don't get me wrong, I'm in favour of drafting a prospect at the position pretty early as well but would like Gutekunst to address the position in free agency as well.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Engram actually had the best rookie season of a tight end within the last 10 years and he hugely benefitted from the Giants running out of receivers last season. Other than him no other TE aside of John Carlson had more than 600 receiving yards during their first season.

Don't get me wrong, I'm in favour of drafting a prospect at the position pretty early as well but would like Gutekunst to address the position in free agency as well.

While I would love a Pro Bowl TE in 2018, I'm just not that confidant with what is available in the FA market that there is a sure thing there. Also, I would put getting a top FA CB and OLB higher on the needs list and we wouldn't have the cap space for 3 top FA's for all 3 positions. If they don't choose to resign R Rodgers, there are a few guys that might be worth midrange money to pair with Kendricks. As disappointing as Kendricks was last year, I think his 2nd year, especially as a starter, might yield better results.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

The Bears released Pernell McPhee. He might present a decent option at edge rusher for the Packers to pursue in free agency.

I like McPhee, when healthy, but his injury history is a concern. However, that might keep his asking price relatively low.

 

[OldSchool101]

While I like your suggestions for free agency the Packers should try to upgrade tight end with a veteran as well. It normally takes rookies several seasons to have an impact at the position in the NFL.

First of all thank you. Secondly I agree with your statement and that’s even more reason to draft a formidable TE immediately, maybe another one later rounds to develop.

The issue this year is the FA crops are thin,that means the crops are going to draw a premium and we don’t have that in our checking account.
I’d rather see us go after a FA CB (or 2) because it’s a position highly prone to injury. There’s a slew of guys in that 1M-5M range that could offer an immediate impact. Many of them are upgrades over House at the similar or less $.
If negotiated properly we could have 2 decent Corners under 5-7M/yr range..then hit again in the draft day 2. CB could be our strength again if we play our cards right.
We still have RR and Lance so we’re not exactly set, but not exactly running on an empty tank either. Throw in a guy like Goedert or Hurst as a #3 and we’re already going to be improved from last year at least by mid season.
Don’t misunderstand me, I’d love to have a star TE but I feel like we’re shopping and eyeing a high end used E class Mercedes with the funds to buy a solid an affordable Certified Used Toyota.

We all agree on a few things, and disagree on many things.

That’s simply said in a few words, yet quite prolific in many ways. Ironically I agree.

Add 2 TEs and 2 CBs in free agency.

I actual agree with the 2 CBs. We don’t have the financial resources to get all 4 unless you want to mow and weed eat on the weekends for 3 years as payback (sorry it’s memories of my old man resurfacing!)

 

[LambeauLombardi]

While I do think Kendricks will be better this year mainly because his track record speaks that last year was an off year, they do need another guy. As some of the last few posters have said, I'd much rather go after a CB in free agency and TE higher in the draft. The defense needs veteran leadership and has needed it since Charles Woodson left. HaHa is our most experienced secondary guy. Have some of these former high picks (Randall, King, Perry, Jake Ryan) learn from a proven vets. Since Charles has left all of these young guys haven't really had a guy to show them the ropes. More guys will be released the next few weeks but go after a guy like Vonta Davis, Jonathan Joseph, or Ngata at the right price (not a desperate $5 mil deal for Ahmad Brooks).

 

[LambeauLombardi]

We all agree on a few things, and disagree on many things.

We agree on: We need to get better, and fast. Not in 3 years of developing new rookies hoping they pan out into Davante and Jordy and Collins and Sitton and Bakhtiari types, and not like Datone, Hundley, Brohm, Pat Lee, Justin Harrell, Khyrie Thornton, Terrell Manning, Jaron McMillian, etc.

We signed 4 veteran UFA's last year.

I say we up it by 1 this year with the new more aggressive GM.
What positions take a rookie awhile to blossom into being good? Definitely tight end. And for us, definitely CB.

Add 2 TEs and 2 CBs in free agency.
And there are MANY who are available and won't break the bank. Forget Jimmy Graham. He's old. He will cost too much.

Options:

TE
-Gary Barnidge -had a great year a few years ago even on Cleveland, and his TE coach that year is now with the Packers. Makes sense.
-Tyler Eifert -obviously ultra-talented, also often injured. But so was Charles Woodson before the Pack got him. Eifert won't command a big long term deal, but a 1 or 2-year prove-it type of deal could pay huge dividends.
-Troy Niklas -4 years ago, he was a popular mock guy to the Packers late rd 1. Arizona took him early Rd 2, and he's also had a handful of injuries that cost him a lot of time. None are knee injuries. He's had a hernia, and hand surgery. I think his upside is so much this could be a quiet bargain.
-Maxx Williams -Same thing, a few years ago many had him as a Packer 1st rd pick in their mocks. He's languished in Baltimore with not-elite Flacco. He could be had cheap... I don't know if his contract is up, but it wouldn't take one of our higher picks to pluck him away from Baltimore IMO. We have 12 to use. Better to use a 6th, or 5th, even a 4th IMO on him then a rookie TE project with lesser talent than big Maxx.
-Luke Wilsson, Seattle -He's hurt us before. He's got more speed than any of our TEs in a long time. And he will be pretty cheap.

All these guys are much much better options than any TE we would draft. Perhaps a rookie will become good, an asset, by the 2020 season. These guys can help now. We need instant help now.

CB
Many, and doesn't have to be the big name Trumaine Johnson or the overhyped Malcolm Butler.
The Rams and Bills each have some good CBs who would immediately be our 2nd or 1st best CB IMO.

Brett Favre. Reggie White. Charles Woodson. 3 of the best 4 Packers of the last 3 decades. None drafted by the Packers.
Also could, should have added Randy Moss in 2007, and Marshawn Lynch in 2010. Thompson blew those 2 on silver platters, and NE and Seattle took advantage.

But don't forget guys like Sean Jones, Santana Dotson, Don Beebe, Andre Rison, Keith Jackson, etc. Veterans who wanted a ring.
These are the types of veteran additions we need to add now.
Fill holes with veterans who are playing for a ring.

Then use the draft to try and find true best talents available.

I felt like Jared Cook could have been that guy for Ted if they extended him around 2016 midseason, or even gave him a deal this past offseason. Keeping Woodson past 2012 in hindsight would have been the right move assuming the reports are true he was willing to take a pay cut. I still don't think we lose to Seattle in 2014 if he's on the field. Like you said with Moss and Lynch, Ted had his chances but didn't pull the trigger.

 

[SoonerPack]

I'm really hoping Gute gives Colvin a look. Followed this kid from high school to Norman to the pros and he can flat out play. He can probably be had for a reasonable number and he'd be an immediate upgrade for the secondary. He is a pretty well rounded player and has some "dog" in him. Played big-time high school ball . Played big-time college ball. He's also had some solid seasons in the pros and could be a great addition to this team.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

While I would love a Pro Bowl TE in 2018, I'm just not that confidant with what is available in the FA market that there is a sure thing there. Also, I would put getting a top FA CB and OLB higher on the needs list and we wouldn't have the cap space for 3 top FA's for all 3 positions. If they don't choose to resign R Rodgers, there are a few guys that might be worth midrange money to pair with Kendricks. As disappointing as Kendricks was last year, I think his 2nd year, especially as a starter, might yield better results.

I agree that edge rusher and cornerback are more pressing needs than tight end. While the Packers don't need a Pro Bowl player the team definitely is in need of an improvement at the position.

Secondly I agree with your statement and that’s even more reason to draft a formidable TE immediately, maybe another one later rounds to develop.

The issue this year is the FA crops are thin,that means the crops are going to draw a premium and we don’t have that in our checking account.

We still have RR and Lance so we’re not exactly set, but not exactly running on an empty tank either. Throw in a guy like Goedert or Hurst as a #3 and we’re already going to be improved from last year at least by mid season.
Don’t misunderstand me, I’d love to have a star TE but I feel like we’re shopping and eyeing a high end used E class Mercedes with the funds to buy a solid an affordable Certified Used Toyota.

I hope that Trey Burton could be signed for a reasonable deal. Other than him I agree that there aren't a lot of tight ends available in free agency the Packers should be interested in.

FYI Rodgers is headed towards free agency as the Packers haven't re-signed him by now.

The defense needs veteran leadership and has needed it since Charles Woodson left. Since Charles has left all of these young guys haven't really had a guy to show them the ropes. More guys will be released the next few weeks but go after a guy like Vonta Davis, Jonathan Joseph, or Ngata at the right price (not a desperate $5 mil deal for Ahmad Brooks).

I would love for the Packers to have a Woodson type character on the roster but unfortunately players like him are few and far between. None of the guys you mentioned could handle a leadership role close to the same way #21 did and therefore the team shouldn't be interested in signing any of them. FWIW Vontae Davis signed with the Bills yesterday.

I felt like Jared Cook could have been that guy for Ted if they extended him around 2016 midseason, or even gave him a deal this past offseason.

Thompson not re-signing Cook was definitely a huge mistake.

I'm really hoping Gute gives Colvin a look. Followed this kid from high school to Norman to the pros and he can flat out play. He can probably be had for a reasonable number and he'd be an immediate upgrade for the secondary. He is a pretty well rounded player and has some "dog" in him. Played big-time high school ball . Played big-time college ball. He's also had some solid seasons in the pros and could be a great addition to this team.

Colvin was only one of two cornerbacks last season that didn't allow a touchdown while playing 500+ coverage snaps last season. The Packers should definitely be interested in signing him.

 

[jetfixer]

So I’m guessing cuts and or contract renegotiations come next. So, is Morgan Burnett our top FA target, or is there a cheaper younger guy we can live with?
I would like to go after a high end FA CB, and maybe a nice TE, these things , and our guys we want to keep will be about all we can do right?
These addressed would certainly make that first draft pick easier.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

So I’m guessing cuts and or contract renegotiations come next. So, is Morgan Burnett our top FA target, or is there a cheaper younger guy we can live with?
I would like to go after a high end FA CB, and maybe a nice TE, these things , and our guys we want to keep will be about all we can do right?
These addressed would certainly make that first draft pick easier.

I'd like to see Burnett come back if a reasonable deal can be worked out. I wouldn't break the back for him.

I'd also like to add a veteran corner, and maybe a tight end in free agency. If that happens, that would allow GB to target an edge rusher on day one of the draft and a receiver on day two. After that they could go for depth at a number of positions, staring with the O-line. That's my grocery list, we'll see what develops.

 

[brandon2348]

I would love for the Packers to have a Woodson type character on the roster but unfortunately players like him are few and far between. None of the guys you mentioned could handle a leadership role close to the same way #21 did and therefore the team shouldn't be interested in signing any of them. FWIW Vontae Davis signed with the Bills yesterday.

.

Demario Davis is a LB but I think he could handle that role Woodson did for the Packers or at least have it in the right direction. At least he is a back 7 player.

Davis IMO should definitely be a target.

 

[Mondio]

While I do think Kendricks will be better this year mainly because his track record speaks that last year was an off year, they do need another guy. As some of the last few posters have said, I'd much rather go after a CB in free agency and TE higher in the draft. The defense needs veteran leadership and has needed it since Charles Woodson left. HaHa is our most experienced secondary guy. Have some of these former high picks (Randall, King, Perry, Jake Ryan) learn from a proven vets. Since Charles has left all of these young guys haven't really had a guy to show them the ropes. More guys will be released the next few weeks but go after a guy like Vonta Davis, Jonathan Joseph, or Ngata at the right price (not a desperate $5 mil deal for Ahmad Brooks).

I agree with most, but I don't think Brooks was desperation, rather good fortune that he was available like that because the 9er's were switching defenses. That good fortune was quickly replaced with bad as he had a back condition that never really bothered him before, kept him out for half the season or so. When he was healthy and playing, he was fairly effective. If his back has been figured out, I'd even bring him back, but he's not going to be healing better as he ages. Not sure what the issue was, they never really said that I heard. I heard him say something once and it sounded like he had a pars defect of some sort i'm guessing which isn't really a deal breaker by any means. But it doesn't come with assurances either.

I'd be happy with Burnett back, but at a reasonable deal, not some of the ones i've been seeing. Eric Reid could be an option or others at safety, but more importantly, I want one more legitimate DB in FA. TE can come from draft. If we're keeping Jordy and Cobb this year, I do not see a FA pass catcher of note being signed at TE. I'd roll with Kendricks, re-sign Rodgers and a draft pick or 2. and go Edge Rusher early if we can. One of our targeted guys has to be available, do not make another Jamal Reynolds mistake where we take the best of what's left because it's what we need. If one isn't and we can't position ourselves to get one, then take the best of of the best and I don't care what position it is early.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I can't see the Packers resigning Burnett for the estimated $10M/year he may get. I don't think it's a case of not wanting him back, but more a case of the cap and having Josh Jones to take over the position. Burnett also hasn't been the healthiest of guys over the last 5 seasons, so that has to be running through the Packers heads.

 

[McKnowledge]

Maybe the Packers should take a look at Teddy Bridgewater, who has recently become an unrestricted free agent. He could (at least) push Hundley and secure the backup role on a team friendly one-year deal. Plus, taking away an asset from a division rival is always well...a plus.

 

[McKnowledge]

I can't see the Packers resigning Burnett for the estimated $10M/year he may get. I don't think it's a case of not wanting him back, but more a case of the cap and having Josh Jones to take over the position. Burnett also hasn't been the healthiest of guys over the last 5 seasons, so that has to be running through the Packers heads.

No way Burnett should get 10M from GB. I would actually let him walk. GB could take a look at someone like Kurt Coleman, and possibly get another compensatory pick next year, if Burnett produces elsewhere.

 

[Mondio]

I have no idea what shape Bridgewater is in, or what is contract situation is. Thought they might be able to retain him yet? anyway, he never impressed me much before. Young QB on a team with a good running game and great defense. He never impressed me passing, he just looked like a guy out there with little pressure on him to make plays. Now consider his lower extremity basically came apart into 2 pieces in practice, i'm not sure he has much of a future. If they want to take a look, fine. I'm not in favor of investing any money to have a look at him though.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Maybe the Packers should take a look at Teddy Bridgewater, who has recently become an unrestricted free agent. He could (at least) push Hundley and secure the backup role on a team friendly one-year deal. Plus, taking away an asset from a division rival is always well...a plus.

Pass on Bridgewater, unless he comes at near Vet minimum, which he probably won't. I'm guessing the team that signs Teddy will be one without a sure fire starter at QB. If the Browns can't sign McCarron, they may settle for Teddy, Kizer and a 1st round rookie.