2018 Free Agents to Target

[brandon2348]

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.

Burnett is as good as gone. Someone will overpay him and he isn't worth it as he can't stay on the field long enough. As he gets older it will just get worse. He just has one of those body types that doesn't hold up well.

Time to move on.

 

[LambeauLombardi]

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.

Considering it was just a 1 year contract the Brooks deal wasn't terrible, I just feel like that $5 mil could have been used more wisely if used earlier. He would be battling for a roster spot if he was brought in. I feel like he was always just a guy who was surrounded by great players in that 9ers front 7 (Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, Bowman, early years Aldon Smith) but maybe I'm wrong.

Even though he looked thinner last year, I don't remember Richard Rodgers at all last year outside of the Carolina game. I'm ready to move on from him.

Oh god, the Jamal Reynolds pick was garbage (also Joe Johnson as a free agent) but management made up for it bringing in KGB and Kampman at DE.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Even though he looked thinner last year, I don't remember Richard Rodgers at all last year outside of the Carolina game. I'm ready to move on from him.

Richard Rodgers was virtually invisible last year, not due to weight loss but mainly due to lack of targets. Despite being in for 305 snaps, he had 10 games of 1 or less targets (6 zero target games) and only 19 total targets all season. His 12 catches might be low, but his 13.3 yds/catch was respectable.

I think it would be a mistake to let him go based solely on last year. He has proven to be a reliable #2 or #3 TE, but it is up to the Packers to figure out how to use him. Given his off year, I don't see a lot of teams racing to sign him, so he might be a nice low end resign for the Packers.

 

[Mondio]

He's a good guy to have. he won't cost a lot, he knows the offense, he's not a star, but he is dependable. He's not known for blocking, but he is known for being a dependable pass catcher. As always, not a guy I'd rely on, but a guy I could use. i would certainly like an upgrade, but i think that's coming in the draft and will take a season or 2.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

He's a good guy to have. he won't cost a lot, he knows the offense, he's not a star, but he is dependable. He's not known for blocking, but he is known for being a dependable pass catcher. As always, not a guy I'd rely on, but a guy I could use. i would certainly like an upgrade, but i think that's coming in the draft and will take a season or 2.

Agree and I strongly believe that the "Richard Rodgers type guys" are what can help give you quality depth. Cheaper, reliable veterans that are familiar with the game and your team. When you can keep a few 2nd or 3rd stringers like this, instead of having to rely on UDFA's or rookies, you are adding experience and leadership.

 

[OldSchool101]

We have more needs than we have resources and we're not alone in that department. We have to be able to be smart and defer some of the less pressing needs to next season. I know Richard Rodgers is not a true #1, but what I like about him is that he has chemistry with AR and a solid set of hands, he's a big target and doesn't get pushed around because his low center of gravity. RR also knows the playbook like the back of his hand and he's a generally good guy without all the drama so many teams have. That's a combination I like for a minimal salary and not a player I'm anxious to let go unless I have a solid plan.
We have to pick and choose our personnel battles this year. Morgan has been a solid contributor but his higher end money is a little disconcerting. We just invested in S and we need to work with Josh Jones, he's got a tenacity I like but he just needs his edges smoothed out a bit, that's not unusual for a rookie year. We have all these mid-late rounders in the 2018 draft and I could see picking another S if the opportunity arises. Terrell Edmunds? It'd be a dream come true to have him and his brother in GB

 

[thequick12]

As much as I want to see a Pro Bowl TE in GB in 2018, I think the FA pickings are rather slim and hope the Packers don't "panic" and try to overpay a guy like Graham. This might be the year to use a relatively high pick on a TE, move forward with Kendricks, Rodgers or a mid priced free agent and a rookie and hope for the best.

Graham is in line for roughly the same contract they gave Bennett last off season 3 years 21 million. Would that be considered over paying? I'd be stoked if they signed graham for that. I believe he would have a career resurgence in Green Bay with rodgers and McCarthy. Granted he hasn't been bad in seattle at all just much like Cobb/packers the Seahawks didn't get what they were expecting when they gave him a 4 year 40 million dollar contract. In 3 seasons in Seattle he played 43 games had 170 catches for 2048 yards 12 yards per catch and 18 touchdowns. That's 56 catches 682 yards and 6 touchdowns on average. To put that in perspective Jermichael Finley's best season was 55 catches 767 yards 13.9 average and 8 touchdowns. So I'm not sure how people can really hate on graham when a lot of his statistical downturn can be blamed on the difference between drew Brees and Russell wilson as QBs. And his downturn still has him averaging comparable numbers to that of a career best year by the last really good te the Packers have had

 

[SoonerPack]

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.



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.



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.



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



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.

The two hour in front of him made the pro bowl so he's flying overuse radar a little. Well with fans that is. I'm sure he's on just about every teams radar. He's a player .

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Graham is in line for roughly the same contract they gave Bennett last off season 3 years 21 million. Would that be considered over paying?

$7M might be more reasonable than the $8-9M he may end up getting due to a pretty thin supply of quality TE's in the FA market. I think his demand will price the Packers right out of the conversation. Not to mention, I think the Packers would be better off spending that money on FA CB's and or OLB's.

 

[thequick12]

$7M might be more reasonable than the $8-9M he may end up getting due to a pretty thin supply of quality TE's in the FA market. I think his demand will price the Packers right out of the conversation. Not to mention, I think the Packers would be better off spending that money on FA CB's and or OLB's.

Im not gonna say i disagree that cb/olb is more important to this team winning the sb. But what free agent corner or olb would you sign ? Say Graham costs 8 million per considering length and gurantees would be longer/higher for olb/cb. You'd rather have trumaine Johnson at 12 m per or Malcom Butler at 10 or Kyle Fuller at 10 I think I take graham as he's the better player and bargain. Then I see what I can get in the draft at corner/olb. I think there's a good chance they have their choice of a lot of day one impact corners and olbs at #14 with no less than 3 QBs along with RB saquon Barkley and g Quentin nelson virtually locks to be off the board.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

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.

Davis definitely had a great season in 2017 but I don't believe the Packers are in desperate need to upgrade the position and should therefore pass on him. He's definitely not a leader like Woodson though.

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.

I expect Bridgewater to ask for more money than the Packers should spend on a backup quarterback.

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.

I agree that the Packers shouldn't sign Burnett to a deal averaging anywhere close to $10 million a season. Coleman isn't an adequate replacement for him though.

I have no idea what shape Bridgewater is in, or what is contract situation is.

Bridgewater is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 14.

Considering it was just a 1 year contract the Brooks deal wasn't terrible, I just feel like that $5 mil could have been used more wisely if used earlier. He would be battling for a roster spot if he was brought in. I feel like he was always just a guy who was surrounded by great players in that 9ers front 7 (Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, Bowman, early years Aldon Smith) but maybe I'm wrong.

Even though he looked thinner last year, I don't remember Richard Rodgers at all last year outside of the Carolina game. I'm ready to move on from him.

Brooks performed at an average level last season. I agree the $5 million would have most likely been better spent on a different player.

While Rodgers definitely doesn't have a huge impact I would prefer to re-sign him to a reasonable contract as he's a decent #2 or #3 tight end.

Graham is in line for roughly the same contract they gave Bennett last off season 3 years 21 million. Would that be considered over paying? I'd be stoked if they signed graham for that. I believe he would have a career resurgence in Green Bay with rodgers and McCarthy. Granted he hasn't been bad in seattle at all just much like Cobb/packers the Seahawks didn't get what they were expecting when they gave him a 4 year 40 million dollar contract. In 3 seasons in Seattle he played 43 games had 170 catches for 2048 yards 12 yards per catch and 18 touchdowns. That's 56 catches 682 yards and 6 touchdowns on average. To put that in perspective Jermichael Finley's best season was 55 catches 767 yards 13.9 average and 8 touchdowns. So I'm not sure how people can really hate on graham when a lot of his statistical downturn can be blamed on the difference between drew Brees and Russell wilson as QBs. And his downturn still has him averaging comparable numbers to that of a career best year by the last really good te the Packers have had.

Im not gonna say i disagree that cb/olb is more important to this team winning the sb. But what free agent corner or olb would you sign ? Say Graham costs 8 million per considering length and gurantees would be longer/higher for olb/cb. You'd rather have trumaine Johnson at 12 m per or Malcom Butler at 10 or Kyle Fuller at 10 I think I take graham as he's the better player and bargain. Then I see what I can get in the draft at corner/olb. I think there's a good chance they have their choice of a lot of day one impact corners and olbs at #14 with no less than 3 QBs along with RB saquon Barkley and g Quentin nelson virtually locks to be off the board.

Graham might put up good numbers with Rodgers throwing him the ball but I would definitely prefer the Packers to spend the money on either an edge rusher or cornerback.

 

[McKnowledge]

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.

Teddy Bridgewater isn't getting a starting gig anywhere...not this upcoming season. Bring him in, learn from a master, and get back out there for the 2019 NFL season.

 

[jetfixer]

Looks like some cap space going to #12 this year. I hope they structure it so we have money to spend on others.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-rodgers-packers-making-progress-on-extension

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Teddy Bridgewater isn't getting a starting gig anywhere...not this upcoming season. Bring him in, learn from a master, and get back out there for the 2019 NFL season.

Bridgewater could be a starter for a number of teams, especially when you factor in injuries. While I wouldn't want him as the Packer starter, since I don't think he fits our offense, I would take him over Hundley.

Due to his injury and how long he has been out of football, he won't be getting the Mike Glennon kind of money, but he also won't be getting paid like a so so #2. Someone will see him as a potential starter, sign him to a medium size 1 year contract with few guarantees and cut him in September if the deal looks bad.

 

[McKnowledge]

Bridgewater could be a starter for a number of teams, especially when you factor in injuries. While I wouldn't want him as the Packer starter, since I don't think he fits our offense, I would take him over Hundley.

Well thanks for agreeing with me...mission accomplished.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Well thanks for agreeing with me...mission accomplished.

Actually, you said Bridgewater isn't getting a starting gig anywhere, I would disagree with that statement for the reasons I stated. Not sure how you misinterpreted what I said?

 

[jetfixer]

We will draft a QB, I seriously doubt we sign one in FA.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Teddy Bridgewater isn't getting a starting gig anywhere...not this upcoming season. Bring him in, learn from a master, and get back out there for the 2019 NFL season.

Bridgewater might not start for a team next season but I highly doubt he will a deal close to the veteran minimum. The Packers currently don't have a lot of cap space available to spend on a backup quarterback.

 

[thequick12]

Graham might put up good numbers with Rodgers throwing him the ball but I would definitely prefer the Packers to spend the money on either an edge rusher or cornerback.

Which edge rusher or corner?

 

[FL-PACKERfan]

What do you guys think about Willie Snead? He had a Terrible year this year coming off of suspension and injury but I feel he could be had for cheap and has a ton of upside.

 

[Geronimo]

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

I ripped on Thompson for many many mistakes he made, or things he didn't do that he could and should have.

But I don't think Cook walking was a huge mistake. Not close. He was not that great. He made a few big plays obviously, but he's a poor route runner, and not durable either.
True, Marty B was way worse.

I love Colvin and I want Colvin too.
But he was greatly benefitted by playing behind that pass rush of Sacksonville this year. Plus THe Jags CB's got away with an extremely high amount of defensive holds, grabs, clutches and molestings.... but it caught up with them.
Our guys don't get away with that.

 

[sschind]

I ripped on Thompson for many many mistakes he made, or things he didn't do that he could and should have.

But I don't think Cook walking was a huge mistake. Not close. He was not that great. He made a few big plays obviously, but he's a poor route runner, and not durable either.
True, Marty B was way worse.

I love Colvin and I want Colvin too.
But he was greatly benefitted by playing behind that pass rush of Sacksonville this year. Plus THe Jags CB's got away with an extremely high amount of defensive holds, grabs, clutches and molestings.... but it caught up with them.
Our guys don't get away with that.

That's not how non Packer fans see it. In fact they think its just the opposite. We get away with everything.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Which edge rusher or corner?

Unfortunately there aren't any elite edge rusher headed towards free agency which could result in the draft presenting the best option to upgrade the position. There are several veteran cornerbacks (Robinson, Robey-Coleman, Fuller, Colvin, Butler to name a few) the Packers should be interested in though

What do you guys think about Willie Snead? He had a Terrible year this year coming off of suspension and injury but I feel he could be had for cheap and has a ton of upside.

Snead is a restricted free agent making it extremely unrealistic the Packers show any interest in him.

But I don't think Cook walking was a huge mistake. Not close. He was not that great. He made a few big plays obviously, but he's a poor route runner, and not durable either.

Cook definitely performed at an elite level during the 2016 playoffs and was just starting to create chemistry with Rodgers. Taking his contract with the Raiders into consideration it was definitely a huge mistake not bringing him back.

 

[FL-PACKERfan]

Have been reading that Saints aren’t likely to put a second round tender on Snead essentially making him unrestricted.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Have been reading that Saints aren’t likely to put a second round tender on Snead essentially making him unrestricted.

In that case Snead might present a decent option as long as he agrees to a reasonable contract.