Blake Martinez

[Heyjoe4]

It may not matter what you or I think anyway, his injury sounded substantial and as you said, its not like hes a 3rd year player here. Just consider the punishment he's taken on his body as a top 5 NFL leading tackler almost every season since birth. If I'm Blake I'm riding off into the sunset with my 19M guaranteed money. 686 tackles will put a toll on anyone

Martinez is just past his time. He's got a lot of miles on him and would be a liability on STs. The stats you use suggest that while he was in NY, he played like he did for GB - just a guy, nothing special. His injury doesn't help his case. He was waived so they could add a 3rd sting O lineman. I mean if NY doesn't want him, neither should GB.

 

[Heyjoe4]

No gracias.

Agreed. He has way too many miles on him to play STs. Gluten is trying to improve that position, not go backwards.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Interesting It sounded mutual. In Blakes Defense he didnt just tackle, In his last 2 seasons with GB he had 20 TFL and his first year with the Giants added another 9 TFL, 3 Sacks, 2FF, 1 INT and 5 PD. That doesn't sound like a guy that can only tackle late. But it's easy to buy into that what I'd call largely a myth. Blake was an absolute steal on his rookie contract and the only reason he did not stay in GB was $$. Had he taken a more modest, 3 year X $18m range I believe we would be the ones releasing him.

He didn't get released for performance from NY. Blake got release because he had a very serious ACL injury early last regular season (think kylin Hill) and had not made it back yet. He was also slightly overpriced on that 2nd contract, but not outrageous either had he stayed healthy.

Actually, Martinez played in the Giants' last two preseason games, pointing to him being healthy enough to contribute. In addition he wasn't released because of his salary as the Giants didn't save any cap space by moving on from him as far as I can tell.

I'm glad it wasn't the Packers which ended up signing him to a second contract.

Blake probably would laugh at me, but I'd offer him league minimum with a couple nice performance incentives to come play ST here if he passes physicals. I liked Blake, he was one hell of an egg tossing champion and I'd let him know I'd buy all the eggs he wants while in GB

As others have already mentioned, the Packers should pass on bringing Martinez back.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Actually, Martinez played in the Giants' last two preseason games, pointing to him being healthy enough to contribute. In addition he wasn't released because of his salary as the Giants didn't save any cap space by moving on from him as far as I can tell.

I'm glad it wasn't the Packers which ended up signing him to a second contract.



As others have already mentioned, the Packers should pass on bringing Martinez back.

You're correct about the Martinez release not helping the Giants' cap woes. Last I heard they were still $5 mil over cap. (I'm not sure how that's possible. Maybe the deadline to be at or under cap is the start of the season.) His release was very likely because he's just not very good. And he has a lot of miles in the NFL. Hard pass.

 

[Pkrjones]

You're correct about the Martinez release not helping the Giants' cap woes. Last I heard they were still $5 mil over cap. (I'm not sure how that's possible. Maybe the deadline to be at or under cap is the start of the season.)

4 PM 9/07/22 is the deadline for all teams to be cap compliant. With all of the cuts, claims, PS moves, PUP & IR designations the cap situation gets blurry so teams must finalize top 51 players' cap by 9/07.

2022-23 NFL Important Dates | NFL Football Operations

Get an overview of the important NFL dates for 2022-23 league year.

operations.nfl.com

 

[Heyjoe4]

4 PM 9/07/22 is the deadline for all teams to be cap compliant. With all of the cuts, claims, PS moves, PUP & IR designations the cap situation gets blurry so teams must finalize top 51 players' cap by 9/07.

2022-23 NFL Important Dates | NFL Football Operations

Get an overview of the important NFL dates for 2022-23 league year.

operations.nfl.com

Thanks Pk. I didn't know that but it makes sense.

 

[tynimiller]

Actually, Martinez played in the Giants' last two preseason games, pointing to him being healthy enough to contribute. In addition he wasn't released because of his salary as the Giants didn't save any cap space by moving on from him as far as I can tell.

I'm glad it wasn't the Packers which ended up signing him to a second contract.



As others have already mentioned, the Packers should pass on bringing Martinez back.

Agree 100.

I’d call Blake up if injuries occur and we need a guy we know can tackle and hold a line but he is not moving roster needle at all with what we have right now.

 

[OldSchool101]

The stats you use suggest that while he was in NY, he played like he did for GB - just a guy, nothing special.

It's doubtful we would look to him because he's really not in GB's typical strategy. GB starts looking to replace soon to be 30 year old player, not starting their career all over again. In addition, we already have all the players we need on D and ST and then some
So just sit back and enjoy imo

All that said, Blake Martinez was a fantastic player for a #131 draft selection. This attempt to smear him is almost ridiculous and if GB had the chance to get him all over again? I'm 90% sure would go earlier in the draft than #131 overall
Anyone who believes he was a poor choice of player in the close of Round 4 has a poor level of player evaluation, that Blake draft selection gets a B+ A- type grade when factoring cost. As far as JAG?? That would be more a C grade. Don't try out for scouting please!

 

[Heyjoe4]

It's doubtful we would look to him because he's really not in GB's typical strategy. GB starts looking to replace soon to be 30 year old player, not starting their career all over again. In addition, we already have all the players we need on D and ST and then some
So just sit back and enjoy imo

All that said, Blake Martinez was a fantastic player for a 4th Round draft selection. This attempt to smear him is almost ridiculous and if GB had the chance to get him all over again he would go earlier in the draft and no way on earth would he go late Round 4.
Anyone who believes he was a poor choice of player in the close of Round 4 has a poor level of player evaluation, that Blake draft selection gets a B+ A- type grade when factoring cost. As far as JAG?? That would be more a C grade. Don't try out for GM, please!

Evaluating a guy fairly is not smearing him. And it's best not to get emotionally attached to a player. I don't know what you see, but IMO and others on here there was nothing special about Martinez and nothing to suggest he was worth more than a 4th round pick. He made a lot of tackles with a lot of them past the LOS. Again, nothing special. I don't recall any Pro Bowl appearances, much less All Pro. Just a guy.

 

[gopkrs]

I liked the pick of Martinez but he never played the way I want an inside linebacker to play. I'm very happy we moved on. Would rather have Barnes.

 

[OldSchool101]

Actually, Martinez played in the Giants' last two preseason games, pointing to him being healthy enough to contribute. In addition he wasn't released because of his salary as the Giants didn't save any cap space by moving on from him as far as I can tell.

That untrue. He had a $14M cap hit is why they released him. They saved $8.5M by parting ways with a player with serious question marks coming off an ACL. Had he been healthy they would've reworked his contract as he was an absolute stud for the Giants. He was actually a similar situation as to what happened to us and Z'adarius Smith. It was about the money and question marks as to recovery timetable.
This had zero to do with him not performing as the Giants seriously thought he would get a Probowl nod and he got snubbed.

Evaluating a guy fairly is not smearing him.

I agree. Then try evaluating him fairly

Blake Martinez, LB, Stanford (4th Round, No. 131 overall)



Martinez was, and his stretch with the Packers still is severely underrated. Despite being often vilified by a certain section of the fanbase, Martinez posted seasons of 144, 144 and 155 tackles with Green Bay, leading the league with the former in 2017, a season in which he also had 10 tackles for loss, eight passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble. He also was durable, starting every game from 2017-19. He finished with 512 tackles and 10 sacks over his four seasons before signing as a free agent with the New York Giants in 2020, where he recorded 151 tackles. Critics will point to his pass coverage – he allowed five touchdowns and a 118.9 passer rating in 2018, for example. Still, the overall production from a fourth-round pick is nothing to sneeze at.



Grade 5 years later: B+


That was not my evaluation, but this next part is mine. Blake should have been a Probowl alternate at least once by now (Top 4 in the league) Yet if he didnt make that? He's easily one of the top 5 most consistently good off-ball LB's in the NFL.

 

[Heyjoe4]

That untrue. He had a $14M cap hit is why they released him. They saved $8.5M by parting ways with a player with serious question marks coming off an ACL. Had he been healthy they would've reworked his contract as he was an absolute stud for the Giants. He was actually a similar situation as to what happened to us and Z'adarius Smith. It was about the money and question marks as to recovery timetable.
This had zero to do with him not performing as the Giants seriously thought he would get a Probowl nod and he got snubbed.

I agree. Then try evaluating him fairly

I did evaluate him fairly, IMO, as did a few others. On his best day, Martinez was just a guy. He looked like he had the traits to be a sideline-to-sideline ILB. In other words, a modern ILB. He wasn’t close. A tackling machine, but where you tackle an opponent is usually just as important as the tackle.

I don’t think he’s crossed my mind once since he left. And if he can’t win a roster spot on one of the bottom three teams in the league, he’s probably done.

Really, enough of Martinez.

 

[OldSchool101]

I did evaluate him fairly, IMO, as did a few others. On his best day, Martinez was just a guy.

Show me the sources that speak to this

 

[tynimiller]

I did evaluate him fairly, IMO, as did a few others. On his best day, Martinez was just a guy. He looked like he had the traits to be a sideline-to-sideline ILB. In other words, a modern ILB. He wasn’t close. A tackling machine, but where you tackle an opponent is usually just as important as the tackle.

I don’t think he’s crossed my mind once since he left. And if he can’t win a roster spot on one of the bottom three teams in the league, he’s probably done.

Really, enough of Martinez.

I disagree vehemently. Blake didn’t just lead our team but the league at times in tackles, just a guy (JAG) barely makes rosters - they don’t lead teams in tackles, let alone be one of the leaders in the league.

Only thing Blake was terrible at was pass defense, he was at times more reactive than many like out of an off ball but he was very clean when getting hands on the ball carrier.

Throw in he was a Day 3 pick, and relative to his pick position he was not just a home run but closer to a dang grand slam than a solo homer.

 

[Mondio]

I can’t think of a single play Martinez made here. He made lots of unmemorable tackles on a poor defensive unit.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

You're correct about the Martinez release not helping the Giants' cap woes. Last I heard they were still $5 mil over cap. (I'm not sure how that's possible. Maybe the deadline to be at or under cap is the start of the season.) His release was very likely because he's just not very good. And he has a lot of miles in the NFL. Hard pass.

4 PM 9/07/22 is the deadline for all teams to be cap compliant. With all of the cuts, claims, PS moves, PUP & IR designations the cap situation gets blurry so teams must finalize top 51 players' cap by 9/07.

2022-23 NFL Important Dates | NFL Football Operations

Get an overview of the important NFL dates for 2022-23 league year.

operations.nfl.com

Actually teams need to be under the cap at the start of the league year, which was back in mid-March. During the offseason only the top 51 contracts count against the cap.

It wouldn't be possible for the Giants to be over the cap at this point though. FYI, according to the NFLPA's public salary cap report they currently have $4.3 million of cap space.

All that said, Blake Martinez was a fantastic player for a #131 draft selection. This attempt to smear him is almost ridiculous and if GB had the chance to get him all over again? I'm 90% sure would go earlier in the draft than #131 overall
Anyone who believes he was a poor choice of player in the close of Round 4 has a poor level of player evaluation, that Blake draft selection gets a B+ A- type grade when factoring cost. As far as JAG?? That would be more a C grade. Don't try out for scouting please!

I agree that Martinez exceeded expectations for a fourth round pick. But overall he has been an average inside linebacker for most of his career.

That untrue. He had a $14M cap hit is why they released him. They saved $8.5M by parting ways with a player with serious question marks coming off an ACL. Had he been healthy they would've reworked his contract as he was an absolute stud for the Giants. He was actually a similar situation as to what happened to us and Z'adarius Smith. It was about the money and question marks as to recovery timetable.
This had zero to do with him not performing as the Giants seriously thought he would get a Probowl nod and he got snubbed.

Actually the Giants saved only $176K by releasing Martinez as they significantly cut his salary back in March. Money was not the reason he was cut.

Blake should have been a Probowl alternate at least once by now (Top 4 in the league) Yet if he didnt make that? He's easily one of the top 5 most consistently good off-ball LB's in the NFL.

I'm sorry but that's completely wrong. You shouldn't mistake being among the leaders in total tackles with being an elite inside linebacker.

Only thing Blake was terrible at was pass defense, he was at times more reactive than many like out of an off ball but he was very clean when getting hands on the ball carrier.

Martinez didn't make a whole lot of impact plays in the run game as well. Most of his tackles came after opponents had already gained several yards. Much like A.J. Hawk mostly did.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Actually teams need to be under the cap at the start of the league year, which was back in mid-March. During the offseason only the top 51 contracts count against the cap.

It wouldn't be possible for the Giants to be over the cap at this point though. FYI, according to the NFLPA's public salary cap report they currently have $4.3 million of cap space.



I agree that Martinez exceeded expectations for a fourth round pick. But overall he has been an average inside linebacker for most of his career.



Actually the Giants saved only $176K by releasing Martinez as they significantly cut his salary back in March. Money was not the reason he was cut.



I'm sorry but that's completely wrong. You shouldn't mistake being among the leaders in total tackles with being an elite inside linebacker.



Martinez didn't make a whole lot of impact plays in the run game as well. Most of his tackles came after opponents had already gained several yards. Much like A.J. Hawk mostly did.

Thanks for the clarification on the cap. The information I had on the cap situation with the Giants was wrong.

I thought that the cap deadline was much earlier in the year because of all the work Russ Ball had to do to reach the cap, specifically, reworked contracts. I didn't know it was in March but knew it was sometime much earlier than the start of the season.

And thanks for the clarification on Martinez and his cap situation with the Giants. It wasn't for money so my guess is that it was performance. You noted he played in two PS games so he may have had lingering issues with the ACL tear, or his skills were just diminishing. Regardless, I'm sure the Packers have zero interest in bringing him back. He might still land somewhere.

 

[GreenNGold_81]

I'd rather we hold out and see how WR is going than sign Blake. If the crew is struggling and we're losing close games (which I doubt) then Fuller or ODB may be the way to go towards the end of the season when/if the team makes a playoff push.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'd rather we hold out and see how WR is going than sign Blake. If the crew is struggling and we're losing close games (which I doubt) then Fuller or ODB may be the way to go towards the end of the season when/if the team makes a playoff push.

Is Beckham still a FA? Interesting. He was injured in the SB but should be ready to play sometime in December. If the Packers do want him, the sooner they do it the better. Give the current WR group 5 or 6 games and then decide if help will be needed for a playoff push.

OBJ showed he could blend in while with the Rams. Hopefully that change in attitude still holds. Of course, compensation may nix a deal. Hard to say right now.

 

[Mondio]

I would hope we're never in the position that bringing back Martinez is a legitimate option.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I thought that the cap deadline was much earlier in the year because of all the work Russ Ball had to do to reach the cap, specifically, reworked contracts. I didn't know it was in March but knew it was sometime much earlier than the start of the season.

What happens at the start of the season is that not only the top 51 contracts count against the cap but players 52 and 53 as well as the practice squad do as well.

Is Beckham still a FA? Interesting. He was injured in the SB but should be ready to play sometime in December.

Beckham being back in December might be a bit optimistic as he didn't have surgery until the end of February.

 

[Heyjoe4]

What happens at the start of the season is that not only the top 51 contracts count against the cap but players 52 and 53 as well as the practice squad do as well.


Beckham being back in December might be a bit optimistic as he didn't have surgery until the end of February.

Beckham is a great athlete and his weight is in line with an early return from ACL surgery (before one year). Even so ten months would be early December. It's a lot to ask even a great athlete to jump right in during the playoff rush and be productive in those circumstances.

 

[tynimiller]

I would hope we're never in the position that bringing back Martinez is a legitimate option.

I think everyone feels that way cuz that no doubt means two injuries hit the three guys Campbell, Walker and Barnes

 

[OldSchool101]

Martinez didn't make a whole lot of impact plays in the run game as well. Most of his tackles came after opponents had already gained several yards. Much like A.J. Hawk mostly did.

These are the old, false narratives that circled Blake. Yet Bobby Wagner was both a Probowl LB AND 1st Team All-Pro in 2020, Blakes last full season.

Here are Bobby Wagners stats for as a 1st team All-Pro in 2020

Tackles 138 Solo 91 Sacks 3.0 Pass Def 8 Tackels for Loss 7



Here are Blake Martinez stats for the same 2020 season
Tackles 151 Solo 86 Sacks 3.0 Pass Def 5 TFL 9

According to you guys. Bobby Wagner can't stop a Kitty Cat and ranks lower in TFL

Martinez was ranked by PFF top 10 against the Run in 2016 and top 10 against the pass in 2018 (Packers).

This was Blakes ranking going into 2021 (injured) from PFF. This does not sound like a JAG. He ranked ahead of Devin White, Tremaine Edmunds, Corry Littleton, Jaylon Smith, Nick Kwiatkowski and Devin Bush. So if Blake is JAG?? Those other guys are that and worse. According to your math, we should also eliminate the only 2 LB's in the NFL to record more tackles over the 2019 and 2020 seasons combined. (Lavonte David and Zach Cunningham)

(2021 PFF LB Rankings) 16. BLAKE MARTINEZ, NEW YORK GIANTS​

Only Zach Cunningham and Lavonte David have racked up more defensive stops over the past two seasons than Blake Martinez, whose first season with the Giants was a career-best for him in terms of overall PFF grade (75.9). He notched 57 defensive stops and forced two fumbles for the Giants, and he'll look to build on that and be even better in 2021.

 

[OldSchool101]

Top 10 Middle Lineba...

Where Bobby Wagner, Fred Warner, Lavonte David, and more of the best Middle Linebackers rank going into the 2021-2022 NFL Season.

www.fanrankings.com

Top 25 Linebackers In The 2021 NFL Season

Creating the list of the top 25 linebackers in the NFL heading into 2021 provides some unique challenges associated with the position.

www.profootballnetwork.com