Brandon McManus

[milani]

Can you unpack that first part? I'm not following this.

That cap savings would be around $6.7M if we traded, cut/released. I'm not a proponent of that just adding a figure to what it would look like.

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While he is going to his us for $25M, a team acquiring him isn't on the hook for that $30M guaranteed through bonus and he would hit them for less than $20M which truly isn't a bad deal for a team CB hungry and thinks a new scene may do Jaire good and they know when healthy he's a top tier CB still.

We have taken a lot of dead cap money hits in the last several seasons. Bahk, Rodgers.

 

[Pkrjones]

Honestly, yes. He is without a doubt our best CB and when he's played our defense is different.

His '25 cap# is $25.377mil. If cut or traded carries $18mil dead cap hit, but GB is out of his deal & save $7mil on the cap. Save $7mil & use his roster spot on a CB who may be available for 20 games OR spend $25mil & hope they can get 7+ games out of him. I would choose plan A, you can have plan B if you desire.

 

[tynimiller]

His '25 cap# is $25.377mil. If cut or traded carries $18mil dead cap hit, but GB is out of his deal & save $7mil on the cap. Save $7mil & use his roster spot on a CB who may be available for 20 games OR spend $25mil & hope they can get 7+ games out of him. I would choose plan A, you can have plan B if you desire.

I didn't state what I did as a defense to liking it or even preferring it - fact is he is absolutely worth top CB money when in there and the defense as a whole is a LOT better with him in there.

I've long said I sense a departure incoming and feel a trade similar to Preston is potentially on the horizon in the off season; granted we will get more than what we got for Preston IMO given the position and the fact his level of play when in hasn't really dropped.

 

[OldSchool101]

I would add a DL to that list. The Packers will have to decide on Devonte Wyatt's 5th year option this off season. If they decline to exercise it, 2025 could be his last year in GB. Kenny Clark isn't living up to his big contract IMO. His contract is probably to big of a dead cap to get out of in 2025, but 2026 might be that year. I didn't realize that his "per game bonus" is $1M. I honestly prefer that type of incentive and payment in a contract. Since it probably isn't guaranteed.\

Anyway, while I like Wyatt, Slaton and Wooden for backups, a real game wrecker next to Kenny Clarke could really improve the Packers defense.

Agreed. If we had a quality 310-320lb
Day1 DT who can get interior push added inside I think it would really help our DE situation.

 

[Magooch]

This situation with Jaire is starting to feel more and more reminiscent of Bakhtiari....the way LaFleur talks about it is almost exactly the same honestly.

It really makes me wonder if for some reason the team doesn't have a bit of a tendency to under-report or minimize player injury reports. Both with Bakh and now Jaire they've exceeded their typical "timetable" in such a way that tends to make fans think "Well, I guess they just don't want to play". And I guess that is possible, but TBH I think it's equally likely (if not more so) that these guys have simply had injuries that are more severe than we might realize or are willing to admit and we were overly-optimistic on their return timeline in the first place.

 

[gopkrs]

Jaire is our new version of Bakhtiari. A very talented player at their position, gets a huge contract and then is unavailable for a large portion of it. At least with Bahk, he didn't waste a roster spot while injured.

This is absolutely why I hate big guaranteed contracts. Nothing guarantees that the player will be able to play and actually earn the money he is paid.

Jaire situation not half as bad as Bahktiari imo

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Jaire situation not half as bad as Bahktiari imo

Yes and No.

Less money tied up in Jaire as there was in Bahk, but not a whole lot less.

Bahk at least was IR'd and the Packers used the roster spot for another player. That isn't the case with Jaire. Not only does JA take up a roster spot, but how many games this season has he had a status of "We will see how he is on Sunday and go from there." He even suited up against the Bears and played only 10 snaps.

So yeah, Bahk's injury wasted a ton of his contract time and money. JA might be paid a bit less, has played a bit more, but he's still being paid a hell of a lot of money for not playing.

 

[gopkrs]

Yes and No.

Less money tied up in Jaire as there was in Bahk, but not a whole lot less.

Bahk at least was IR'd and the Packers used the roster spot for another player. That isn't the case with Jaire. Not only does JA take up a roster spot, but how many games this season has he had a status of "We will see how he is on Sunday and go from there." He even suited up against the Bears and played only 10 snaps.

So yeah, Bahk's injury wasted a ton of his contract time and money. JA might be paid a bit less, has played a bit more, but he's still being paid a hell of a lot of money for not playing.

Not to mention Jaire still might play. And a whole offseason could fix his knee. Still need another corner though. Not that into crying about it

 

[Pkrjones]

I would add a DL to that list. The Packers will have to decide on Devonte Wyatt's 5th year option this off season. If they decline to exercise it, 2025 could be his last year in GB...

Anyway, while I like Wyatt, Slaton and Wooden for backups, a real game wrecker next to Kenny Clarke could really improve the Packers defense.

Devonte Wyatt had a PFF rating, yesterday against the Vikes, of 91.8. 4 pressures on 10 pass rushes before leaving with concussion. He had 3 pressures against NO last week. Still a bit inconsistent as he was a 54.9 rating against 9'ers in week 12. I like him, would try to extend @ moderate price for a year or 2 rather than 5th year him.

 

[DoURant]

I know this is way off the beaten path for this thread, but.... How awesome is Brandon McManus!!!!

No really! He has made 46 of 47 kicks since joining the Packers.

 

[milani]

I know this is way off the beaten path for this thread, but.... How awesome is Brandon McManus!!!!

No really! He has made 46 of 47 kicks since joining the Packers.

If we had him last season our fate may have been better.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Jaire is our new version of Bakhtiari. A very talented player at their position, gets a huge contract and then is unavailable for a large portion of it. At least with Bahk, he didn't waste a roster spot while injured.

This is absolutely why I hate big guaranteed contracts. Nothing guarantees that the player will be able to play and actually earn the money he is paid.

I don't like these big deals with guaranteed money either. It's the cost of doing business in the NFL.

The NBA and MLB do it as well, but guys are less likely to get seriously injured, as in season ending. It happens, just not as much as the NFL, or so it seems.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Devonte Wyatt had a PFF rating, yesterday against the Vikes, of 91.8. 4 pressures on 10 pass rushes before leaving with concussion. He had 3 pressures against NO last week. Still a bit inconsistent as he was a 54.9 rating against 9'ers in week 12. I like him, would try to extend @ moderate price for a year or 2 rather than 5th year him.

Agreed. What you suggest is actually best for the Packers and Wyatt. The Packers keep him for a year, maybe two, at a reasonable price. He has the chance to earn a bigger contract, and the Packers benefit from a guy who may be turning a corner.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I know this is way off the beaten path for this thread, but.... How awesome is Brandon McManus!!!!

No really! He has made 46 of 47 kicks since joining the Packers.

Wow I didn't know that. And the one miss was a 46 yarder, I think, with rain pouring down at Lambeau against the Lions. Turned out to be a big miss, but damn the degree of difficulty on that was high.

He's been a great acquisition by Gluten.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I didn't state what I did as a defense to liking it or even preferring it - fact is he is absolutely worth top CB money when in there and the defense as a whole is a LOT better with him in there.

I've long said I sense a departure incoming and feel a trade similar to Preston is potentially on the horizon in the off season; granted we will get more than what we got for Preston IMO given the position and the fact his level of play when in hasn't really dropped.

Given the money and JA's iffy health, I'm not sure how much they could get in a trade. I think in P. Smith's case the Steelers absorbed his remaining salary and cap hit, and gave GB a 7th rounder. That seemed fair.

If they could get a similar deal for JA, along with a 3rd round pick, hmmm, I still don't know. You're right, he is a great CB when healthy and improves the play of those around him. Hopefully we get to see him in the playoffs before having to make a decision. I'd rather keep him.

 

[Thirteen Below]

With the season ending, Brandon McManus is secomd in the NFL in field goals, a rate of 95.2% - just .2% behind Nick Folk. That's the second-best season any Packer kicker has ever had, trailing only Mason Crosby's perfect season 4 or 5 years ago.

Congratulations, Brandon. We are very glad you found a new home in Green Bay.

Edit: and I remember only a week or two back, someone saying "but if only we can someday get to the point where we can rely on McManus." What games are these guys watching?

 

[Pkrjones]

With the season ending, Brandon McManus is secomd in the NFL in field goals, a rate of 95.2% - just .2% behind Nick Folk. That's the second-best season any Packer kicker has ever had, trailing only Mason Crosby's perfect season 4 or 5 years ago.

Congratulations, Brandon. We are very glad you found a new home in Green Bay.

Top 10 kickers are making $5.3mil/yr, with Butker #1 @ $6.4mil/yr. Brandon is currently 33 yrs old & we got GREAT kicking in '24 for only $806.667k. Hopefully Gute re-signs him for at least a 3 yr deal in the $5.5mil/yr. range so kicking isn't a continuing concern.

 

[Voyageur]

Just rambling here. Alexander won't be going anywhere. Neither will Walker. That is, unless someone offers value to get them. Both are talented, and both could very well end up not being injured again.

Wyatt? He stays only if the price is right. He can make good plays. He also gets blown out one-on-one way too often. I think he grades out negatively in wins/losses. He makes splash plays that keep his RTG up.

McManus? One heckuva good kicker. I'd like to see them ink him to multiple years "now." Don't wait until the season is over. We need to have the kicking duties be a "happy place" on our roster. It's been one that's scared the bejeebers out of us for a while now. Nick Folk, the only guy better? He's 40 years old, and McManus is 33. Get a 5-year deal worked out.

Watson? The guy is a potato chip. His knees are about as strong as a potato chip is, when you hold it by the tippy-tip end, and dip it into French Onion dip just out of the fridge. You know the darned thing is gonna break. His skills are amazing, when he's healthy. The problem for him is his body. It isn't suited for a torturous game of football. He'd be much better off if he decided to try becoming the king of Canasta. He'd just have to deal with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Should Josh Myers stay or go. He made alternate for the Pro Bowl. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. He's actually ranked about 15th when it comes to centers. That's right smack in the middle. His work has improved with Love under center. A QB and center can click or not click, as a pair. They have. So, how well do you pay him? I think $6 mill is the max, if you decide to keep him. That's roughly in range with the average NFL centers. I'd think it would be a 3-year contract, at $18 mill, and maybe $10 mill out front. You might end up replacing him in a year or two. That is, if you find someone who is better, and you can afford them.

Stokes? Gone. They're not paying him for the void year. Slaton? Pass, unless the deal is low enough. Watson? Eat the little over $1 mill cap hit, and replace him. Ballentine? Slightly over minimum at best. Maybe 3 years with little cap impact. Eric Wilson. He's 30. I dunno. If he takes a realistic figure, and maybe 3-years with minimal cap impact? Yup! He'd stay. He shows glimmers of being a fairly decent depth piece. McDuffie? Add some money to the pot over what you'd be willing to pay E. Wilson. He's younger, and has the ability to grow his game. Don't get into a bidding war over him. He's good, but not that good. Anderson? If he comes reasonable, I'd bring him into camp. Maybe a one-year deal, possibly two with a team option for #2? He offers decent depth from what I've seen of him. Melton? Keep at the right price. No bidding war. 3-years? Whelan? Get a deal with him for 4 or 5-years. Don't risk losing him unless the price is way too high. He's not nearly at the top of the list, but his hands are amazing as a holder. He's made some snags and placements that were amazing, to keep McManus make record as good as it is. He'll sign at a fair figure, somewhere about the middle of the road for the position - I think. I also hope. Emannuel Wilson. Low ball, or no ball. He's depth, and that does matter. He shouldn't be outrageously priced. Dillon and Tyler Davis. Gone. I don't see them even offering either one a contract.

As for the rest of the 2025 FAs, I don't think we even need to talk about them. They're gone. As far as our Practice Squad, I haven't got a clue. I do think they might keep Clifford around though since he knows the system. That is, unless he gets beat out in camp by a rookie.

All guesses here. I don't know what's in Gute's mind, or what the real talent pool will be in FA, and in the draft.

 

[tynimiller]

Top 10 kickers are making $5.3mil/yr, with Butker #1 @ $6.4mil/yr. Brandon is currently 33 yrs old & we got GREAT kicking in '24 for only $806.667k. Hopefully Gute re-signs him for at least a 3 yr deal in the $5.5mil/yr. range so kicking isn't a continuing concern.

Honestly I'd embrace a 4 or 5 year deal - we've found our kicker, let's roll.

 

[tynimiller]

Just rambling here. Alexander won't be going anywhere. Neither will Walker. That is, unless someone offers value to get them. Both are talented, and both could very well end up not being injured again.

Wyatt? He stays only if the price is right. He can make good plays. He also gets blown out one-on-one way too often. I think he grades out negatively in wins/losses. He makes splash plays that keep his RTG up.

McManus? One heckuva good kicker. I'd like to see them ink him to multiple years "now." Don't wait until the season is over. We need to have the kicking duties be a "happy place" on our roster. It's been one that's scared the bejeebers out of us for a while now. Nick Folk, the only guy better? He's 40 years old, and McManus is 33. Get a 5-year deal worked out.

Watson? The guy is a potato chip. His knees are about as strong as a potato chip is, when you hold it by the tippy-tip end, and dip it into French Onion dip just out of the fridge. You know the darned thing is gonna break. His skills are amazing, when he's healthy. The problem for him is his body. It isn't suited for a torturous game of football. He'd be much better off if he decided to try becoming the king of Canasta. He'd just have to deal with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Should Josh Myers stay or go. He made alternate for the Pro Bowl. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. He's actually ranked about 15th when it comes to centers. That's right smack in the middle. His work has improved with Love under center. A QB and center can click or not click, as a pair. They have. So, how well do you pay him? I think $6 mill is the max, if you decide to keep him. That's roughly in range with the average NFL centers. I'd think it would be a 3-year contract, at $18 mill, and maybe $10 mill out front. You might end up replacing him in a year or two. That is, if you find someone who is better, and you can afford them.

Stokes? Gone. They're not paying him for the void year. Slaton? Pass, unless the deal is low enough. Watson? Eat the little over $1 mill cap hit, and replace him. Ballentine? Slightly over minimum at best. Maybe 3 years with little cap impact. Eric Wilson. He's 30. I dunno. If he takes a realistic figure, and maybe 3-years with minimal cap impact? Yup! He'd stay. He shows glimmers of being a fairly decent depth piece. McDuffie? Add some money to the pot over what you'd be willing to pay E. Wilson. He's younger, and has the ability to grow his game. Don't get into a bidding war over him. He's good, but not that good. Anderson? If he comes reasonable, I'd bring him into camp. Maybe a one-year deal, possibly two with a team option for #2? He offers decent depth from what I've seen of him. Melton? Keep at the right price. No bidding war. 3-years? Whelan? Get a deal with him for 4 or 5-years. Don't risk losing him unless the price is way too high. He's not nearly at the top of the list, but his hands are amazing as a holder. He's made some snags and placements that were amazing, to keep McManus make record as good as it is. He'll sign at a fair figure, somewhere about the middle of the road for the position - I think. I also hope. Emannuel Wilson. Low ball, or no ball. He's depth, and that does matter. He shouldn't be outrageously priced. Dillon and Tyler Davis. Gone. I don't see them even offering either one a contract.

As for the rest of the 2025 FAs, I don't think we even need to talk about them. They're gone. As far as our Practice Squad, I haven't got a clue. I do think they might keep Clifford around though since he knows the system. That is, unless he gets beat out in camp by a rookie.

All guesses here. I don't know what's in Gute's mind, or what the real talent pool will be in FA, and in the draft.

Couple things, I think you might be off on your years on a few guys...

Wyatt's contract isn't up, there is no need to sign him to a deal or right price yet.

Watson - his knees are weak? Sorry, but his main injuries over the two seasons have been hamstring with an ankle. This non-contact type ACL pop happens all over the league, in practices/games. While injury prone is a fair thing to say about it right now, his knees have not been a weak point. There is no reason to walk away from him, he is one of the most athletically gifted guys we have, shifts the field when healthy and this year proved to be the only WR of our main four that don't drop the ball nearly once every ten throws. He's likely going to be on PUP all next year, which given the current CBA will have his 2025 final year toll forward to 2026 and not a FA till 2027. It would be a poor fiscal decision and roster decision to just cut him IMO.

Stokes - void year? I'm not following there, can you explain what you're meaning? He's set to be a FA after this playoff run ends.

Melton - he's not a UFA. He's a ERFA and will absolutely again be affordable to keep around. VERY.

Emanuel Wilson - again not a UFA, zero low ball, no ball or any ball type scenario. ERFA - he isn't going anywhere, at least not initially, now whether he makes the roster is another.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Couple things, I think you might be off on your years on a few guys...

Wyatt's contract isn't up, there is no need to sign him to a deal or right price yet.

Watson - his knees are weak? Sorry, but his main injuries over the two seasons have been hamstring with an ankle. This non-contact type ACL pop happens all over the league, in practices/games. While injury prone is a fair thing to say about it right now, his knees have not been a weak point. There is no reason to walk away from him, he is one of the most athletically gifted guys we have, shifts the field when healthy and this year proved to be the only WR of our main four that don't drop the ball nearly once every ten throws. He's likely going to be on PUP all next year, which given the current CBA will have his 2025 final year toll forward to 2026 and not a FA till 2027. It would be a poor fiscal decision and roster decision to just cut him IMO.

Stokes - void year? I'm not following there, can you explain what you're meaning? He's set to be a FA after this playoff run ends.

Melton - he's not a UFA. He's a ERFA and will absolutely again be affordable to keep around. VERY.

Emanuel Wilson - again not a UFA, zero low ball, no ball or any ball type scenario. ERFA - he isn't going anywhere, at least not initially, now whether he makes the roster is another.

I was ready to write off Watson after the ACL tear, but your assessment of him is solid. It's unlikely he will be able to contribute next year (and I think that will require Gluten to look at top FA WRs, another topic), but he costs very, very little and is likely to fully recover from ACL repair (OK, under the assumption he's not another Bakhtiari).

So yeah, keep Watson stashed on PUP next year, maybe IR, it really depends on his recovery. He's a very athletic guy and clearly takes care of his body. He'll have a good recovery from this injury, but it will be a while before we see him in a game again.

 

[tynimiller]

I was ready to write off Watson after the ACL tear, but your assessment of him is solid. It's unlikely he will be able to contribute next year (and I think that will require Gluten to look at top FA WRs, another topic), but he costs very, very little and is likely to fully recover from ACL repair (OK, under the assumption he's not another Bakhtiari).

So yeah, keep Watson stashed on PUP next year, maybe IR, it really depends on his recovery. He's a very athletic guy and clearly takes care of his body. He'll have a good recovery from this injury, but it will be a while before we see him in a game again.

IR is different than PUP if I read the CBA correct, depending on designation. The only way his contract doesn't end after 2025 is if he is physically unable to perform the entirety of it.

 

[Heyjoe4]

IR is different than PUP if I read the CBA correct, depending on designation. The only way his contract doesn't end after 2025 is if he is physically unable to perform the entirety of it.

That's interesting. I would think the opposite to be true, PUP v IRA and impact on contract year(s).

Then if they carry him on PUP the entire year, he doesn't show up on the 53 or the PS. I think........

 

[tynimiller]

That's interesting. I would think the opposite to be true, PUP v IRA and impact on contract year(s).

Then if they carry him on PUP the entire year, he doesn't show up on the 53 or the PS. I think........

Correct PUP players don't take up either spot.

 

[Voyageur]

Couple things, I think you might be off on your years on a few guys...

Wyatt's contract isn't up, there is no need to sign him to a deal or right price yet.

Watson - his knees are weak? Sorry, but his main injuries over the two seasons have been hamstring with an ankle. This non-contact type ACL pop happens all over the league, in practices/games. While injury prone is a fair thing to say about it right now, his knees have not been a weak point. There is no reason to walk away from him, he is one of the most athletically gifted guys we have, shifts the field when healthy and this year proved to be the only WR of our main four that don't drop the ball nearly once every ten throws. He's likely going to be on PUP all next year, which given the current CBA will have his 2025 final year toll forward to 2026 and not a FA till 2027. It would be a poor fiscal decision and roster decision to just cut him IMO.

Stokes - void year? I'm not following there, can you explain what you're meaning? He's set to be a FA after this playoff run ends.

Melton - he's not a UFA. He's a ERFA and will absolutely again be affordable to keep around. VERY.

Emanuel Wilson - again not a UFA, zero low ball, no ball or any ball type scenario. ERFA - he isn't going anywhere, at least not initially, now whether he makes the roster is another.

You're right. Wyatt has one more year left. No gain in not keeping him for 2025. Even if his time is reduced. He still gets paid. Watson is a walking injury. He has weak knees. He not only tore the ACL, but has additional structural damage to the knee. That knee will never be right again. I'm gauging it on someone I know who had exactly the same type of injury that Watson apparently has. My own Son. He blew out a knee exactly like Watson did, and it takes a major rebuild to get it right, and even then, it's never going to have the strength it needs. Watson won't be ready for next year, and will be on IR for most of the season, then becomes an unrestricted free agent. Why bother keeping a spot open? Get help. Watson is a free agent after 2025. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/76910/christian-watson.

Look at Stokes contract. It sure looks like 2025 is a Packer option year, and the option wasn't taken. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/72409/eric-stokes.

You're right on Melton. An ERFA. If he comes cheap fine, but if it costs more, forget it. He isn't more than deeper depth in the WR room. What puzzles me on Melton is why they haven't used him in the long routes. The guy ran 40s under 4.35. He's as fast, if not faster than Watson. So, why don't they use him in that capacity with Watson out? It makes me wonder how valuable he is. Would you resign him if he gets a solid offer? I wouldn't. I'd look for new blood to be honest.

Like I said on Emmanuel Wilson, I wouldn't invest too much. But what you and I are both missing in this scenario is that the guy did get on the field and is actually in a learning curve. He came out of Ft. Valley State, and from what I've been hearing, he's getting better every day. Does that mean he should be kept? I'd only consider it with a low salary, and it would be a fight for him to make the team.

Not being argumentative. Just voicing my personal opinions on the value of players. Since neither of us is the GM, or on the coaching staff, who knows what they actually think about each player.

Every day I get surprises. One is seeing Myers as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. How? He's barely a top 20 center, and even though the work between him and Love has gotten exceptionally good, that doesn't stop a blitzing linebacker from blowing him up on a play. I still believe we need to find someone better at the position. He's too erratic.