Justin Houston released, bring him to Green Bay???

[Mondio]

I agree with everything you posted except that we're a year away from really competing. I can't see why the Packers couldn't make the playoffs next year.

And I think Dee Ford (in addition to three Top 50 draft picks) could help get us there.

Or do you think we'd have to give up any / all of the three Top 50 picks to get him?

Don't get me wrong, I don't think this team has no chance, a guy on the oline to help shore up the middle, 2 or 3 guys from last year stepping up and a good draft and this team could be right there with everyone else. We have pieces in place, the most important at QB and then some young guys that will be rounding out to be the next "core" of this team. I don't think we have enough to start patching with older guys that will only be here a season or 2. I think we have to build a bit better foundation first.

It might work, there are lots of ways to get there. it could work this year even. I just feel with this draft coming up and last years, getting some old contracts off the books and having new core guys coming up in a year or 2, we could really be poised to build a team capable of winning for multiple years and set up a nice run which of course guarantees nothing either.

Houston is kind of right around that spot where he's been really pretty productive and will get a good contract. But he's also at an age where things start to drop off for many. Maybe he doesn't. Maybe he's Peppers 2.0 in which case, sign him. He's got 3-5 years of high level play left and pretty good after that yet too. But if not, we'll be looking at dead money and no production again at an important position. But I guess we can't avoid that risk completely.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

If it's true the Packers should get both Ford and Houston. The packers have a much better interior D-Line and secondary then the Chiefs so our D would rock.

Trade back and draft Johnathan Abram(FS) in late 1st and we would be set.

Ford's been tagged I believe. If so, he's not going anywhere.

 

[Mondio]

Ford's been tagged I believe. If so, he's not going anywhere.

Yes, he'd have to be traded for. and with that in mind, Edge guys are expensive enough just in terms of Cap. I'm not looking to give up the picks likely needed to get him on top of the contract. I'd gladly give them Perry though Even up?

 

[Curly Calhoun]

Yes, he'd have to be traded for. and with that in mind, Edge guys are expensive enough just in terms of Cap. I'm not looking to give up the picks likely needed to get him on top of the contract. I'd gladly give them Perry though Even up?

Good luck with that......

 

[Deleted member 6794]

The Chief's $10 mil in cap space is after having franchised Ford. They may be looking to clear more space to add impact at another position.

My bad, you're right about that.

I'd rather sign Houston for maybe 3yr/$40Mil with years 1 & 2 guaranteed and minimal cap hit year 3 if he declines than trade a high pick AND have to pay Ford north of $15Mil/yr. over 4 or 5 years.

Houston has had hamstring issues lately so he'd fit right into GB .

In my opinion acquiring Ford for a second rounder is a better move than signing Houston in free agency.

So, no free agents 30 and above?

Is that a hard and fast rule for you?

No, but while there are examples of free agents above 30 years old excelling with their new teams most older players don't live up to their contracts.

Only??

With the Packers having two first round picks I would be fine with giving up #44 for Ford.

Captain only wants to sign young players, and only on "reasonable" deals.

What makes you believe that???

Dee Ford is the guy who committed a blunder worse than Brandon Bostick.

No, not even close.

If the Packers are considering Houston, hopefully, the Chiefs are only parting ways due to Cap and change in defensive scheme. Packers have a great source to know more about Houston in new LB coach Mike Smith. I would put a lot of faith in Smith knowing if Houston still has gas in his tank and just how valuable he would be to the Packer defense.

That's true for Dee Ford as well. In addition he had by far his best season in the only one with Smith being his position coach.

I understand that "ideally" GB wants a stud, free agent Edge rusher who is still in their 20's. Dee Ford (turns 28 this spring) might be available in trade costing a high-round pick AND $17+Mil/yr. Trey Flowers (turns 26 in preseason) is a FA but will command $17-$18Mil/year. Preston Smith is 26 and is expecting/hoping for an $11Mil/yr 4 or 5 yr. deal. Za'darius Smith is 27 and better inside rushing than on the edge but will still get $8-$9Mil/yr (I'm guessing) from somebody.

IMHO I'd rather pay Houston $12-$13Mil/yr for 3 years instead of Preston 4 or 5 yr. at $11Mil/yr OR $17+Mil for Flowers or Ford. GB needs multiple Edge rushers, need to land one in FA and one in the draft.

After the Patriots decided not to tag Flowers he ranks as my favorite edge rusher for the Packers to sign. There's still a decent possibility he ends up in New England again though.

If it's true the Packers should get both Ford and Houston. The packers have a much better interior D-Line and secondary then the Chiefs so our D would rock.

The Packers can't afford to acquire both Ford and Houston.

Ford's been tagged I believe. If so, he's not going anywhere.

According to reports the Chiefs are interested in trading him.

Yes, he'd have to be traded for. and with that in mind, Edge guys are expensive enough just in terms of Cap. I'm not looking to give up the picks likely needed to get him on top of the contract. I'd gladly give them Perry though Even up?

Once again, I don't consider giving up a second rounder for an impact edge rusher to be too steep of a price.

 

[AmishMafia]

Once again, I don't consider giving up a second rounder for an impact edge rusher to be too steep of a price.

Ford is a risky trade.

Although he had 13 sacks last season, he had 17.5 sacks the previous 4 seasons combined. I have some friends who are Chiefs fans and they are Leary of signing him to big money, as the Chief FO appears as well. My friends think he will dissappear like he did in many games over the years.

I am afraid this is another Perry and we stay away.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Ford is a risky trade.

Although he had 13 sacks last season, he had 17.5 sacks the previous 4 seasons combined. I have some friends who are Chiefs fans and they are Leary of signing him to big money, as the Chief FO appears as well. My friends think he will dissappear like he did in many games over the years.

Mike Smith might have a lot of inside information about Ford which Gutekunst could rely on to make a decision.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

No, but while there are examples of free agents above 30 years old excelling with their new teams most older players don't live up to their contracts.

I haven't advocated for the Packers signing Houston.....I do advocate for them not ruling it out without first investigating it.

You're not against that, are you?

 

[AmishMafia]

Mike Smith might have a lot of inside information about Ford which Gutekunst could rely on to make a decision.

Maybe. But I cant imagine what inside info would trump the outside stats. The stats show most seasons he was a below average player and not an "impact" player.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I haven't advocated for the Packers signing Houston.....I do advocate for them not ruling it out without first investigating it.

You're not against that, are you?

There's no reason to being against exploring the possibility of signing Houston, especially with Mike Smith being able to provide the Packers with inside information on him.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Maybe. But I cant imagine what inside info would trump the outside stats. The stats show most seasons he was a below average player and not an "impact" player.

Ford was an elite player during the only season Smith was his position coach though.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Ford is a risky trade.

Although he had 13 sacks last season, he had 17.5 sacks the previous 4 seasons combined. I have some friends who are Chiefs fans and they are Leary of signing him to big money, as the Chief FO appears as well. My friends think he will dissappear like he did in many games over the years.

I am afraid this is another Perry and we stay away.

Admittedly, I don't know a ton about Ford. However, I have the same feelings you and your friends have about him and Nick Perry came to my mind as well. Would hate to see the Packers pay a guy based on the way he played in just 1 out of 5 seasons, his contract season. Mike Smith should at least be able to provide the Packers with some valuable insight on Houston, if the Packers are even considering him.

 

[AmishMafia]

Ford was an elite player during the only season Smith was his position coach though.

In his contract year.

Suspect Smith's inside info may more likely be 'stay away from that guy' as being positive.

 

[Mondio]

Having the position coach of 2 guys who might be available to help (well Houston for sure) now a part of your staff would probably add valuable insight in making a decision. and now, I wouldn't consider a 2nd rounder for an elite pass rusher to be too steep, if a 2nd round in fact made the deal.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Suspect Smith's inside info may more likely be 'stay away from that guy' as being positive.

That's entirely possible. I'm glad the Packers have inside information on Ford and Houston no matter what.

 

[GleefulGary]

I would feel entirely more comfortable with signing Houston. He's only two years older, he has been incredibly consistent for his entire career unlike Ford...he's almost a sure fire bet. But he will cost you. So will Ford though.

Plus if we can get Houston without giving up assets, that's a win. I don't think we'd even have to give up a comp pick for signing him. Just structure the contract so you can get out of it in 3-4 years.

I think Houston is a better player than Ford, and you can most likely get him without giving up valuable draft assets ( trading a pick or losing a comp). Kind of a no-brainer between the two imo.

 

[Dantés]

Of the two, I choose neither.

I don't trust Ford enough to invest both a draft pick AND a big contract.

Houston is good, but I think that the Packers need to be looking at players younger than him. He's going to be winding down over the next few seasons. The most likely window of opportunity, if Gutekunst excels and Petals was the right hire, is 2020-23.

I prefer the Packers pursue Shaq Barrett, Preston Smith, or Za'Darius Smith. For those three, the 2020-23 window will be their age 27-30 seasons. For Houston, they will be his age 31-34 age seasons.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

There's no reason to being against exploring the possibility of signing Houston, especially with Mike Smith being able to provide the Packers with inside information on him.

Agreed.

 

[brandon2348]

The only thing about Houston is when he gets hurt or nicked up he becomes kinda average or pedestrian. But yeah when he is at optimal health he is pretty darn good.

 

[pacmaniac]

No, not even close.

He lined up almost a whole yard offside, nullifying the game clinching INT. Who even lines up offside? That's extremely rare.

Bostick tried to make a play on an onside kick, back when the rules were such that the receiving team would muff it about 25% of the time.

 

[morango]

I vote NO on Houston. Too expensive for a 30 yr old.

 

[HardRightEdge]

The most likely window of opportunity, if Gutekunst excels and Petals was the right hire, is 2020-23.

Next to no one wants to hear this even if it is the most plausible path to success.

 

[Mondio]

Of the two, I choose neither.

I don't trust Ford enough to invest both a draft pick AND a big contract.

Houston is good, but I think that the Packers need to be looking at players younger than him. He's going to be winding down over the next few seasons. The most likely window of opportunity, if Gutekunst excels and Petals was the right hire, is 2020-23.

I prefer the Packers pursue Shaq Barrett, Preston Smith, or Za'Darius Smith. For those three, the 2020-23 window will be their age 27-30 seasons. For Houston, they will be his age 31-34 age seasons.

That’s my overall feeling when looking at FAs this year. Though I admit I don’t know all the possible players and how they fit all that well. It’s why im glad some of you are here to keep me filled in.

 

[Fat Dogs]

Pass on Dee Ford. He’s a one trick pony. Medeocre against the run and can’t cover. Houston is a much better all around player but has trouble staying on the field and we already have that in Perry. Free agent edge rusher money is ridiculous. I’d rather invest in Landon Collins or Earl Thomas and draft a Sweat or Burns.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I would feel entirely more comfortable with signing Houston. He's only two years older, he has been incredibly consistent for his entire career unlike Ford...he's almost a sure fire bet. But he will cost you. So will Ford though.

Plus if we can get Houston without giving up assets, that's a win. I don't think we'd even have to give up a comp pick for signing him. Just structure the contract so you can get out of it in 3-4 years.

I think Houston is a better player than Ford, and you can most likely get him without giving up valuable draft assets ( trading a pick or losing a comp). Kind of a no-brainer between the two imo.

I would be absolutely fine with the Packers signing Houston as long as they're absolutely convinced he will be able to perform at an elite level for several more years. Trey Flowers is the one I want Gutekunst to pursue at first though.

He lined up almost a whole yard offside, nullifying the game clinching INT. Who even lines up offside? That's extremely rare.

Bostick tried to make a play on an onside kick, back when the rules were such that the receiving team would muff it about 25% of the time.

A player lining up offside happens significantly more often than a receiver ignoring his assignment to recover an onside kick. There was never a time in the NFL in which expected onside kicks had a success rate close to 25%.

Pass on Dee Ford. He’s a one trick pony. Medeocre against the run and can’t cover.

I really don't care a lot about an edge rusher's ability to cover. For example, Ford has been only targeted 29 times when dropping into coverage in his career.