Packers mock free agency/draft

[GleefulGary]

I don't mind Crosby, but his contact is quite high. Would be nice if we could get that lower.

 

[PackAttack12]

he went 11-15 in that range, take out that Lions game that seemed to be a big fluke, he went 11-13. Also tied the most 50+ yarders at 5. Only missed two, which again, the Lions game was 56 yards that he missed. It isn't like he made it a habit what happened that game. Removing that game would have given him his best FG% of his career.

So again, is it stats that were drastically affected by ONE game last year, or his contract that is getting people to run to cut him? Because there are bigger fish to fry on this team.

I agree that we have bigger fish to fry and I'm not implying that I would cut Crosby. As I previously mentioned, I'm skeptical on whether or not it would be the right move. But the excuses and over glorification of Crosby needs to stop. He's 26th in FG accuracy among active kickers for his career and 50th all time.

In fairness, he's been far more consistent over the past 6 seasons at an 84.23% conversion rate. Still, that's good for 13th among active kickers. Forgive me if I'm not overly impressed especially considering his salary.

His real value, again in fairness, has come in the postseason where he's been absolute money in the bank. I think he made like 21 consecutive kicks over a 5-6 year span.

All I'm saying is that, lets not cherry pick the stats to make it seem better than what it is. Detroit was an absolute meltdown and I'm not sure how much I trust him moving forward.

 

[green&goldsoul]

Done on fanspeak

Cut

Mason Crosby, Nick Perry, Tramon Williams, and a bunch of fringe guys like Trevor Davis, Antonio Morrison, Tra Carson, etc

Resign

Brashaud Breeland 3 years 15 million 5 m guranteed
It was tough to cut Williams but I think his 5 million in cap space was better off allocated to resigning breeland the younger player who provides more playmaking at this point in their careers

Sign

Lb Dee Ford 4 years 48 million 24m guranteed
Strong edge rusher had 13 sacks for new Packers Lb coach while they were both in KC in 2018.

Lb Anthony Barr 4 years 48 million 24 million
guranteed
The man who injured Aaron Rodgers comes to gb to win a superbowl as a team leader excelling at a new/old position alongside Rodgers. Should make for quite the story during sb week. But all foolishness aside I think if gute pays Barr and the coaches move him back to the edge a position he excelled at in college, 23.5 sacks in 2 seasons, should pay huge dividends for the Packers.

S Earl Thomas 4 years 36 million 16 m guranteed
Pettine gets the single high playmaker his defense relies on so heavily to be at it's best. Between Thomas who I'd expect to be rejuvenated by the move from Seattle and the two edge rushers, the gb defense would immediately be a legitimate one.

Wr John Brown 3 years 21 million 10 m guranteed
The only offensive addition brown is a small explosive slot reciever, the likes of which the Packers have never had during the Rodgers era. In 2018 in Baltimore brown put up 42 receptions 715 yards and 5 tds. That was good for 17 yards a catch with a ling of 71. Getting even that production from the slot would be a welcome addition to the offense. But there's good evidence Brown would exceed those stats in a full season with Rodgers. In Baltimore brown put up most of those numbers when flacco was the qb once the rookie took over browns stats fell off. And in his first 2 years n Arizona he had 113 catches for 1699 yards and 12 tds. That was with Carson Palmer at qb another more conventional guy like flacco. With Rodgers the 28 year old should return to his 2015 form 65 for 1003 and 7 tds. Which would be huge for the Packers offense

End up with over 26 million of cap space left. With draft picks costing 10 million approximately that still leaves a nice cushion to protect against in season injury.

Draft

#12 Devin White ilb
Packers defense finally gets that explosive playmaking 3 down ilb they haven't had for too long. White should develop into an all pro in Mike pettines inside linebacker friendly scheme

#30 Tj hockenson te
Offense gets the piece it's been missing since Jermichael Finley with one huge difference this guy can block just as well as he can split the seam or turn a short pass into a long gain

#44 Zach Allen de
A big athletic defensive end with pass rush skills. Paired with Clark and Daniels the dl would be truly dominant

#75 chauncy Gardner Johnson s
This guy reminds me of nick Collins the way he flys up to fill in run support. He's super athletic and would be a perfect compliment to Earl Thomas at string safety. He excels in making plays from the slot where hed likely spend a lot of his time as Thomas manned the deep middle. But make no mistake Gardner Johnson has the skill set to take over that role from Thomas in a few years

#114 Beau benzschawel g
Packers get a plug and play Wisconsin offensive linemen who will instantly stabilize the right guard position for years to come

#118 jalen jelks olb
Tall and athletic needs to develop a little but he's got plenty to build on. The guy knocked down 7 passes in 2018

#150 Jamal Peters
Long athletic corner prospect to add depth and provide value in special teams. 4.4 speed and plus athletism a continuing trend

#185 penny Hart wr
An explosive small slot receiver pretty similar to John Brown but in my mind having two of those guys isn't a bad idea to both protect for injury and to have the ability to really stress the defense from the inside

#194 Nate Davis ol
Another prospect to add some depth along the line. I think davis can play guard or tackle valuable versatility

#226 Cole Tracy k
A young kicker with great accuracy to replace mason Crosby.

This team could really make a turn around in 2019 with these additions. I think it's a for sure playoff team and highly likely to make a deep run into the playoffs depending upon the jumps they get from their young guys.

Devin White has to be #1 on the draft list if he is available

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

I'll start with free agents, there are alot of free agents here with big names...but here's the catch. Ford and Barr are getting franchised, so that's a no go. Thomas is past his prime and Brown hasn't had a prime.

Draft: While I like Devin White and Benschawel I think we can get Deiter earlier, and another linebacker of about the same quality as White either at 30 or in the late rounds. LB is very deep this year. Jelks I like good idea there. ANOTHER corner? We can't play 53 corners, we have to draft other positions! And sorry I'm not drafting a kicker. I'll sign Carlson first.

 

[green&goldsoul]

I'll start with free agents, there are alot of free agents here with big names...but here's the catch. Ford and Barr are getting franchised, so that's a no go. Thomas is past his prime and Brown hasn't had a prime.

Draft: While I like Devin White and Benschawel I think we can get Deiter earlier, and another linebacker of about the same quality as White either at 30 or in the late rounds. LB is very deep this year. Jelks I like good idea there. ANOTHER corner? We can't play 53 corners, we have to draft other positions! And sorry I'm not drafting a kicker. I'll sign Carlson first.

Sorry but draft a corner every yr. Why would we not draft a kicker when we drafted a long snapper and punter last yr. Just sayn

 

[bigbubbatd]

I'll start with free agents, there are alot of free agents here with big names...but here's the catch. Ford and Barr are getting franchised, so that's a no go. Thomas is past his prime and Brown hasn't had a prime.

Barr isn't getting franchised. The Vikings don't have anywhere near the necessary cap space to do that and it was reported today they tried to trade him last off season. Barr isn't nearly as good as people think he is. He is a much better athlete than football player

 

[green&goldsoul]

Barr isn't getting franchised. The Vikings don't have anywhere near the necessary cap space to do that and it was reported today they tried to trade him last off season. Barr isn't nearly as good as people think he is. He is a much better athlete than football player

Minnesota is playing him at the wrong position. He would be a great pick up for us as an edge rusher.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

With the news of the Jets trying to draft down and sell off the 3rd pick...depending the asking price for that, would anyone be willing to part with any of their picks to move up? Is there a big name in the top 3 that could potentially be a game changer off the bat?

It would take a lot for the Packers to move up to #3.

Gutekunst should at least bring in competition for Crosby. He has been a below average kicker for most of his career but is paid like an elite one. If they find a rookie capable of performing at an adequate level it's time to move on.

 

[brandon2348]

Crosby needs to go. He is not worth the contract he is in. Time to quit continuing to pay guys that don't play up to there contract. Its been proven over and over it doesn't work.

I'm prepared to move on with a new and younger kicker.

 

[thequick12]

We spend $47M per year on FAs and we still have $26M in cap space? Not sure that is correct.

Like your first 5 picks. Wish we addressed oline more than just Beau at 114. But you can't get everything, so this would be a great haul for us.

Not sure I am on board with FA Thomas or Ford. Both think they will be too costly.

I didn't do the math dude, fanspeak did. Not sure how they arrived at the numbers they did but those are the contracts and gurantees that each player got.

I could agree on ford because I think they're way off on what he'll get, considering what Brandon graham just signed for.

But as for Thomas he's not gonna be that expensive I don't think. I bet he has a tough time getting 10 million per a year on a 3 year deal. 1 safeties just haven't been getting paid as much lately. 2 he's older and coming off an injury. It seems to be an opportunity to not unlike the woodson deal, pick up a guy who can cement himself as a future hall a famer. With a few more great years and a Superbowl victory.

The draft did get Nate Davis too but yeah I agree I wanted a Dalton risner, Chris Lindstrom, Garrett Bradbury type but Gardner Johnson and Zach Allen were to good to pass up in the spots I could of got the olinemen

 

[thequick12]

It would take a lot for the Packers to move up to #3.

Gutekunst should at least bring in competition for Crosby. He has been a below average kicker for most of his career but is paid like an elite one. If they find a rookie capable of performing at an adequate level it's time to move on.

I agree on Crosby the franchise tag for a kicker is just over 5 million. Crosby gets 4 million a year. I assume you could get a kicker way cheaper as an undrafted free agent or late round pick that would be much better than that

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I agree on Crosby the franchise tag for a kicker is just over 5 million. Crosby gets 4 million a year. I assume you could get a kicker way cheaper as an undrafted free agent or late round pick that would be much better than that

I wouldn't expect a rookie to be much better than Crosby but he could definitely be as good as Mason for significantly less money.

 

[brandon2348]

Kicker is more important then ever in the new NFL. Packers need to invest in one.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Kicker is more important then ever in the new NFL. Packers need to invest in one.

The Packers don't need to make a significant invest to replace Crosby. Kickers that have gone undrafted since 2016 (when Crosby signed his current deal) have combined to have a better field goal percentage (84.6%) than Mason (82.6%) over the past three seasons.

 

[brandon2348]

The Packers don't need to make a significant invest to replace Crosby. Kickers that have gone undrafted since 2016 (when Crosby signed his current deal) have combined to have a better field goal percentage (84.6%) than Mason (82.6%) over the past three seasons.

Im just saying the importance of having a good kicker is vital to winning in the NFL.

 

[LambeauLombardi]

Kicker is more important then ever in the new NFL. Packers need to invest in one.

It's be foolish to let Crosby walk with no backup plan. He's getting paid $1mil less than the top paid kicker in the league (Robbie Gould). Ask Bears fans if they are cool with their GM just plugging any guy in that position. It's definitely not easy to find a kicker, especially in bad weather Green Bay. EVERY single kicker in the league has had it's struggles recently the last few years maybe outside of Greg Zuerlein. I'm definitely not saying Crosby is the best, but we could do WAY worse than him.

 

[thequick12]

I wouldn't expect a rookie to be much better than Crosby but he could definitely be as good as Mason for significantly less money.

The same results for 3.5 million less a year or so equals much better than Crosby to me. I didn't mean the rookie would shoot 100% I just meant that if you pay way less for the same item that's a much better situation. Especially when that item is way younger and has a much greater chance to improve

 

[thequick12]

It's be foolish to let Crosby walk with no backup plan. He's getting paid $1mil less than the top paid kicker in the league (Robbie Gould). Ask Bears fans if they are cool with their GM just plugging any guy in that position. It's definitely not easy to find a kicker, especially in bad weather Green Bay. EVERY single kicker in the league has had it's struggles recently the last few years maybe outside of Greg Zuerlein. I'm definitely not saying Crosby is the best, but we could do WAY worse than him.

I haven't watched the bears kicker miss. But by all accounts I have heard or read the kick was blocked. Now if your saying he kicked it too low and that's why it got blocked ok. But I would assume it was the lines fault that a defensive player got his hand on the ball.

At some point it's time to move on from older overpaid players. You do remember at one point Crosby was the undrafted guy brought in to unseat the very proven solid veteran ? And even though longwell went on to be a good kicker for a few years with the Vikings, I think it worked out pretty well for Green Bay

 

[LambeauLombardi]

I haven't watched the bears kicker miss. But by all accounts I have heard or read the kick was blocked. Now if your saying he kicked it too low and that's why it got blocked ok. But I would assume it was the lines fault that a defensive player got his hand on the ball.

At some point it's time to move on from older overpaid players. You do remember at one point Crosby was the undrafted guy brought in to unseat the very proven solid veteran ? And even though longwell went on to be a good kicker for a few years with the Vikings, I think it worked out pretty well for Green Bay

Parkey also hit the uprights this season like it was his job.

If you find another guy then great, but considering Crosby's track record he better be a top 5 kicker in the league in % next season. Don't forget the greatest kicker of all time Adam Vinatieri even had a bad playoff game. People's expectations on kickers generally are unrealistic.

 

[GleefulGary]

Crosby needs to go. He is not worth the contract he is in. Time to quit continuing to pay guys that don't play up to there contract. Its been proven over and over it doesn't work.

I'm prepared to move on with a new and younger kicker.

So should we also quit paying Graham?

Cause he sure as hell ain't living up to that contract.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

You do remember at one point Crosby was the undrafted guy brought in to unseat the very proven solid veteran ?

Just to clarify, Crosby was a sixth round pick in 2007.

If you find another guy then great, but considering Crosby's track record he better be a top 5 kicker in the league in % next season.

Geez, some of you really don't have any clue.

Crosby's track record requires his replacement to be top five in field goal percentage??? Mason has never finished within the top five in any of his 12 seasons as the Packers kicker and has made the top 10 only twice while being paid like an elite kicker for several seasons running.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Done on fanspeak

Cut

Mason Crosby, Nick Perry, Tramon Williams, and a bunch of fringe guys like Trevor Davis, Antonio Morrison, Tra Carson, etc

Resign

Brashaud Breeland 3 years 15 million 5 m guranteed
It was tough to cut Williams but I think his 5 million in cap space was better off allocated to resigning breeland the younger player who provides more playmaking at this point in their careers

Sign

Lb Dee Ford 4 years 48 million 24m guranteed
Strong edge rusher had 13 sacks for new Packers Lb coach while they were both in KC in 2018.

Lb Anthony Barr 4 years 48 million 24 million
guranteed
The man who injured Aaron Rodgers comes to gb to win a superbowl as a team leader excelling at a new/old position alongside Rodgers. Should make for quite the story during sb week. But all foolishness aside I think if gute pays Barr and the coaches move him back to the edge a position he excelled at in college, 23.5 sacks in 2 seasons, should pay huge dividends for the Packers.

S Earl Thomas 4 years 36 million 16 m guranteed
Pettine gets the single high playmaker his defense relies on so heavily to be at it's best. Between Thomas who I'd expect to be rejuvenated by the move from Seattle and the two edge rushers, the gb defense would immediately be a legitimate one.

Wr John Brown 3 years 21 million 10 m guranteed
The only offensive addition brown is a small explosive slot reciever, the likes of which the Packers have never had during the Rodgers era. In 2018 in Baltimore brown put up 42 receptions 715 yards and 5 tds. That was good for 17 yards a catch with a ling of 71. Getting even that production from the slot would be a welcome addition to the offense. But there's good evidence Brown would exceed those stats in a full season with Rodgers. In Baltimore brown put up most of those numbers when flacco was the qb once the rookie took over browns stats fell off. And in his first 2 years n Arizona he had 113 catches for 1699 yards and 12 tds. That was with Carson Palmer at qb another more conventional guy like flacco. With Rodgers the 28 year old should return to his 2015 form 65 for 1003 and 7 tds. Which would be huge for the Packers offense

End up with over 26 million of cap space left. With draft picks costing 10 million approximately that still leaves a nice cushion to protect against in season injury.

Draft

#12 Devin White ilb
Packers defense finally gets that explosive playmaking 3 down ilb they haven't had for too long. White should develop into an all pro in Mike pettines inside linebacker friendly scheme

#30 Tj hockenson te
Offense gets the piece it's been missing since Jermichael Finley with one huge difference this guy can block just as well as he can split the seam or turn a short pass into a long gain

#44 Zach Allen de
A big athletic defensive end with pass rush skills. Paired with Clark and Daniels the dl would be truly dominant

#75 chauncy Gardner Johnson s
This guy reminds me of nick Collins the way he flys up to fill in run support. He's super athletic and would be a perfect compliment to Earl Thomas at string safety. He excels in making plays from the slot where hed likely spend a lot of his time as Thomas manned the deep middle. But make no mistake Gardner Johnson has the skill set to take over that role from Thomas in a few years

#114 Beau benzschawel g
Packers get a plug and play Wisconsin offensive linemen who will instantly stabilize the right guard position for years to come

#118 jalen jelks olb
Tall and athletic needs to develop a little but he's got plenty to build on. The guy knocked down 7 passes in 2018

#150 Jamal Peters
Long athletic corner prospect to add depth and provide value in special teams. 4.4 speed and plus athletism a continuing trend

#185 penny Hart wr
An explosive small slot receiver pretty similar to John Brown but in my mind having two of those guys isn't a bad idea to both protect for injury and to have the ability to really stress the defense from the inside

#194 Nate Davis ol
Another prospect to add some depth along the line. I think davis can play guard or tackle valuable versatility

#226 Cole Tracy k
A young kicker with great accuracy to replace mason Crosby.

This team could really make a turn around in 2019 with these additions. I think it's a for sure playoff team and highly likely to make a deep run into the playoffs depending upon the jumps they get from their young guys.

That’s a nice haul in FA and I hope it comes true. Not so sure about giving up on Crosby yet, but it’s gonna happen soon. If Tracy is the guy, so be it.

 

[Half Empty]

So should we also quit paying Graham?

Cause he sure as hell ain't living up to that contract.

I would think the point is that really good replacements can be had cheaply, often off the street free agent pile, at kicker. The same can't reasonably be said about TE.

 

[LambeauLombardi]

Just to clarify, Crosby was a sixth round pick in 2007.



Geez, some of you really don't have any clue.

Crosby's track record requires his replacement to be top five in field goal percentage??? Mason has never finished within the top five in any of his 12 seasons as the Packers kicker and has made the top 10 only twice while being paid like an elite kicker for several seasons running.

You really are a delight on here, aren't you?

I shouldn't have thrown out the % out there because FG% in Green Bay isn't the same as FG% kicking for a dome team. I'd say most fans would tell you over the last 10 years there have been a number of those years Crosby has been a top 5 kicker in the league (especially 2013-2016). As I said in the last post, his track record is too good to be just let go for an unsure thing. If you disagree with not wanting to keep him based on his track record then fine, but try not to be condescending and take everything so literal. You can be one of the 5 best kickers in the league without having the best percentage. I believe that Aaron Rodgers has been a much better QB than Drew Brees over the years but since Brees plays in the dome and has better stats, people will say Brees. Not me.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think this has become an annual debate

I have always been a Crosby supporter, but for the first time I am open to at least bringing in competition. I also wouldn't mind seeing the Packers use one of its two 6th round picks or the 7th round pick on one of the top college kickers. Historically, those late picks don't net you much at other positions, so why not get one of the top college players and not have to hope you can sign them as an UDFA.

Good point. No need to cut Crosby immediately, but use a 6th or 7th round pick and create some comp in TC. Not so sure why Crosby has been drawing as many negative comments. A lot of teams would love to have him. Yeah, there are better kickers, but he’s been reliable over the years. There are more important things to deal with in GB this year, and IMO, replacing Crosby isn’t one of them.