Article: Dealing With Jennings Won't Be Easy

[MickeyDavis]

I've posted before that Jennings doesn't really want to stay here (despite what he said publicly after the season). My gut feeling is he will end up staying but the article below does make some good points about why he may not.
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Before cleaning out his locker, Greg Jennings told reporters that he wants to remain with the Packers. Those had to be comforting words to fans who tend to get agida whenever a star player is one season away from unrestricted free agency. And while the 25-year-old wide receiver may indeed sign a long-term contract with the team between now and next March, we’d advise fans to keep an extra large bottle of Pepto Bismol close by - just in case. “These negotations aren’t going to be easy,” said a person familiar with the situation. “[General manager] Ted Thompson really likes Jennings, but he doesn't believe in giving huge money to a wide receiver."

That last sentiment is consistent with what we were told on the day that the Packers hired Thompson. Here’s what we wrote in an article from January 2005: “Green Bay's new GM puts a high premium on quarterbacks, offensive tackles, defensive linemen and cornerbacks. He puts far less value on receivers, interior offensive linemen and safeties.” Nothing that Thompson has done since taking over would contradict that statement. He opened up his wallet to keep Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Kampman and sign free agent Charles Woodson. He has yet to make a sizable investment in a receiver, an interior offensive lineman or a safety. That’s what makes the upcoming negotiations with Jennings - not to mention Nick Collins - so intriguing.

How much will it take to keep Jennings? “Based on what other receivers are making, I’d say the Pack will have to fork over close to $17 million in guaranteed money on a deal worth at least $8 million annually,” said the source. “That’s a lot of money for a receiver not named Steve Smith or Larry Fitzgerald.” Is Jennings worth that type of deal? “He’s very good, but he’s not special,” opined a former scout. “Defensive coordinators respect but don’t fear him. Look, I’d love to have him on my team, but I wouldn't be willing to throw my entire salary structure out of whack to make it happen.”

While Jennings proved to be both dynamic and unselfish in 2008, his play down the stretch left some in the organization scratching their heads. “He seemed to lose focus once the weather turned bad and the team was eliminated from the playoffs,” said the source. “He didn’t run his routes nearly as aggressively and he dropped a bunch of passes. Conversely, [veteran wide receiver] Donald Driver gave every bit the effort in week 16 that he gave in week 1. It’s probably not that big of a deal, but it’s definitely something to consider when you’re talking about committing so much money to one player.”

[Wade-A-Holic]

MD, every time you post something about Jennings, it's really depressing. You're going to have to counterbalance your Jennings updates with some news that Jordan Gross and Bart Scott want to come to GB for the league minimum.

[aaprigs311]

I'm sure Jennings was insulted by TT's initial offer. Any idea what that offer was?

I'd offer 4 yrs $24 mill with incentives/bonuses to make it a possible $28-30.

[Simulack]

I can understand TT's reluctance to overpay for a position like WR particularly given that I agree with the assessment of Jennings towards the end of the article: he's a good WR but not one so special that he is going to keep defensive coordinators up at night. It doesn't seem wise to spend a lot on the position unless you are talking about a Moss or a Fitzgerald as "good but not great" receivers are not a rare commodity.

However, I think TT has two problems here. First, casual fans are not going to accept losing Jennings because we weren't willing to pay him enough when TT has the reputation of being a cheapskate. If they believed we weren't spending the money on him because we were going to spend it more wisely elsewhere, that would be on thing. But given the way TT is perceived, most will just see it as an unwillingness to spend money period.

Secondly, I think his draft record will then look much worse to the casual fan. Although it is irrational to just subtract him from the list just because we didn't resign him, I'm guessing a lot of people will say "You can't even count Jennings since he isn't a Packer." Without Jennings, his draft record is going to be even more criticized.

Public perception of TT is very low right now and losing Jennings because we weren't willing to pay top dollar (even though he seems not keen on being here anyway) isn't going to go over well with many.

[aaprigs311]

Losing Jennings could potentially slow Rodger's development as well. Not to mention DD isn't going to be around forever. Not that they don't have potential, but I highly doubt Jones or Nelson will ever be number ones. For a guy who insists on building through the draft and locking up young talented players long term TT sure doesn't always practice what he preaches. You can't let Jennings walk.

[jakecronus8]

There is absolutely no reason to not pay Jennings. He is a fan favorite, just a step under elite level receiver and we are ridiculously under the cap.

[MikeIsGood]

I'll be truthful - losing Jennings would make me an unhappy camper. No, he is not Fitz (who is?), but he's certainly the tier below in my opinion. And the thing here is that while Driver is a good one - 5 straight seasons with at least a K in yardage - he isn't exactly on fresh legs. I like some of the other young WR talent on the team, but not nearly as much as Jennings. Not having him could be quite harmful to the offense considering what could be ahead for Driver.

Now, if Jennings is unwilling to resign here regardless of the number, it's another story. Same goes for if he wants world-breaking money. But otherwise, I can't imagine a situation where I wouldn't be quite unhappy with Jennings not being retained.

[James1980]

Give him what Berrian got from Minnesota.

[Ryan5UW]

Give him what Berrian got from Minnesota.

You really think he and his agent would go for that? Probably every team in the NFL would rather have Jennings. Better - more $$$.

[MikeIsGood]

Give him what Berrian got from Minnesota.

You really think he and his agent would go for that? Probably every team in the NFL would rather have Jennings. Better - more $$$.

Didn't BB get $20M guaranteed? That's a lot of money.

[MickeyDavis]

Berrian got $16 million guaranteed. He got $5 million signing bonus, $8 million roster bonus for last season and $3 million roster bonus this year. Because the Vikes had a lot of cap room in 2008, giving him most of the guaranteed money up front meant they could put a big chunk on their 2008 cap. Overall Berrian will get $23 million over the first 3 years of the deal.

[MikeIsGood]

Thanks for the correction. Guess I remembered wrong.

[jakecronus8]

Here is how I would rank the top receivers in the NFL:

Tier One
Larry Fitzgerald
Andre Johnson
Calvin Johnson
Steve Smith
Reggie Wayne

Tier Two
Greg Jennings
Brandon Marshall
Anquan Boldin
Terrell Owens

[ReasonablySober]

Roddy White?
Vincent Jackson?
Randy Moss?

[MikeIsGood]

Steve Smith and Larry Fitzgerald are on another level IMO, and it has nothing to do with stats. Calvin Johnson will probably join them there soon.

[xTitan]

Steve Smith and Larry Fitzgerald are on another level IMO, and it has nothing to do with stats. Calvin Johnson will probably join them there soon.

Andre Johnson is already there and Bowe would be knockin if he had a QB.

[xTitan]

I am a big Jennings fan but when you are talking crazy money the simple truth is that he is not real big and not real fast....gets the job done but not blessed with unreal physical talent. If the Steelers win this Superbowl it is another example of winning without an elite WR.

[jakecronus8]

I dont know how I missed Moss, but to correct myself, yes he is in tier one. Vince Jackson and Roddy White I would put in tier two.

[El Duderino]

Here is how I would rank the top receivers in the NFL:

Tier One
Larry Fitzgerald
Andre Johnson
Calvin Johnson
Steve Smith
Reggie Wayne

Tier Two
Greg Jennings
Brandon Marshall
Anquan Boldin
Terrell Owens

I think Jennings is as good as Wayne, Peyton Manning and the Colts offense is a wet dream for a wide receiver.

[Ayt]

Only Fitzgerald, Moss, and Owens, have more TDs than Jennings the last two years. He's #1 in the NFL in receptions of 40+ yards the last two years (third behind Moss and Galloway last year, led the league this year).

Its kind of funny really when you consider the main problem a lot of people had with him was that he wouldn't be a big play guy since he was too short and not fast or athletic enough. I still remember arguing with Deep Throat about how blind he was to Jennings downfield talent.

I think it would be a pretty big mistake to let him get away if it comes down mainly to money. He can make plays down the field and he's great after the catch on short routes. That is perfect for McCarthy's offense (any offense, really). He's still really young for a WR at only 25, so I don't see any reason why he can't become even better at being an every down target. He also seems like a guy that will age well since he's a crafty SOB. The only real issue I have is injury concerns, though when you break it down, he's only missed 6 games in 3 years, and he played all 16 this past season. I'd be pretty pissed if we traded him or somehow he walked.