2016 Off Season - Cook Signs 1 Year Deal

[Jollay]

Great news ^ !!!!

Ugh. Curious about James Laurinaitis...everything I read says he's got lots left in the tank, certainly durable. But his stats are down...would he be Hawk II?

Love that the ILB market is flooding, nonetheless. Certainly at worst a smart vet on a one-year is a very, very small gamble.

Cook might be a nice dirt cheap acquisition but would rather look elsewhere.

[Iheartfootball]

Goddamn it

[tweet]https://twitter.com/TomSilverstein/status/700786285208870913[/tweet]

Off topic I know, but these guys are suffering brain damage. I don't care what they put in their bodies.

That said this is frustrating. They could really use a stout and reliable defensive front. Just when it felt like it might be rounding into shape...

[Flames24Rulz]

Goddamn it

[tweet]https://twitter.com/TomSilverstein/status/700786285208870913[/tweet]

Guessing this means that Raji might be more of a priority than before, now.

[El Duderino]

Why are we so insistent on moving Clay outside? He just made the pro bowl as an ILB, a position that's arguably harder to replace than an OLB.

ILB is only harder to replace when a GM largely ignores the position.

If you were to poll every GM and rank positions by importance, first obviously would be QB and after that if pass rusher wasn't second, it wouldn't be much farther down the list. Clay is our best pass rusher.

Near the bottom of that list would be ILB. That's not to say that ILB isn't important, but there is a reason why every year in the draft multiple teams target pass rushers high in the first round and only the rare exceptional talents at ILB are say a top 10 pick.

The only reason why the Packers had to move their most talented pass rusher to ILB is because for years now, Ted has utterly failed at finding at least competent/decent players to man the ILB position at the same time other GM's manage to do it.

You won't see other teams take a Von Miller, Ware, Khalil Mack, Justin Houston, etc type of really talented pass rushing OLB and move them inside where they end up not rushing the passer on a lot of downs where the QB ends up passing. Instead, they do what should be the obvious thing, acquire competent to good talent at ILB be it via the draft or free agency so their most talented pass rusher can play outside where he belongs.

If hypothetically Clay was available in free agency this offseason, it would be a near 100% lock that any team who went after him with a big money offer, it wouldn't be to play him at ILB instead of OLB where his clear number one job would be to hunt quarterbacks.

[jazzfanWA]

Cowboy's Gregory suspended 4 games for substance of abuse. Apparently, Jerrah's fatherly guidance couldn't turn him around.

[HKPackFan]

Why are we so insistent on moving Clay outside? He just made the pro bowl as an ILB, a position that's arguably harder to replace than an OLB.

ILB is only harder to replace when a GM largely ignores the position.

If you were to poll every GM and rank positions by importance, first obviously would be QB and after that if pass rusher wasn't second, it wouldn't be much farther down the list. Clay is our best pass rusher.

Near the bottom of that list would be ILB. That's not to say that ILB isn't important, but there is a reason why every year in the draft multiple teams target pass rushers high in the first round and only the rare exceptional talents at ILB are say a top 10 pick.

The only reason why the Packers had to move their most talented pass rusher to ILB is because for years now, Ted has utterly failed at finding at least competent/decent players to man the ILB position at the same time other GM's manage to do it.

You won't see other teams take a Von Miller, Ware, Khalil Mack, Justin Houston, etc type of really talented pass rushing OLB and move them inside where they end up not rushing the passer on a lot of downs where the QB ends up passing. Instead, they do what should be the obvious thing, acquire competent to good talent at ILB be it via the draft or free agency so their most talented pass rusher can play outside where he belongs.

If hypothetically Clay was available in free agency this offseason, it would be a near 100% lock that any team who went after him with a big money offer, it wouldn't be to play him at ILB instead of OLB where his clear number one job would be to hunt quarterbacks.

This is true. Taking less snaps at what he does best hurts and ILBs take a bigger pounding and more wear and tear. These are negative for long term and could shorten his career.

I don't mind if he moves around and stays unpredictable in terms of where he lines up but don't want him at ilb full-time.

[humanrefutation]

Why are we so insistent on moving Clay outside? He just made the pro bowl as an ILB, a position that's arguably harder to replace than an OLB.

ILB is only harder to replace when a GM largely ignores the position.

If you were to poll every GM and rank positions by importance, first obviously would be QB and after that if pass rusher wasn't second, it wouldn't be much farther down the list. Clay is our best pass rusher.

Near the bottom of that list would be ILB. That's not to say that ILB isn't important, but there is a reason why every year in the draft multiple teams target pass rushers high in the first round and only the rare exceptional talents at ILB are say a top 10 pick.

The only reason why the Packers had to move their most talented pass rusher to ILB is because for years now, Ted has utterly failed at finding at least competent/decent players to man the ILB position at the same time other GM's manage to do it.

You won't see other teams take a Von Miller, Ware, Khalil Mack, Justin Houston, etc type of really talented pass rushing OLB and move them inside where they end up not rushing the passer on a lot of downs where the QB ends up passing. Instead, they do what should be the obvious thing, acquire competent to good talent at ILB be it via the draft or free agency so their most talented pass rusher can play outside where he belongs.

If hypothetically Clay was available in free agency this offseason, it would be a near 100% lock that any team who went after him with a big money offer, it wouldn't be to play him at ILB instead of OLB where his clear number one job would be to hunt quarterbacks.

I understand that pass rushing is more valuable than inside linebacker play, but I also feel that the gap between Clay and Neal/Perry is smaller than the gap between a good ILB and the trash we've been throwing out there since Desmond Bishop's career ended.

So, unless we're planning to acquire two good ILBs or someone like Barrington or Ryan takes a huge step forward, I'd rather roll with

Peppers--new ILB--Clay--Perry/Neal

than

Peppers--new ILB--Ryan/Barrington--Matthews

[Balls2TheWalls]

James Laurinaitis is the kind of player we need to be going after int he offseason. If we signed him for 2 years and still went for ILB in the first round it would be a win.

[crkone]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/02/24/pro-re-signing-casey-hayward-priority-no-1-for-packers-in-free-agency/

Re-sign
CB Casey Hayward

One of the premier slot cornerbacks in the league, Hayward transitioned to starter in 2015 and did not disappoint. He was the Packers’ highest-graded cornerback in 2015 in coverage, and 21st-overall in the entire NFL. His traits won’t likely command as much money as Sam Shields, but he should be just below that range. Even with Hayward’s apparent heirs already drafted in Quinten Rollins and Damarious Randall, secondary is such a premium position that you can’t afford to bleed talent.

OLB Nick Perry

Green Bay’s draft-and-develop strategy seems to call for Perry to stick around for at least another year, and he has shown enough in limited roles throughout his entire career to warrant that. He’ll likely never live up to his draft billing, but if Julius Peppers is a cap casualty, the Packers will be thin on the edge.

Let walk
OLB Mike Neal

The move to outside linebacker for Neal looks like a mistake in retrospect, and it’s one the Packers shouldn’t compound upon again. He’s been PFF’s second-lowest graded 3-4 outside linebacker for two years running.

NT B.J. Raji

With Letroy Guion already re-signed, the writing seems on the wall for Raji. He failed to return to his impact form on the nose last season, and graded out below average. With Mike Pennel producing more in limited snaps, it’s time to move on from the former top-10 pick.

WR James Jones

Jones exceeded all expectations after joining the Packers late in camp, but his success was almost exclusively due to his comfort with Aaron Rodgers as compared to the younger receivers, not his ability to separate. Ideally, the myriad of younger guys on Green Bay will have developed enough of a rapport with their QB to make Jones expendable in 2016.

RB James Starks

Starks will be 30 years old tomorrow, and he developed an unfortunate fumbling problem in 2015. He could be re-signed if the cost is minimal, but he doesn’t exactly scream reliable backup at this point.

Target
LB Jerrell Freeman (Colts)

Inside linebacker is a glaring need, and there are multiple good options out there. Freeman won’t command top dollar at 30 years old, but he’s coming off a career year that saw him grade within the top five inside linebackers. He’d let Clay Matthews move back outside, and allow the Packers to look at other positions in the draft.

TE Dwayne Allen (Colts)

Yet another Colt—and another desperate need for the Packers. It’s not a deep draft class for tight end, but it certainly is in free agency. Allen was one of the most complete tight ends in the league his first three seasons before struggling without Andrew Luck last year. He’d be an immediate upgrade over Richard Rodgers.

[HKPackFan]

That guy doesn't seem to know the market price for corners.



If Davon OUT house can make 6mil a year and tramon old man Williams can continue to get paid someone sure as hell is going to pay top dollar for Hayward. He's as good as gone.


I'm wondering what the hell is wrong with me lately with my affinity for bears players. Is this how the Vikings feel?

I wanted peanut last year. This year I want forte on a short term 2year deal. And I heard Bennet could be cut..... Whom I would not mind taking a look at.

What the hell with the Bears left overs... Maybe it started with peppers.

[MickeyDavis]

TT press conference at the combine

The following is a summary of general manager Ted Thompson's press conference at the NFL scouting combine:

(On the tight end situation) It's the same as it was when we finished the season, really. We're always in the market at all the positions. I'm not trying to be vague or general, but it's hard to say. We're always searching, we're always looking and trying to get better. But we value other positions as well.

(On Jordy Nelson's recovery) I've seen him around the building. He's around the building all the time. I mean literally all the time. He's a workout and rehab freak, like you would imagine.

(On the emergence of the safety-hybrid linebacker) No. 1 there's always a spot for a football player. I'm not different than any other general manager you're going to have up here. If the guy can play football, we're going to find a place for him. I think that's the way it is with those sorts of players.

(On rookies making mistakes in key moments influencing draft and develop philosophy) We value draft and development. We value free agency. We have guys like Julius Peppers, guys that have been free agents. If you can help us win football games and be a good teammate and that sort of thing, you have a place for us. So we're not opposed to doing that.

(On Ha Ha Clinton-Dix) I think he's played at a very high level in a fairly exposed role. We've asked him to do a lot of things in terms of safety production. I think he's done a really good job.

(On off-season philosophy based on the window of opportunity) I think you have a philosophy in how you think is the best way to build a team. ... We sign free agents, we look into free agency, we've been doing it for the last several months with prospective free agency. But no, we're not going to chase a ghost just because the clock is ticking.

(On depth at the linebacker position) I don't know how to answer that. I don't necessarily think my job is easy, but at the same time I wouldn't want you to leave here and think it's not really hard. We don't look like that. We look more long-term. Where are we strong? Do we need to get more help?

(On the drills at the combine) I don't know. And I don't know politically whether I'm supposed to know. I'm not trying to be a smarty. There are people making decisions in that regard. ... Maybe the safe way is just to back out.

(On the overtime rules) That's another question that is probably a little bit higher than my pay grade. There are people here that can answer that question and probably give you reasons behind it.

(On the 2015 season and positioning for the future) I think we played well. We started off with a really good win streak. Then we stubbed our toe. Then we put ourselves in position to advance in the playoffs. ... I think we're a solid team. I think we've got good players at places that you need good players. I don't think we have a lot of weaknesses. I think we're going to be a competitive team for time to come.

(On Calvin Johnson and his possible retirement) He's still a very good player. There's a part of me that would like to make sure that he gets the note that I think he should retire, but that's his business. From afar, he seems to be one of the more impressive professional athletes that there is in terms of the way he conducts himself and that sort of thing. I wish him well.

(On reports Mike McCarthy is unhappy with lack of activity in free agency) I saw that, too. I don't know where that came from.

(On managing cap space despite hefty QB contract) I don't know that we have any secrets in that. We try to make sure that we have the players to fit roles. I don't know how in-depth I want to get on that. It's not a secret, but we work pretty hard at managing the business side of it.

[MickeyDavis]

In the days after coach Mike McCarthy's season-ending news conference — a forthright session that featured the public chastising of overweight tailback Eddie Lacy — a video emerged in which one of the country's most prominent trainers offered his services of reconstruction.

Tony Horton, founder of the popular workout program P90X, said in a video on entertainment website TMZ he could remold Lacy's physique and would "love the opportunity" to help the derailed star.

One month after the video was published, McCarthy sat for an extended interview Thursday at the NFL scouting combine. He confirmed Lacy, whom the Green Bay Packers drafted in the second round in 2013, had consulted with Horton since the end of the season and is involved with a workout program unlike anything he tried in the past.

"Eddie will take care of business," McCarthy said. "I have great confidence that he will. I think we'll see definitely a different guy in April, and more importantly in July."

The task of rejuvenating Lacy will be shouldered by a number of people both inside and out of the Packers organization, and among them is newly hired running backs coach Ben Sirmans. Scooped up by McCarthy after he was fired by the St. Louis Rams, Sirmans began to establish a relationship with Lacy almost immediately after relocating to Green Bay.

Now, McCarthy said, Sirmans is one of two people in regular contact with Lacy during his training. The other is strength and conditioning coordinator Mark Lovat.

"I don't know (Horton), so I'm not involved in that," McCarthy said. "You want to be involved to a certain level with those types of things. From the program that they're going through initially, I'm not exactly sure. The second part will take him out to California. He's definitely in a program working out that he hasn't done in the past."

Although McCarthy acknowledged the connection between Lacy and Horton, he denied another report, this one from NFL Network, the Packers want their top tailback to shed 30 pounds. Lacy is listed at 5-foot-11 and 234 pounds on the team's official roster, but McCarthy declined to share his actual weight during the 2015 season.

"The numbers that have been out there about his weight are inaccurate," McCarthy said. "The Green Bay Packers have never, ever asked him to lose 30 pounds. That's totally out of the realm of what we're talking about. That's the facts there.

"Everybody's genetics are different. Eddie is a guy that he might gain weight but it's muscle. He's a thick muscle density guy.... He's a lot bigger and stronger man than he was as a rookie. It's clear in the weight room and everything that he does."

Packers general manager Ted Thompson also spoke to the media Thursday during a formal, televised session at Lucas Oil Stadium. Thompson, who Lacy said never confronted him about his weight during the season, declined to offer any details about the situation.

"I'm going to leave that to the coaching staff," Thompson said. "That's not my place. We have other people that handle that sort of thing."

McCarthy is certain those "other people" have succeeded in getting the necessary message across. He said the weight situation has "been addressed" and "talked about" and "researched," and that at this point, Lacy knows exactly what to do and what to avoid.

Let the reconstruction of Eddie Lacy begin.

[MartyConlonOnTheRun]

I'm surprised more teams don't have personal trainers/assistants assigned to starters. If I'm investing 8+m in a guy, I'm going to pay someone $300K to make sure he is eating right/training right all year-long. I know there are probably restrictions from the players association but it really seems like teams are hands off on players.

[RRyder823]

I'm surprised more teams don't have personal trainers/assistants assigned to starters. If I'm investing 8+m in a guy, I'm going to pay someone $300K to make sure he is eating right/training right all year-long. I know there are probably restrictions from the players association but it really seems like teams are hands off on players.

The fact is players will do it there way one way or another. If they don't do it on their own having one at their personal disposal won't make much of a difference as the teams trainers are available for consultation year round.

It'd be like assigning a chaparon year round to keep a guy out of trouble. If a guy doesn't request it for himself it's not going to make much of a difference having somebody around to pester him constantly

[HKPackFan]

Rodgers photobombs the oscars.


http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2016/2/28/11130688/packers-aaron-rodgers-photobombs-common-at-the-oscars-opening-ceremony

[M-C-G]

I'm surprised more teams don't have personal trainers/assistants assigned to starters. If I'm investing 8+m in a guy, I'm going to pay someone $300K to make sure he is eating right/training right all year-long. I know there are probably restrictions from the players association but it really seems like teams are hands off on players.

The problem is all these guys disperse after the season. If they all lived in Green Bay, that wouldn't be a problem and I am sure our strength & conditioning coach puts together regiments for anyone that asks.

[humanrefutation]

Bart Starr was apparently beaten to the point of being hospitalized and cracking a vertebrae as part of a sadistic hazing ritual at Alabama back in the day:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/14868529/former-green-bay-packers-legend-back-issues-hazing-alabama

[JHSFIVE]

Ugh.... Randall

Texans WR Jaelen Strong was arrested for marijuana possession in Scottsdale (AZ) late Sunday night.
Strong played college ball at nearby Arizona State. Pulled over in a car driven by Packers CB Damarious Randall, Strong admitted to police that he was in possession of marijuana without a medical card. "He gave police a cigar box with three marijuana cigarettes inside," according to the report. It's a disappointing development after Strong finished his rookie season on a fast note. By the end of 2015, Strong appeared poised to open his sophomore season as the Texans' starter opposite DeAndre Hopkins. Strong may now face discipline from the NFL.

[bizarro]

Ugh.... Randall

Texans WR Jaelen Strong was arrested for marijuana possession in Scottsdale (AZ) late Sunday night.
Strong played college ball at nearby Arizona State. Pulled over in a car driven by Packers CB Damarious Randall, Strong admitted to police that he was in possession of marijuana without a medical card. "He gave police a cigar box with three marijuana cigarettes inside," according to the report. It's a disappointing development after Strong finished his rookie season on a fast note. By the end of 2015, Strong appeared poised to open his sophomore season as the Texans' starter opposite DeAndre Hopkins. Strong may now face discipline from the NFL.

Well, he didn't get possession. Good on him.

[RRyder823]

Ugh.... Randall

Texans WR Jaelen Strong was arrested for marijuana possession in Scottsdale (AZ) late Sunday night.
Strong played college ball at nearby Arizona State. Pulled over in a car driven by Packers CB Damarious Randall, Strong admitted to police that he was in possession of marijuana without a medical card. "He gave police a cigar box with three marijuana cigarettes inside," according to the report. It's a disappointing development after Strong finished his rookie season on a fast note. By the end of 2015, Strong appeared poised to open his sophomore season as the Texans' starter opposite DeAndre Hopkins. Strong may now face discipline from the NFL.

Well, he didn't get possession. Good on him.

Well if he wasn't in the random testing program he will be now