Packers 2017 Offseason re-cap
Everything you need to know about the Packers 2017 offseaon
There has been lot of offseason moves thus far and the Packers began the new league season in typical Ted Thompson fashion. No huge signings, nothing flashy, but clearly addressing positions of need. I will highlight the Packers key additions and departures, as well as the glaring needs heading into the 2017 NFL Draft, set to take place begging April 27th in Philadelphia.
As frustrating as it may be at times, it is clear Ted Thompson is not going to over pay for players, especially if he thinks he can get more value elsewhere, albeit the draft or undrafted free agents. Eddie Lacy is the first example of this. While the Packers could have got him at a fairly good price, he opted to sign with the Seattle Seahawks for 1 year with another 1.5 million in incentives. Obviously we know the concerns with his weight and the ankle issues. On top of this there are questions about his passion for the game.
I believe Lacy could still be a top back in the league. He is yet to put together a full season where he plays up to his capabilities. Seattle could be a great fit for a guy like Lacy. Pete Carrol seems to get the most out of his players so I will still look forward to seeing him out there. Aside from that, the emergence of Ty Montgomery as a running back and the re-signing of veteran Christine Michael, the Packers could have a good one-two punch in place for 2017. With a strong 2017 NFL draft class at the RB position, look for Ted Thompson to bolster that position. The big question will be, how early will the Packers pull the trigger on a RB in the draft?
A more pressing concern for the Packers, clearly is the cornerback position. Micah Hyde’s departure certainly does not help the cause after a strong end to the 2016 campaign. Hyde, signing with the Buffalo Bills for 5yr/ $30.5mil was clearly above the price Ted Thompson would have paid. Instead, the Packers were able to welcome back Davon House for $2.8 mil. Davon House has done nothing but improve and this is a great value play that will add depth to a defense that House is already familiar with. It looks like the Packers are fairly content at the Corner position despite many struggles, especially down the stretch.
I am personally confident in Damarious Randall and Quentin Rollins. Let’s remember Randall and Rollins were selected back to back as 1st and 2nd round guys in 2015. The showed glimpses of high quality play in limited fashion in 2015. However Sam Shields going down early in 2016 forced guys to step up. The Packers seemed to be losing guys by the week there with Josh Hawkins, Mackinton Dorleant, Quentin Rollins and Damarious Randall all missing games at one point or another.
Rollins and Randall are set to work out together this offseason determined to be better. Let’s not forget Ladarius Gunter either who proved he can be relied on at times. I believe with the Addition of House, and a healthy group in 2017, this defensive back field could make a dramatic turnaround.
Don’t get your hopes up but, there are guys like Revis still out there. Granted he is not the same player of the past, he doesn’t have to be. Recently cleared of his legal allegations, Revis could be a great addition at a fairly cheap price. If Revis Proves he still has some ball left in him, and can prove he isn’t the same locker room terrorist he has been I would welcome him in the Green and Gold. If he can come in and use his Veteran knowledge in a positive way it could be huge. This is something I would love to see, but more of a pipe dream.
The loss of Jared Cook seemed devastating. However less than 24 hours later the Packers added Veteran Martellus Bennet. He took less money to sign with the Pack. He is a leader and he still wants to win. 3yr $21 mil. A little pricier than the Packers were looking to Pay Jared Cook, but also a lot more established threat.
Not long after the signing of Bennet the Packers doubled down and grabbed Veteran tight end and former Wisconsin Badger, Lance Kendricks. Kendrick, a Milwaukee native will return home on a 2yr $4mil. Contract. This is a good value signing that will add depth and competition at the position with Richard Rodgers. Should make for a fun pre-season position battle with Richard Rodgers for the #2 TE spot. Could see some two and three tight end packages installed in 2017.
Another key departure was the Loss of Veteran TJ Lang. He is headed to division rival Detroit who was willing to give him a 3 year deal at $28.5mil. Again, a little pricier than the Packers wanted to pay. Looks like the Packers will roll with Don Barclay at guard. They got him for a 1yr prove it type deal at 775k with some incentives.
Another big loss on the O-line was Center JC Tretter to the Browns taking a 3yr deal for $16.75mil and some good money up front. Tretter was valuable in the fact that he played a versatile roll being able to move around between guard and Center. The Loss of Tretter and Lang leave the Packers a little thin when it comes to the depth of the offensive line, but they should be in pretty good shape with the core guys still in-tact. Jason Spriggs will play the role of the 6th man be there any injuries. Look for the Packers to add a few pieces in April’s draft.
The Packers opted to not pick up the 1 year option on Datone Jones, who departs for Minnesota on a 1yr. $3.75mil deal. He was just never able to stay on the field and live up to the 1st round expectations. However they did re-sign their 2012 1st rounder in Nick Perry at a pretty steep price giving him a 5yr. $59mil. Deal. He can be a big impact guy when healthy, but I was shocked to see what Green Bay paid him. Much of his production was when Clay Matthews was on the field in tandem. When Matthews was out and the attention was focused his way it seemed he was not as impactful. Cheesehead Nation will have to cross their fingers and hope these guys can stay on the field in 2017.
The Packers remain fairly deep at outside linebacker with the retention of 3rd year guy Jayrone Elliot & 2nd year guy Joe Thomas. Don’t forget the Packers also still Carry 3rd rounder from 2016 Kyler Fackrell. I really am excited to see Jayrone Elliot, potential break out player. We should see a good mix of these guys in the preseason and they should all make the roster. Will be a fun matchup to watch in the upcoming training camp this season.
Last of the offseason moves, The Packers signed former Redskin Ricky Jean Francois. A 1yr. $2mil. Is another great value and a perfect example of a Ted Thompson offseason signing. He is a savvy Veteran who can stop the run and has been able to get to the quarterback. Not only that, he is a big boy and should be able to swallow up running backs alongside with Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark. Also some young depth behind them, but could add a name or two again in the upcoming draft.
In closing, I am so excited for football and it’s only March. The Packers are in a good spot heading into April’s draft. If Ted Thompson can hit on some draft Picks, the Pack could be set up nicely for another deep run in 2017.
On offense the only real spot in question is the backfield and the guard position. I look for both to be addressed in the draft. We will probably see a late round wide receiver or two as Ted so often does.
The other side of the ball is obviously the main concern. Safety should be good with Clinton-Dix and Burnett. The Corners will have to step up. Wouldn’t be surprised to see TT draft a corner or two, wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t. Up front is a mix of veteran and youth and with a solid combo of Veteran leadership and some break out performances the Defense could make a turnaround in 2017. Look for the Packers to find some pass rushers.
Thank You to Sportrac.com for the information regarding contracts.
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