And Away We Go...
Written by John Rehor Thursday, 04 March 2010 00:00
March 4, 2010.
T minus 17 hours and counting. And I'm not talking about some old QB appearing on a retread late night talk show on its second host in a month.
I'm talking about football Armageddon, the day that we have all dreaded for the last year. Free agency will hit the NFL in a way never before seen. It will be interesting to say the least. Unfortunately, unless a miracle happens, it is also the beginning of the end and the Doomsday Clock will start ticking toward a strike in 2011. For 2010, it will be an exciting offseason where the Packers can drastically improve their position.
On March 3, the Packers tendered 8 of 9 restricted free agents. The list of players tendered and their tender level is listed below.
- Will Blackmon 4th Round
- John Kuhn None/right to match
- Atari Bigby 2nd Round
- Jason Spitz 2nd Round
- Nick Collins 1st and 3rd Round
- Daryn Colledge 2nd Round
- Tramon Williams 1st and 3rd Round
- Johnny Jolly 1st Round
The Packers got off to a good start to free agency by not tendering P Jeremy Kapinos. After being ranked as the worst punter in the NFL, there was no reason for him to be brought back other than to be a camp leg and compete. I have no issues with him being brought back at a lower salary to compete for a job during training camp. In the "real world" though, when someone is rated as the worst, that person usually doesn't have a job very long.
Oh The Possibilities
The Packers tendered their restricted free agents along with the rest of the NFL over the last 3-5 days. As the names were announced with their tenders, the possibilities of players that could provide immediate improvement for the Packers grew. Here are a few that if Ted Thompson is willing to give up one of his precious draft picks could improve the Packers as they begin their march toward Lucky 13:
- Leon Washington RB, NY Jets, 2nd Round-Coming off a major injury, yes. And that could scare most teams away. Washington is quick, exciting, and a game changer, the change of pace guy the Packers need
- Willie Colon OT, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1st Round-The Packers need help at both tackle spots (Clifton and Tauscher are both unrestricted free agents and aging, quickly). Colon is young and experienced, both in the league and the playoff experience that could help a young team. If Thompson doesn't think he can get "his guy" at 23 to help out at tackle, Colon could be the guy.
- Mike Bell RB, New Orleans Saints, No compensation/right of first refusal-Tough runner who should be signed to compete for the backup RB spot if for no other reason it will cost the Packers nothing if his offer is not matched.
- Mark Anderson, DE, Chicago Bears, 2nd Round-If Aaron Kampman is not going to be resigned, Anderson could be turned into an OLB the same way the Packers tried with Kampman. He is fast, and in my opinion miscast in the 4-3 Chicago runs. Could be an interesting option opposite Clay Matthews.
- Kirk Morrison, ILB, 3rd Round-With conversation about AJ Hawk continuing about his play and his salary not matching performance, Morrison could be an intriguing acquisition. He could join the LB mix which would free up the Packers to try and trade AJ. I like Hawk, but for a number 5 overall pick, he is a borderline bust at this point.
In the end, free agency is all speculation until it actually happens. Thompson probably knows he needs to dip into it this year because he knows his team is close, but needs something to get over the hump. In the end, Ted will probably do what he typically does: sit back, sign a 2nd or 3rd tier free agent, and draft young players who can develop. Sometimes a little experience can help, and this is the year the Packers need just that.
