Veteran receiver's future remains up in the air
Given the opportunity to clarify Donald Driver’s future with the team, both Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy chose to say as little as possible about the veteran receiver. “I would never speculate on something like that,” Thompson told local reporters over the weekend. “He’s dancing right now. Doing good, too.” Added McCarthy, “No reason to speculate. I’m just going to follow Ted’s answer to that question.” Perhaps I’m reading too much into what was said, or in this case wasn’t said, but I have a feeling that Driver’s illustrious career with the Packers is coming to an end.
Here’s what McCarthy said on the same subject five weeks ago at the owner’s meetings: “Donald’s still on our roster. I thought Donald, the second half of the season, he played very well. His role, as far as opportunities, was not as high as it’s been in the past, but I thought Donald was very consistent down the stretch. I thought he played well in the playoff game.” Not exactly a commitment to bringing Driver back, but certainly more encouraging than what was said a few days ago.
The guess here is that Thompson and McCarthy decided to move on from Driver between then and now, but don’t want to make an announcement while the three-time Pro Bowler is still competing on Dancing With The Stars. Releasing him at this time would make a big story that much bigger, and more importantly, it would serve as an unwelcome distraction to Driver. It would also be embarrassing. It’s one thing to lose your job while Packer Nation watches; it’s quite another to have it happen with the whole world watching (or at least however many people tune in to DWTS).
I expect the Packers to officially release Driver sometime after DWTS ends and before the first minicamp in June. That would avoid causing distraction and embarrassment and also give one of the greatest players in franchise history plenty of time to find another team. Of course, that might be easier said than done. I can’t imagine there will be much of a market for a 37-year-old wide receiver who has clearly lost more than a step over the past few years.
Maybe someone with a history with Driver would sign him to add veteran leadership – Seattle general manager John Schneider, Oakland general manager Reggie McKenize and Miami head coach Joe Philbin come to mind – but more than likely Driver will be forced to call it a career. If that’s the case, the former seventh-round pick from Alcorn State would enter into retirement with 735 receptions, 10,060 yards and 59 touchdowns. The first two numbers are the best in franchise history. Of course, I could be pulling a “Dewey Defeats Truman” here. No announcement has been made, and there’s always a chance Driver could return. After all, he’s been beating the odds for years.
Driver had mentioned some years ago a desire to go and play in front of his hometown Houston friends and family. Not sure if he’d go play for a lesser team like the Browns… After his successful gig on Dancing, maybe he would be an attractive PR addition for the Texans – they don’t yet have a national following. OR GB could keep 6 WRs and “only” 4 TEs this season.
As far as I’m concerned, let him compete with those WR’s that are coming into TC. Best man wins a spot. I see no reason not to let him compete, and am sure that’s all he wants. DD doesn’t seem like the type of player who wants a spot just given to him.
The reason you don’t let him compete is his $5m dollar cap number. He blows a knee in training camp and that is all guaranteed and counts against the cap.
Driver has no history with Holmgren.
You’re right.
GB would not have paid up last year to keep their two PS WRs if they did not think one or both or them had an excellent shot at making the 53 this year. With Jennings possibly in his last year as a Packer, it could be the year to keep 6 at WR. Especially since Quarless won’t be at TE. Why would DD want to hang around to compete with the young guns for the 5th and 6th roster spots? It wouldn’t make sense. Cobb is the new DD.
Losing RG, CC, DD and NC from the payroll opens some cap space for extending some Packers. I’m sure TT would like to extend GJ but if he can’t extend all his top players he has got to pick somebody to sacrifice. They are young and deep at WR and finding WR talent seems to be his forte. Rogers and Matthews aren’t going anywhere. Raji may be questionable if 2012 = 2011. I think Lang will stay. Woodson may have to start bringing his cap hit down.
Yeah, the comments from TT and MM are telling. It’s either they are getting ready to release him or they are sending a message to him before getting into the nitty gritty of a contract renegotiation.
When Driver was in college I prayed GB would draft him! I thought he would be the greatest punt returner in Packer history, well he turned out to be a pretty good player even if he couldn’t return punts. He is one of the best 7th round draft picks in Packer history and always a class act
Having sat at many TC practices throughout DD’s career, it is fair to say that DD has been the leader of the Pack in many ways. Other players feed off his energy and infectious smile. He loves the fans and the fans love him. Truly wonderful to behold. Would be nice if he were to assume some PR role with the team, even if it was on a very limited basis. Guys like DD don’t come through that often. All that said, I am in favor of moving on and applying that cap money elsewhere. There’s always the next championship to be won. This is professional football.
DD did mention that he was willing to restructure his contract in order to remain in Green Bay. So in reality the cap hit will be less. I also seem to remember it written that DD doesn’t get any money until the first of the regular season.
Nope, a veteran that gets in hurt in camp gets his full salary. If placed on IR it doesn’t count against the cap. The only other option is an injury settlement which a player may choose if he wants to be released and not be put on IR. The amount of the settlement would count against the cap. Bottom line for Driver is that if he blows a knee in camp the Packer’s have to pony up his full contract amount for league year 2012.
As far a renegotiation – DD has signaled he is willing to accept less to return as a Packer but I’m guessing what TT wants to pay Driver in 2012 is far less then what Driver would find acceptable both in terms of amount and guarantees. I really hope they can find a number that both can live with but that might be a pretty big hurdle to overcome.
Splitting hairs aren’t you? Aside from injury and standard per deims DD isn’t owed a dime of his salary. Yes injury could happen, but that is true for ALL those in camp and they all get some kind of settlement unless they signed a waiver.
Neither you nor I are privy to any negotiation that may or may not have happened before or since. I also wouldn’t have any problem with paying DD his full salary IF (a mighty big if) he performs well and beats out those in TC. Best man wins. Although if it were a tie or reasonably close, then IMO, the younger player should get the spot.
I don’t think it is splitting hairs. If Cobb or Jordy gets hurt the Packers plunk them on IR and pay his salary knowing they have a player for the future. That’s not true for Driver. His cap number is $5 million and has a very limited future with the Packers as a player. So, you don’t just let him compete in camp (like he has anything to prove) with a $5 million salary unless you think he will actually make the roster. And, making the roster might be tough. Jennings, Jordy, Cobb, Jones, Borel, Gurley, etc…The bench is deep.
I am of course speculating on what TT is willing to pay and what DD is willing to accept but some things seem obvious. DD had 37 receptions last year. He spent a large number of offensive plays standing on the sideline. The Packers have Cobb and Jones that can replace Driver’s production. Plus, they have a couple quality WR’s on the PS ready to take his roster spot. You keep Driver and one of those players goes to another team.
You also don’t see too many No. 5 receivers in the NFL who are 37 years old.
Yeah, because your #5 WR is hopefully someone that can eventually become your #1 or #2 WR.