Rodgers' next contract could be the biggest in league history
The Packers will likely spend close to $200 million in the next 12 months to extend quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews. That’s why the team is being very careful with its money this offseason. While GM Ted Thompson would love to keep ascending offensive lineman T.J. Lang and Pro Bowl wide receiver Greg Jennings – both scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in 2013 – he may have to let them go. Jennings is obviously more of a priority, but his asking price figures to start at around $12 million a year. That might be too rich for the Packers – especially if Jordy Nelson proves himself capable of being a legitimate No. 1 receiver and Randall Cobb develops into a consistent offensive threat in his second season.
Safety Sean Richardson was one of the most sought-after undrafted rookies. Fourteen teams tried to sign the former Vanderbilt standout, but he chose the Packers. A lack of depth at the position, as well as Green Bay’s reputation for treating UDFAs fairly obviously played a part in his decision. Richardson looks like a first-round pick. He’s big (6’2, 216), fast (4.49) and strong (22 reps). Unfortunately, he didn’t play like a first-round pick in college. Or even a seventh-round pick. These “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” types almost never make it in the National Football League, but there’s no harm in taking a look at him in training camp. His best chance to make the final 53-man roster is to excel on special teams. His size and straight-line speed should serve him very well in this capacity, but some experts question whether he has the requisite toughness.
Thompson didn’t close the door on re-signing Ryan Grant until he was confident that Alex Green would be fully recovered from his ACL surgery by the start of training camp. Head coach Mike McCarthy was so impressed by Green’s development last season that he was prepared to make the rookie a big part of the offense heading into the playoffs. Unfortunately, the torn ACL put an end to those plans. The one good thing that came from the injury was the emergence of Brandon Saine. The former Ohio State star showed soft hands and the ability to pass protect. He also ran harder than he ever did in college. The Packers feel good enough about these three young backs to move on from Grant.
Some cynics suggest Eliot Wolf‘s rapid ascent up the organizational ladder has as much to do with Thompson’s loyalty to Ron Wolf as it does with his ability to judge talent, but there’s a problem with that theory. In the past 12 months, two other teams have tried to hire the 30-year-old. Philadelphia came calling in May 2011 and Oakland made inquiries just a few months ago. In each case, Thompson promoted Wolf in order to keep him. It remains to be seen what happens the next time a team calls. Besides offering him more money and/or the promise of replacing Thompson, there’s really nothing else the Packers can do to keep Wolf. He’s risen as high as he can go in the front office.
Joe Philbin recently admitted to the Miami media that he played only a small role in the development of Rodgers. He wasn’t being modest, he was being truthful. As offensive coordinator, Philbin spent very little time with the reigning league MVP during practices. Don’t expect former quarterbacks coach and new offensive coordinator Tom Clements to be quite as hands off. With unproven vet Graham Harrell, ex-AFLer Nick Hill and seventh-round draft choice B.J. Coleman vying for the backup job, new quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo will need all the help he can get.
Nice article.
Even though it’s not his MO I wonder if TT would tag Jennings to either get an extra year out of him or trade him. I can’t see TT just letting him walk. As for Lang, I think you may be right and it’s why I’m still thinking TT would have taken Kevin Zeitler at 28. Since AR is signed through 2014 I’m hoping he’ll put off signing a new contract until after the 2013 season when some more cap space would open up; like possibly Pickett’s salary.
I love your work, Michael. You offer insight with original thought and good observations on a number of Packers topics.
Thanks. It’s nice to know all this hard work is appreciated.
This may just be wishfull thinking but Jennings strikes me as a guy who may take less to stay in Greeen Bay. I agree that Green Bay probably won’t pay full price for that position, given the depth they have, but I hope Jennings likes the Packers enough for a hometown discount.
I wouldn’t count on it. He purposely signed a short extension a few years ago so he could have one more crack at free agency while still in his prime. Besides, even with a hometown discount, you’re still looking at 8 figures per season. I’m just not sure the Packers can afford that.
No way Jennings walks. He has a legitimate shot at canton and the Packers have always respected WR more than any other position, even quarterback. Its what middle linebacker is to the Bears. The Packers invented todays modern pass first style of play 70 years ago. If the revamped D pans out they will cut Woodson and eventually Pickett and there will be more than enough money for Jennings.
Lang and maybe Jennings in the next 12 months and Rodgers/CM3 within 24 mos. when Woodson, Driver, Pickett and hopefully Hawk are completely off the books (or in Hawk and Pickett’s case playing for what they’re worth not the inflated salaries they make now.
Though, I could see your scenario with Jennings franchised and traded and CM3 being resigned a year or so early. Rodgers is signed through 2014, so there’s a bit more time there. Raji isn’t a slam-dunk re-sign either.
Yeah, they have to resign Jennings. Jennings is only 28, can stretch the field, and run some of the best routes. Besides we will not be signing high profile free agents. Guys like CB Woodson, Hawk, Pickett, ect… Just those three guys is about 22 million in cap space. Still waiting on what they will do with Driver also. I would agree that Lang is most likely gone. Unless they can sign him cheap before the season he won’t likely be around. I just don’t think we have anyone like Jennings. I don’t think Cobb will be as good as Jennings.
Cobb’s more explosive than Jennings. Jennings is a great route runner though.
Sean Richardson actually was a teammate of Casey Hayward’s at Vanderbilt. He’s not from Georgia Tech like Morgan Burnett.
The good news is the Packers are planning to convert Richardson to LB which is a good thing as he’s atrocious in coverage, but an excellent tackler.
You’re correct. Fixed it.
I say traid Jennings now for a first round pick to a team like Jacksonvile or St Louis who will both likely end up the worst of the bad teams this year. Then we could pick a replacements for Hawk and Pickett in the first round of the draft next year releaving their salaries from our cap. Manti Te’o and Kwame Geathers would look great in Green and Gold next year.
I have to agree that it will be very tough for TT to keep Jennings as well as CMIII and AR12. If he somehow does that, it would be great. He re-signed Finley and all the other WRs, so anything is possible.
The Packers’ reputation for giving UFAs a serious chance is something that only amplifies TT’s draft skill (actually, the whole GBP organization’s skill–see E. Wolf). That’s actually kind of scarey. He gets to draft #s like the old NFL teams of the 50s and 60s. Don’t forget that Bart Starr was a 17th round choice
It’s amazing that undrafted players WANT to sign with a 15-2 team that is a year away from winning the Super Bowl.