Who will the Packers sign?

[MUBalla23]

Will the packers sign any big name vets besides the rookie from the falcons?

[radome]

I don't know but I bet they go after Marshawn Lynch with Grant out.

[MarkCharles]

No. Thats not how Ted Thompson operates. I stood by the guy through the Favre saga, but the way he left this team completely unprepared for any injuries is beyond frustrating. And in an uncapped year no less! Why is he so cheap? I am honestly furious with this right now. I wish he was only our gm for 1 day per year.

Just off the top of my head, we could have tried to go get...
Fred Jackson
Tashard Choice
Marion Barber
Marshawn Lynch
Lawrence Maroney (traded to the Broncos this afternoon)
Willie Parker

Nope, you're right Ted, an undrafted, practice squad rookie from an inferior team is exactly the guy to replace our workhorse.

[MUBurrow]

I don't know but I bet they go after Marshawn Lynch with Grant out.

hopeful +10000000000000000000000000000000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSO-kdWLFes

[copious1218]

Nope, you're right Ted, an undrafted, practice squad rookie from an inferior team is exactly the guy to replace our workhorse.

1.  He's not replacing your workhorse - that will fall on the shoulders of Brandon Jackson.

2.  "Inferior team"?

3.  Superbar! (edited to include this)

[Blackhat]

I don't know but i'm glad i picked up Brandon Jackson a couple weeks ago in FF.

Don't look for TT to make any moves(besides practice squad pick up)...it's not his style.

[willie warrior]

Likely the Pack will sign Favre

[ChicosBailBonds]

Forgive me, but Grant seems way overrated to me anyway.  Jackson will be only a slight step down.  Packers will be fine.  You have a coach that gets is, a QB that isn't a prima donna, and an offensive coordinator that has a desire to score points (what I wouldn't give to have even one of those three).  The question, as always, will come down to the defense.

I wouldn't sweat Grant one bit.

[GGGG]

I'm sorry, but Ryan Grant is not high on the list of "Irreplaceable Players."  Under this zone blocking scheme, the Packers have never really valued running backs all that much...and that's OK.  Marshawn Lynch does not really fit the scheme.  If they traded for anyone, I'd try to get Lumpkin back.

I think Thompson is to be commended for not panicking and wasting money on someone who doesn't give you much value.

[Blackhat]

I'm sorry, but Ryan Grant is not high on the list of "Irreplaceable Players."  Under this zone blocking scheme, the Packers have never really valued running backs all that much...and that's OK.  Marshawn Lynch does not really fit the scheme.  If they traded for anyone, I'd try to get Lumpkin back.

I think Thompson is to be commended for not panicking and wasting money on someone who doesn't give you much value.

Yet TT gave Ryan Grant a 4 yr $30 mil contract, a running back you feel is average or slightly above?

[GGGG]

I think that was a dumb contract...and I think he would agree.

[Blackhat]

glad to hear he is self aware on his dumb decisions.

[WhiteTron]

Who Cares.  Go G-Men

[Josey Wales]

Who Cares.  Go G-Men

gmen?

[Hards Alumni]

Ryan Grant is grossly over paid and over rated.

[Josey Wales]

Ryan Grant is grossly over paid and over rated.

He's not flashy or super explosive, but he fits the packers very well.

He is a very good pass blocker, he never fumbles, he hits the hole hard, and until now he had never missed a game.

Overpaid? Yes

Overrated? No

[ChicosBailBonds]

He's a 75 yards per game type of back.  Nothing great but not bad.  I'd suspect your backups will get about that with one or by committee.  Maybe a slight decline.  I can't comment on the blocking, which is certainly important.  If Jackson or others aren't good blockers, than that becomes more of an issue.

I still think the Pack goes where they go this year based on your defense and Rodgers ability on the road.  At least you Packers fans have competence in some areas of management.

[Hards Alumni]

Curtis he is a terrible pass blocking RB and cant catch.  Go watch the snaps from sunday where Rodgers gets hit.  Grant has a chance at the everytime and whiffs.  Also, he cant catch the football.  I totally agree with Chicos here. 

[wyoMUfan]

I heard they already signed Dimitri Nance from the falcons Practice Team.
Apparently TT really likes the guy, I already picked him up in my fantasy league....just in case.

[classof70]

What's this got to do with Marquette?  Who cares what the Packers do? 

[4everwarriors]

Forgive me, but Grant seems way overrated to me anyway.  Jackson will be only a slight step down.  Packers will be fine.  You have a coach that gets is, a QB that isn't a prima donna, and an offensive coordinator that has a desire to score points (what I wouldn't give to have even one of those three).  The question, as always, will come down to the defense.

I wouldn't sweat Grant one bit.

So, you're sayin' Grant is just middle of the road, nothing more, nothing less?

[Blackhat]

They wouldn't put Grant out there if he can't pass block at least adequately.

He's a decent to good NFL rb who will get you the yards you open up but nothing more.

He won't keep your team from winning but won't win a game due to his own skill, he needs a good o line.

[ChicosBailBonds]

So, you're sayin' Grant is just middle of the road, nothing more, nothing less?

Yes, middle of the road for a NFL player....but nevertheless an elite athlete and a NFL Player.  Only 32 teams....he's not playing for some semi-pro team.

Unlike those 1000's of schools that aren't even middle of the road and are barely institutions of higher learning which is where I think you were trying to go with your comparison.

[Hards Alumni]

Stone cold, I understand what you are saying.  Most people dont watch menial things like RBs blocking.  I happen to.

[🏀]

I don't expect TT to do anything in this situation. At worst, we're giving up a second round pick for some of those names. I could see him targeting a lesser name, maybe Kareem Huggins? Or a goalline back like LenDale White off of the scrap heap.

[MarkCharles]

1.  He's not replacing your workhorse - that will fall on the shoulders of Brandon Jackson.

2.  "Inferior team"?

3.  Superbar! (edited to include this)

Um, yea, the Falcons are an inferior team to the Packers

[Moonboots]

Curtis he is a terrible pass blocking RB and cant catch.  Go watch the snaps from sunday where Rodgers gets hit.  Grant has a chance at the everytime and whiffs.  Also, he cant catch the football.  I totally agree with Chicos here. 

I'm glad you finally sniffed out this misconception. Grant is a below average pass blocker.

He definitely ran with better north-south burst than Jackson, and runs with better leverage between the tackles. Jackson has more shake in his game, is a better receiver, and could be the best pass blocking RB in the NFC (and that's not an exaggeration).

I won't pretend it doesn't suck to lose a guy as productive as Grant, but I also won't say it's a killer. It's just going to force us to change the way we do things. Get ready to see Air McCarthy for the next 15 games, and that might actually not be a bad thing.

As far as Ted signing or trading for any big names... you can forget about it. And I can't disagree with him. The guy has more resources at his disposal than any of us could wish to, and we know a fraction of a percentage about these guys compared to what the Packers scouting staff does. They fielded a team that went 11-5 and is poised to be a contender for the foreseeable future. Keep in mind Grant was an undrafted free agent that we traded a 6th round pick for in '07. Let's trust them and see what they can come up with.

[Moonboots]

Um, yea, the Falcons are an inferior team to the Packers

So are you trying to say that "superior" teams can't find any players of value from an inferior team?

[DiaperDandy]

Let's bring back Ahman Green for a third time .  Hes playing for the  Omaha NightHawks right now ahahahhahahah!

[MarkCharles]

So are you trying to say that "superior" teams can't find any players of value from an inferior team?

Come on. Of course not, not as a rule, but its just another factor that makes this signing frustrate me. If the Packers addressed their cb shortage by signing a guy from Detroit's practice squad, would you be happy? If he wasn't even good enough to be Atlanta's 3rd rb, why would he be good enough to be our 2nd? And don't bring up Jon Kuhn. Hes not a running back, no matter how big of a woody Ted Thompson has for him.

[Jay Bee]

The Packers better sign the second coming of Barry Sanders if they want a chance at the NFC North title. 

Actually, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal.  Grant isn't anything special -- you guys will be fine (if by fine you mean finish in 2nd place in the division). 

Vikings are looking at fourteen thousand different receivers as possibilities to help out... none looks real promising, but I am still hopeful either Camarillo steps up big time or Berrian finally comes through. 

[MU B2002]

Didn't the vikes recently sign Javon Walker or am I confused? 



Also isn't he the guy who Brett Favre cost millions of dollars in free agency?

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Come on. Of course not, not as a rule, but its just another factor that makes this signing frustrate me. If the Packers addressed their cb shortage by signing a guy from Detroit's practice squad, would you be happy? If he wasn't even good enough to be Atlanta's 3rd rb, why would he be good enough to be our 2nd? And don't bring up Jon Kuhn. Hes not a running back, no matter how big of a woody Ted Thompson has for him.

The irony is, Grant was a guy that wasn't good enough to be on the Giants roster.

Now, to replace him, people bitch that they get a guy off of ATL's practice squad.

Same thing, no?

[Jay Bee]

Didn't the vikes recently sign Javon Walker or am I confused? 

Probably both.  He was signed a few weeks ago, but was then cut prior to the season starting.  Now that the money would not be guaranteed, he is one of a million guys under consideration as receivers they we might try out. 

[Hards Alumni]

Arent the Vikings recievers too busy being on TV game shows to catch passes?

[MarkCharles]

The irony is, Grant was a guy that wasn't good enough to be on the Giants roster.

Now, to replace him, people bitch that they get a guy off of ATL's practice squad.

Same thing, no?

Not quite. Similar, but Thompson traded for Grant before the season started, not as an emergency fill during the year. The fact that he was immediately signed shows that Thompson has been following this guy. If he thought he was going to be a good player or the next Ryan Grant, than he would have claimed him on waivers, but he waited until he had an emergency with only 1 rb on the roster to do so. Doesn't sound like the answer to me.

Its tough to find a needle in the haystack twice. If Thompson found a stud buried on a practice squad, then great for him, I'll be as happy as anybody. But there is no reason to blindly believe he did so, other than people hoping lightning will strike twice. He's missed on a lot more rbs than hes hit on.

But my biggest problem is how Thompson, when assembling this roster, seemed to be assuming zero injuries.

[Jay Bee]

Arent the Vikings recievers too busy being on TV game shows to catch passes?

I don't believe we any 'recievers'.

[drewm88]

I don't believe we any 'recievers'.

You sure showed him.

[Hards Alumni]

You sure showed him.

indeed, in my face.  I guess I should crawl back into my hole.

point be damned, spelling counts when typing from a mobile phone!

[MarkCharles]

I don't believe we any 'recievers'.

Rule #1 when calling out someone's grammar/spelling on a message board:

Make sure there aren't any mistakes in your own post. Seems like you're missing a verb in there......

[Markusquette]

What's this got to do with Marquette?  Who cares what the Packers do? 

Obviously you don't understand the point of the Superbar.

[Josey Wales]

Obviously you don't understand the point of the Superbar.

This started on the bball board and was later moved.

[MUSig54]

I already signed Grant's backup to all my fantasy teams in which I had Ryan Grant.

Sucks for us all because Grant was a great RB.

On the other hand, as a Bears fan, I like where this is going.

[wildbillsb]

Rule #1 when calling out someone's grammar/spelling on a message board:

Make sure there aren't any mistakes in your own post. Seems like you're missing a verb in there......

...."and "i" before "e" except after...." (Gee, I feel so good correcting usage errors.)

[GGGG]

But my biggest problem is how Thompson, when assembling this roster, seemed to be assuming zero injuries.

I was listening to Jason Wilde today...he said that Thompson thought that either Lumpkin or Wynn would clear waivers and be placed on the practice squad.  He was surprised that both were picked up.

That is why you saw one of their fullbacks take snaps at halfback during the final pre-season game - in case they needed him in an emergency and could wait a week before pulling someone off the squad..  Obviously if he would have known that Grant would have been hurt in the first regular season game, he would have kept Lumpkin or Wynn around, but hindsight is always 20/20.

[MarkCharles]

I was listening to Jason Wilde today...he said that Thompson thought that either Lumpkin or Wynn would clear waivers and be placed on the practice squad.  He was surprised that both were picked up.

That is why you saw one of their fullbacks take snaps at halfback during the final pre-season game - in case they needed him in an emergency and could wait a week before pulling someone off the squad..  Obviously if he would have known that Grant would have been hurt in the first regular season game, he would have kept Lumpkin or Wynn around, but hindsight is always 20/20.

If Thompson was so high on Lumpkin, he shouldn't have exposed him to waivers. The chances of him getting claimed are way higher than guys like Tom Crabtree, Marshall Newhouse or Nick McDonald getting claimed.

Yea, hindisght is 20/20, but its Thompson's job to make sure we aren't in a bind like this. Every team, every year has injuries, but for a supposedly elite team, we are shockingly unprepared at multiple important positions (cb, olb, s, rb)

[GGGG]

If Thompson was so high on Lumpkin, he shouldn't have exposed him to waivers. The chances of him getting claimed are way higher than guys like Tom Crabtree, Marshall Newhouse or Nick McDonald getting claimed.

Yea, hindisght is 20/20, but its Thompson's job to make sure we aren't in a bind like this. Every team, every year has injuries, but for a supposedly elite team, we are shockingly unprepared at multiple important positions (cb, olb, s, rb)

But the Packers are prepared both on the OL and the DL.  And considering the ages and health histories of the linemen, and the amount of emphasis he has always placed on the lines, he made sure that we had plenty of bodies there.  It's one of those calculated risks that you take...and one that potentially may bite him in the butt.

[Spotcheck Billy]

IIRC Jackson was the starter in 2007 before getting injured and thus replaced by Grant. I'm looking forward to Jackson getting his shot again.

OT, check out the urban dictionary for a lumpkin definition

[willie warrior]

Who cares--sign Paul Hornung

[NavinRJohnson]

but for a supposedly elite team, we are shockingly unprepared at multiple important positions (cb, olb, s, rb)

Name me a team in the NFL for which you could not make that same statement about a handful of positions.

[MarkCharles]

Certainly won't be Marshawn Lynch, he was traded to the Seahawks for a 4th round pick. Are you telling me a significantly better running game isn't worth a 4th rounder? Lynch is only 24-he could be a major player for us for the next 4-5 years. And with the overall talent and depth of this roster, how many draft picks does TT expect to make this team next year?

I love the way he drafts, but I couldn't be more frustrated with the overall direction of his management. Its not that I'm mad there are roster deficiencies. I'm mad that TT looks at completely reasonable, inexpensive ways to correct those deficiencies and rejects them offhand because they are not "the Ted Thompson way". For the record, TT has also previously declined to acquire Tony Gonzalez and Randy Moss for 3rd and 4th round picks.

Anyone who wants to defend Ted Thompson for this one, please stand up.

[reinko]

Certainly won't be Marshawn Lynch, he was traded to the Seahawks for a 4th round pick. Are you telling me a significantly better running game isn't worth a 4th rounder? Lynch is only 24-he could be a major player for us for the next 4-5 years. And with the overall talent and depth of this roster, how many draft picks does TT expect to make this team next year?

I love the way he drafts, but I couldn't be more frustrated with the overall direction of his management. Its not that I'm mad there are roster deficiencies. I'm mad that TT looks at completely reasonable, inexpensive ways to correct those deficiencies and rejects them offhand because they are not "the Ted Thompson way". For the record, TT has also previously declined to acquire Tony Gonzalez and Randy Moss for 3rd and 4th round picks.

Anyone who wants to defend Ted Thompson for this one, please stand up.

Not defending TT, but we'll never know if indeed the Pack offered a 4th rounder or not.  Bills held a good deal of leverage with teams like the Pack, probably demanding more than a 4th, because they are in a position to make a postseason run.  Not too mention the conditional 5th/6th rounder.

Frack it, you idiot Thompson.  Trade the picks.

[GOMU1104]

I was shocked when Lynch went for a 4th. All of the talk the last couple of weeks was that Buffalo wanted a starting OL and a 2nd round pick. I would not have favored TT making that deal. However...when it came down that he got moved for a 4th and a 6th (in 2012) I got frustrated.

I have a feeling GB is going to ride with Jackson/Kuhn/Nance/Starks the rest of the way. Should be interesting...

[ChicosBailBonds]

Who cares--sign Paul Hornung

He would take that bet.     

[NersEllenson]

Ted Thompson is an idiot when it comes to acquiring free agents/proven veteran NFL players.  I have NO idea why the guy acquired Woodson and Pickett via free agency when he first started on the job in Green Bay..but since that time has been hesitant to pull the trigger on Moss, Gonzalez, and now Lynch??  Woodson and Pickett are two of his better acquisitions.  Aaron Rodgers gave the nod/vote of approval on Lynch from their days back at Cal.  Moss probably would have meant another Super Bowl win for Green Bay.  Remains to be seen how BAD the Green Bay running game is the rest of this year..but to me this would have been a non-brainer acquistion - after all how many of Thompson's 4th round picks have actualy stuck - or for that matter 4th round picks in general.  Lynch is a proven NFL back.  Period.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Ted Thompson is an idiot when it comes to acquiring free agents/proven veteran NFL players.  I have NO idea why the guy acquired Woodson and Pickett via free agency when he first started on the job in Green Bay..but since that time has been hesitant to pull the trigger on Moss, Gonzalez, and now Lynch??  Woodson and Pickett are two of his better acquisitions.  Aaron Rodgers gave the nod/vote of approval on Lynch from their days back at Cal.  Moss probably would have meant another Super Bowl win for Green Bay.  Remains to be seen how BAD the Green Bay running game is the rest of this year..but to me this would have been a non-brainer acquistion - after all how many of Thompson's 4th round picks have actualy stuck - or for that matter 4th round picks in general.  Lynch is a proven NFL back.  Period.

I thought Moss said he didn't want to play in Green Bay.

[GOMU1104]

When Moss first wanted out of Oakland, the Packers wanted him. GB offered a 2 year deal, but Moss and his agent insisted on a 1 year. Packers wouldn't budge, New England did.

[GGGG]

Ted Thompson is an idiot when it comes to acquiring free agents/proven veteran NFL players.  I have NO idea why the guy acquired Woodson and Pickett via free agency when he first started on the job in Green Bay..but since that time has been hesitant to pull the trigger on Moss, Gonzalez, and now Lynch??  Woodson and Pickett are two of his better acquisitions.  Aaron Rodgers gave the nod/vote of approval on Lynch from their days back at Cal.  Moss probably would have meant another Super Bowl win for Green Bay.  Remains to be seen how BAD the Green Bay running game is the rest of this year..but to me this would have been a non-brainer acquistion - after all how many of Thompson's 4th round picks have actualy stuck - or for that matter 4th round picks in general.  Lynch is a proven NFL back.  Period.

I will point out that not signing Moss or Gonzalez did not harm the Packers one bit.  We are deep enough at receiver without Moss and Finley >>>>>>>>> Gonzalez...especially considering the age difference.

[NersEllenson]

I will point out that not signing Moss or Gonzalez did not harm the Packers one bit.  We are deep enough at receiver without Moss and Finley >>>>>>>>> Gonzalez...especially considering the age difference.

I can see your point about Gonzalez - but in the case of Randy Moss..not being willing to give up a 3rd round pick, or sign him to a 1-year deal...ludicrous.  Moss in 2007 was a HUGE game changer.  His contributions to the Patriots that year were huge.  A player of his caliber would have made Brett Farve better, Donald Driver better and Greg Jennings better...and the cost..was so low.

Now in the case of Lynch - he's a Pro Bowl back that has had 2, 1,000 yard seasons in his first 2 years in the league..and all you had to give to acquire was a 3rd round pick?  What's the downside?  Most likely the 3rd round pick doesn't amount to anything close to a Prow Bowl player.  But that's Green Bay's issue..glad they aren't my Number 1 team..cause this would really make me pull my hair out.  Standing pat with the current running backs in GB could cost them an appearance in the Super  Bowl..teams will sell out to stop the pass as Jackson and Kuhn aren't going to scare any team as home run threats.  GB probably still makes the playoffs..but is that really good enough?

[GOMU1104]

Unlike MANY Packers fans, I have sided with Ted Thompson pretty much the entire time he has been in Green Bay.  He has a strategy, and he is hell bent on sticking to it.  He, for the most part, avoids free agency...something that totally agree with. Spending big in free agency is not the way to build a team in the NFL.

He has put together a very talented team, possibly a Super Bowl contender even with the loss off Grant. Hopefully the group of Jackson/Kuhn/Nance/Starks can provide enough the rest of the way, because that is who they are likely going to ride with.

[reinko]

Jay Glazer is tweeting that a deal to send Moss to the 'Queens is in the works...

[GGGG]

I can see your point about Gonzalez - but in the case of Randy Moss..not being willing to give up a 3rd round pick, or sign him to a 1-year deal...ludicrous.  Moss in 2007 was a HUGE game changer.  His contributions to the Patriots that year were huge.  A player of his caliber would have made Brett Farve better, Donald Driver better and Greg Jennings better...and the cost..was so low.

Now in the case of Lynch - he's a Pro Bowl back that has had 2, 1,000 yard seasons in his first 2 years in the league..and all you had to give to acquire was a 3rd round pick?  What's the downside?  Most likely the 3rd round pick doesn't amount to anything close to a Prow Bowl player.  But that's Green Bay's issue..glad they aren't my Number 1 team..cause this would really make me pull my hair out.  Standing pat with the current running backs in GB could cost them an appearance in the Super  Bowl..teams will sell out to stop the pass as Jackson and Kuhn aren't going to scare any team as home run threats.  GB probably still makes the playoffs..but is that really good enough?

The Packers hosted the NFCCG that year.  They got there without Moss.  They didn't need him.

And Lynch is off the table...he was traded to Seattle.

[GGGG]

Jay Glazer is tweeting that a deal to send Moss to the 'Queens is in the works...

My stomach just turned a little.

[NersEllenson]

Unlike MANY Packers fans, I have sided with Ted Thompson pretty much the entire time he has been in Green Bay.  He has a strategy, and he is hell bent on sticking to it.  He, for the most part, avoids free agency...something that totally agree with. Spending big in free agency is not the way to build a team in the NFL.
He has put together a very talented team, possibly a Super Bowl contender even with the loss off Grant. Hopefully the group of Jackson/Kuhn/Nance/Starks can provide enough the rest of the way, because that is who they are likely going to ride with.

So you didn't like or approve of the acquistions of Charles Woodson or Ryan Pickett?  You advocate holding draft picks for unknown quantities such as college kids, rather than giving away an occasional 3rd or 4th round pick for PROVEN NFL All Pro/Pro Bowl type players such as Moss, Gonzalez, or Marshawn Lynch? 

[ATWizJr]

Jay Glazer is tweeting that a deal to send Moss to the 'Queens is in the works...

not happening per boston sports radio 30  minutes ago.  WEEI, 98.5 AM, Boston.

[GOMU1104]

So you didn't like or approve of the acquistions of Charles Woodson or Ryan Pickett?  You advocate holding draft picks for unknown quantities such as college kids, rather than giving away an occasional 3rd or 4th round pick for PROVEN NFL All Pro/Pro Bowl type players such as Moss, Gonzalez, or Marshawn Lynch? 

He has done well the times he has dipped into free agency (Woodson, Pickett, Chillar), but doing it too much will get you in serious trouble.  Building through the draft is the way to go.

Again, I told you why Moss didnt sign with Green Bay. Gonzalez is moot because they have Finley. And I will admit...I was pretty disappointed when I heard Lynch was gone for a 4th rounder. At the same time, im not sure how "proven" he is...a solid first 2 years, but theres a reason the worst team in football let him go for relatively little in return...

[ATWizJr]

I think the Pack missed a bet by not getting Lynch.  And, we'll probably pay for it with no running game and the problems that will ensue

[Moonboots]

not happening per boston sports radio 30  minutes ago.  WEEI, 98.5 AM, Boston.

Happening. Via Adam Schefter's Twitter, 15 minutes ago.

[GGGG]

So you didn't like or approve of the acquistions of Charles Woodson or Ryan Pickett?  You advocate holding draft picks for unknown quantities such as college kids, rather than giving away an occasional 3rd or 4th round pick for PROVEN NFL All Pro/Pro Bowl type players such as Moss, Gonzalez, or Marshawn Lynch? 

I think it is pretty well proven that the Packers don't need Moss or Gonzalez.  Woodson and Pickett came at bargain prices.  Thompson does not buy at the high end.  (Which is what Gonzalez was at the time.)

[Spotcheck Billy]

Woodson and Pickett came at bargain prices.  Thompson does not buy at the high end.  (Which is what Gonzalez was at the time.)

that's correct, nobody wanted Woodson at the time and he initially declined to sign with GB until he learned there were no other takers

why was Lynch 3rd string in Buffalo if he's so good? Ryan Grant is what I would consider journeyman level but he also gets 1200 yards/year, I think the 1000 yard rusher is a short measuring stick in a 16 game season