End of the Line for Robert Ferguson

by Brandon on Aug 17, 2007 12:51 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers News

It just had to be done. Part of me always hoped he would justify Mike Sherman's faith in him, but he had never shown it on the field. QB Brett Favre gave him far too many opportunities to show that he was a deep threat who could fight for the ball, like WR Javon Walker did, but it never worked for Ferguson. It was a nice luxury to keep Ferguson and his $1.8 million cap figure on the books this offseason, let him show he's healthy and give him a chance to compete for a job. He was given a lot of opportunities this preseason and in the scrimmage to play with the first team offense. He does appear healthy, but he didn't do anything to stand out on the field.

This does give a strong indication who is likely to stick at wide receiver. Obviously WRs Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and James Jones. Mike McCarthy specifically mentioned WRs Carlyle Holiday and Ruvell Martin, so they are probably staying too. The rest of the wide receivers in camp are probably on the outside looking in, with WR Shaun Bodiford first in line from that group. The Packers tried a lot of different people as punt and kick returners in the first preseason game, so they probably aren't looking to keep someone who can only return kicks which might be bad news for rookie 5th round WR David Clowney, who looks a little undersized to play receiver in the NFL but has the speed to become a return man.

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Too bad

I was hoping he would pan out too.

I'm a little surprised because he had a few things going for him.

Veteran among a lot of young receivers
Good special teams player.
At least some chemistry with Favre.

His salary didn't seem like a big deal because we are so far under the cap.

But "moving in a different direction" sounds accurate. I also inferred that Jones and Martin are locks at the #3 and #4 spots.

I'm guessing Bodiford is ahead for the 5th and last spot with Clowney destined for the practice squad.

by grant76 on Aug 17, 2007 9:06 AM CDT reply actions

Just saw that he was released...

He's fallen to the point where the Pack couldn't get a 7th round pick for him. Ouch.

Maybe nobody wanted to pick up the contract.

by grant76 on Aug 17, 2007 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions

don't forget...

Carlyle Holiday is having a good camp. I see it breaking down this way:

Driver
Jennings
Jones
Martin
Holiday

*6. Bodiford
*7. Clowney

The last two are practice squad candidates and will make the roster only if they show some jaw-dropping special teams skills. The coaches love Bodiford (they did a happy dance when Matt Millen took him away from Mike Martz in Detroit early last year and stashed him on injured reserve), but Thompson is on record as saying that he won't keep a designated returner.

Don't forget, Koren Robinson will be back before midseason.

I'm sad to see Ferguson go. He always seemed to have a good attitude, and he forever cemented his image as a tough guy when he made an unconscious catch a few years back. It was literally unconscious, since Jacksonville's Donavin Darius tried to remove Ferguson's head from his body. Ferguson was out cold before he hit the ground, but the ball remained cradled gently in his hands, earning a desperately-needed first down and my lifelong respect.

Ultimately, he was too inconsistent though - had a hard time getting open, dropped some passes here and there, and was always injured. I hope someday he can put it all together and have some solid years, but with young, improving, hard-working payers like Martin and Holiday on the roster, it was time for Ferguson to go.

by NiceGuyJoey on Aug 17, 2007 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Koren Robinson

I haven't read anything about Robinson in a couple of months. His suspension ends in September, but do the Packers have any interest in bringing him back? He's only 27, so if he has kept in shape he should be able to still contribute. If everyone is healthy, then he might not find a spot on the Packers waiting for him.

by Brandon on Aug 17, 2007 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions

yes

Yes, the Packers will have an interest in bringing him back. Reasons:

He's pretty inexpensive.
They went through the trouble of signing him to a two-year deal last year.
They already took the PR hit for signing a troubled character. Cutting ties now doesn't make the team look better.
He's 27, with very little wear on his body.

Most importantly, though, he's talented. A year ago he was still the Vikings' #1 WR. He showed flashes of talent in his short time on the Packers last season. He can return kicks. He was a Ted Thompson high-1st round pick. And no team ever stays healthy, especially at a skill position like WR.

All this is moot, of course, if Robinson hasn't been taking care of himself physically, mentally, or behaviorally.

by NiceGuyJoey on Aug 17, 2007 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions