The Frugal Signing of FS Anthony Smith

by Brandon on Mar 10, 2009 8:00 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers News

Free agent FS Anthony Smith was one of two backup safeties the Packers were considering. It probably made little difference which one signed in Green Bay. The other one, Cleveland FS Mike Adams got a seven figure signing bonus to stay in Cleveland. Smith barely made it to six figures:

"A source with access to the contract signed by Smith said it was for two years and contained a bonus of $100,000.

Mike Adams, another safety considered by the Packers, went back to Cleveland last week for a three-year, $4.1 million deal. His contract contained a $1.25 million signing bonus and $250,000 in guaranteed base salary."

GM Ted Thompson sure knows how to drive a bargain.

CB/S Jarrett Bush update. With Smith signed, it doesn't seem necessary to keep Bush around. He really didn't play well last season. For every good play he made on special teams, he seemed to draw a hold on kick coverage or a stupid 15 yard penalty. He's drawn interest in Tennessee, where they need to add depth in the secondary. And in Baltimore, where they are basically reloading their entire secondary. Last season Baltimore signed former Packer CB Frank Walker as a free agent, and he had a pretty good 2008 season, so maybe they like signing former Packers.

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Comments

That mock is really bad, and doesn’t know Thompson!!! NO WAY Packers take T. Jackson at #9!!! Really big reach IMO… At 15-20 I can see Jackson, but not in top 10!

And definitely NOT w/ Raji on the board!!!

by Strohman on Mar 10, 2009 2:51 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed

Also, he was a spammer. So away he went.

Here’s a real mock draft:

9. Green Bay Packers – B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
The Packers are switching to a 3-4 defensive scheme this offseason and Raji would give Green Bay the dominant nose tackle they need. While they could also take a pass-rushing OLB here, Raji provides more value with the 9th overall pick – and less of a risk.

Although I hope they don’t draft a nose tackle with a top 10 pick. They can find guys like that later. I’d hate for them to pass up the chance for an elite left tackle or pass rusher for a nose tackle.

by Brandon on Mar 10, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions

I second the Elite LT motion!

by juggernaut400 on Mar 11, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Funny thing...

That’s exactly what I thought about with this signing…it’s like getting Frank Walker, a player that is young enough to maybe improve and contribute if their are injuries. Not a bad pickup….

by PackFaninFL on Mar 10, 2009 3:57 PM CDT reply actions

You can’t beat the price. Its a bargain if he only contributes on special teams. Anything he brings at safety is gravy in my mind

by juggernaut400 on Mar 11, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Ted Thompson is a jerk...

Anthony Smith is a bum and was not worth the paper his contract is written on. This is just another wasteful move by Ted Thompson trying to prove he can win by being frugal but not succeding at it. This guy never had the skills to cover a WR. Never had skills to crack starting lineup. As quality FA after another get signed, this is the move he makes….thanks Ted Thompson, thank you for ruining my team.

by DavdaJigy1 on Mar 14, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions