Expendable Players (or trade bait) for 2010
by MikeDB on Jan 20, 2010 11:00 AM CST
Email
PrintThe Packers have around 6-8 players who are somewhat expendable, meaning that either they don't quite fit into what the Packers are doing now, or their place on the team has been superseded by younger players. Either in combination with another player or a draft pick, these men might enable the Packers to pick up some 2nd and 3rd round picks, or maybe even a Pro Bowl type player from another team, especially as there are a few 'disguntled' players around.
The Packers are deep at linebacker, but without enough real standouts. It makes some of the crowd at LB expendable, especially if an outstanding player can be found. Trading a LB would also make sense if an excellent player at another position could be picked up, and an adequate LB could be added to make up for the loss.
For example, let say we can send A.J. Hawk to Cleveland (this would delight Cleveland fans) and exchange 1st round draft positions, we could then draft Rolando McClain LB from Alabama. We benefit (We'd have the two best young OLBs in the NFL.) and so does Cleveland (They improve at LB and still get a 1st round pick.). Another example would be to send Hawk to Cleveland for Joshua Cribbs, who isn't happy there. We get the explosive kick returner we need, and picking up a part-time LB shouldn't be too hard.
After the jump is more about who the expendable players are, and what we might be able to get in return.
The expendable players at LB are Hawk, Brady Poppinga and Aaron Kampman. Of course, Kampman would need to be re-signed first. Each of these guys has proved themselves enough to attract some interest.
Daryn Colledge has the experience to attract interest, and he is too expensive and not effective enough to keep around. Besides T.J. Lang will replace him.
With the emergence of Jermichael Finley, Donald Lee has become expendable. While Lee wouldn't attract major interest, a trade package including him could be enticing for the 20 or so NFL teams without a good receiving, decent blocking TE.
There was interest in Jarrett Bush last off season. He is a very good special team player, with some DB potential. The Packers might be able to sweeten a trade package with him.
Either John Kuhn or Korey Hall should be expendable. I can't see the Packers carrying 3 fullbacks again next year. A FB doesn't attract major interest, but either could up the ante a bit in possible trade.
While this might be a bit more controversial, I think that either James Jones or Jordy Nelson could be expendable if the right trade came along. Both are more-than-adequate, but not outstanding, 3rd receivers. And both are very good 4th receivers. Neither really seems to be capable of either replacing or supplanting Donald Driver as the 2nd WR. And there are always disgruntled WRs around. Including either Jones or Nelson in a trade could help the Packers pick up a top quality wideout. And having another star at WR would enable Driver to move to the no 3 slot and continue his career in a way that would help both him and the Packers.
The last idea of trading either Jones or Nelson intrigues me, because I can imagine the Packers with 3 outstanding WRs and Finley at TE. Everyone knows that Brandon Marshall is not happy at Denver, and Denver is not happy with him. Could the Broncos be enticed by a mid-round pick, a good WR and either Colledge (they're a bit weak at guard) or Hawk? Anquan Boldin would also be happy with a move. The Cardinals could use a good tackling, run-stopping ILB to complement Dansby, which we have in Hawk. Calvin Johnson would be delighted to get out of Detroit and play for a winning team, and the Lions need help at practically any position on defense. Other possibly available WRs include Braylon Edwards and Anthony Gonzalez.
I also think that it might be possible to get Oakland to trade Nnamdi Asomugha, who would solve our CB problems for the next few years. Like Detroit, the Raiders need help almost everywhere, and Al Davis doesn't seem to value his truly valuable players. Darren McFadden is another possibility.
Who are other disgruntled stars that I've missed?
More likely might be trading some of these guys and getting an additional 2 to 4 draft picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, or maybe moving up to get a better 1st round pick, or even an additional one, in the manner we got Matthews last year.
Finally, though I say that Kampman is expendable, I'd like to see Capers get a bit more creative and use Kampman as a pass-rushing specialist in different nickel and dime packages, rather than as an OLB in the 3-4. Put him and Clay Matthews on the same side in a nickel package and watch the opposing OL try and stop them.
47 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Why not keep J. Jones and Jordy and move Driver
If you think about it, Driver’s career is probably going to only go down from here. Love the guy, but if you think Jordy or Jones or both have a chance to improve through more involvement, then it sort of depends on what you can get for Driver. He’s probably not a number 1, but a 2 or a 3 might be had.
Sad to say, but I suspect this is more the style of TT, than trading Jones or Jordy. He likes youth, and he’s rather move out a vet who might be on the downslope for a kid with potential.
that would be PR death
for the best reciever in GB history
2010 White Sox - Benching our way to the playoffs.
DD is our Go to Guy
Every elite passing team has a Go to Guy. While Jones and Nelson are quality slot WR’s and Jennings is an excellent deep threat, DD is our Go to Guy. He is the guy Rodgers relies on when we need a 1st Down. Much like how Sidney Rice is the Go to Guy in MN, without the Go to Guy, the passing game is far less effective. I don’t think we’ll find a true Go to Guy in the upcoming draft, but next year there will be 5 WR’s with the height of 6’4-6’6. Those are Go to Guys.
Go Pack!
Finley
Jermichael Finley really became our Go-to-Guy in the latter part of the season. I think that you’re basically right, that having a Go-to-WR is important for a passing team. That is one reason I believe that Marshall would be a great addition. I think his off the field problems could be settled by being on a winning team, and with a better coaching staff. Maybe waiting a year to see if Jordy Nelson can develop into that sort of receiver is a good idea. If not, getting someone in the draft next year might work.
I was about to say the same thing.
Jmike is much more sure handed and aaron always seems to find him when he needs to make a play.
Wow that is a lot of speculation to digest.
I don’t have a problem moving Hawk for a good deal…if we could trade firsts with Cleveland, that would be enough for me but I don’t know if Cleveland would bite for either of those deals. Moving from 23 to 7 in the first round is a HUGE jump and I doubt AJ is enough. I also wouldn’t be surprised if CLE would want more than him for their ace returner too. I’d probably take either deal, though Cribbs is going to want a HUGE contract.
Donald Lee might be expendable, but you need depth at that position. We do a lot of 2 TE sets so you need two good TEs and while Havner caught a bunch of TDs, I don’t know if I am sold on him playing the TE2 spot. I think Lee stays.
A FB must go…honestly I don’t care who.
The WR thing is interesting. Calvin isn’t going anywhere…you can let go of THAT pipedream. Boldin would be interesting, he’d fill the void that we’ll have one day when Driver hangs it up. In that scenario, putting Jordy in the deal makes sense. Marshall has some interesting history, he can be a top 5 WR when he wants to be…I think he and Rodgers could be an amazing pair…I’d be on board there too. No interest in Braylon. I gave him a second chance when he was traded and it was the same crap…he’s overrated and I don’t want anything to do with him. Gonzalez would have to come cheap, he hasn’t shown me he’s more than a very good slot guy yet.
Geez if we could get Nnamdi, that would be amazing. I think he’s the real deal…would be fun to pair him with Woodson again too…they DO have a history. In fact, Woodson would probably help him adjust to the slow life in GB.
I don't think Marshall fits in our system
and there’s no possible way to pry Nmadi away
by Donald Driver on Jan 21, 2010 11:56 AM CST up reply actions
Oh I agree on Nnamdi.
How does Marshall not fit into our system though? curious to see what your thoughts are there. He’s very good after the catch and while his hands are a little suspect, there is no one better at getting open for quick passes. I think there is about a .5% chance of us going after him, but I woudn’t mind his talent out there.
SOrry to take so long to get back
I guess what I should say is that the Packers have a track record of getting rid of problem players as opposed to trading fo them. We don’t really have any troublesome players right now and I doubt that Thompson would want to do anything to disrupt that. As far as fitting in the offensive system, I suppose he’d do fine, but he seems to fit better as a posession reciever than the downfield threats that the Packers look for. He’d be great on the short slants, but it seems like a waste of talent. He’ll want to be the number one reciever where he goes and we don’t really do that here, we’ve always spread the ball around. Also I don’t really see Thompson giving up a high pick for him along with shelling him the money he’s looking for. But the foremost reason I don’t want to go after him is that we simply don’t need him. We have pass-catchers that are bigger and we have pass catchers that are faster and all of them have better hands. He’s doesn’t play a position of need for us, the player I want Thompson to go after is Merriman or a O-lineman.
by Donald Driver on Jan 22, 2010 1:27 PM CST up reply actions
While I mostly agree on what you said here…I haven’t seen Marshall as being a TO type of WR who throws a tantrum when he doesn’t get the ball. He does have a troubled past with off field stuff that IS very much concerning. Maybe being in GB would settle him down though like it did for Woodson. Honestly I don’t see it happening but of the names mentioned, I’d probably really only consider him and boldin and I think Boldin would be even more of a diva than Marshall would be.
by TrevorR on Jan 22, 2010 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Boldin No WAY
I live in AZ and I don’t know if you knew this but Fitzgerald restructured his contract to keep Boldin. Huh? What? Why? So Boldin could sit on the bench during the playoffs? Boldin=Overrated
by Packerfan045 on Jan 25, 2010 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
Well a very smart Packer fan once told me that a bunch of guys on the raiders have tanked it to get off the team so maybe Boldin is too! hahahaha
WOW
Not even worth a response but wow…still can’t get over it huh ?
"Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence."
by G-Force Nation on Jan 26, 2010 10:32 PM CST up reply actions
A WR with the talent Marshall has fits any system.
by packallday555 on Jan 21, 2010 5:43 PM CST up reply actions
I would trade Lee
the only time we REALLY need a two TE set is in the endzone and Havner passes him there,
would save us a bundle of cash too
2010 White Sox - Benching our way to the playoffs.
Cleveland probably wouldn’t want Hawk though. They play a 3-4 like us, and he is nothing more then average in a 3-4 system.
I’m not sure how good Havner is but if he can run block I wouldn’t mind Lee going. I also wouldn’t mind keeping him though either. Who knows.
Boldin or Marshall would be amazing haha. Think about Boldin/Marshall, Jennings, Jones/Nelson, plus Finley. We’d have the most explosive offense in the league. I could actually see TT making a trade for one of these guys if the deal is right too, just because of his apparent love for WRs but who knows! I totally agree with Edwards. He has all the talent to be a top 5 WR in the league but for some reason it just isn’t translating. Gonzalez could be interesting. I don’t think he is much more then a very good slot WR but having a really good slot WR can be valuable.
by packallday555 on Jan 21, 2010 5:43 PM CST up reply actions
I agree, Cleveland will have high demands for Cribbs, and simply because he’s a KR, he is not worth the money he’s demanding. We are not that desperate for a KR.
Lee has become more of a liability on the field as the season progressed. That is why Havner got more playing time. Therefore, I disagree with you here and GB needs to try and trade him in a package.
I agree, a FB must go. You only need 2. I’d like to keep Quin Johnson and trade either Hall or Kuhn. We could use another LB in that spot for the depth chart, which would be more beneficial to our Special Teams unit.
Calvin aint going anywhere. Boldin is overrated in my opinion and is not a true #1 WR like DD. Marshall is a Go to Guy and would be a quality replacement, but his off field issues and attitude worries me. I don’t think TT will bite on him for that reason.
Nmandi would be an excellent combo with Woodson. However, he is the highest paid CB in the NFL, and it’s not even close. Before last season, he signed a 3 year contract for $50 million. That is the richest contract ever given to a CB. So, if we get him, we will probably only have him for 2 more years, then seeing him walk with a lot of cash. Therefore, this scenario is highly unlikely.
Go Pack!
CB Watch: Cromartie from SD
Sounds like rumor mill is showing that Antonio Cromartie could be HAD for the right price this off season. This might be an interesting move for the Packers if they could get a good solidy young CB with experience in the 3-4. I think Harris would become expendable at that point…I’d be more interested in him than the LB from the same city.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=tsn-chargerschangescroma&prov=tsn&type=lgns
I would love this. He is relatively young, and him and Williams could be a good 1-2 tandem in the future for us. And having him, Woodson, and Williams would be AMAZING.
by packallday555 on Jan 21, 2010 5:44 PM CST up reply actions
Im all for Cromartie, but I doubt it happens.
This play with Cromartie is funny though, check it.
They want power. We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Jan 22, 2010 4:38 PM CST up reply actions
Put him (Kampman) and Clay Matthews on the same side in a nickel package and watch the opposing OL try and stop them.
Got my vote.
"Brandon Jennings needs a nickname before he gives himself one. Oh wait, Young Money, he already did."
by Mitchell Maurer on Jan 21, 2010 5:26 PM CST reply actions
A message to Ted...(please quit! pretty please!?)
If anyone out there can justify ANY reason to keep Colledge or Bush, I’d love to hear it. All season long, including ‘08-09 every time I saw AR getting blasted to the turf, or running for his life, Colledge would come into the picture. Not much of a blocker against average players, much less the elite of the league. As for the other side, missing tackles in traffic, and always being out of position makes for very poor pass defense. Colledge and Bush must GO! Do we even have to mention J. Harrell? Wow. We must re-sign Collins, no one in the draft, or FA would be an upgrade at a better price. Spitz has been the best OL over the last 2 seasons. A mistake not to sign him. Picket and Jolly are both good for a solid rotation on the DL. AJ Hawk has been just average for a top 5 pick. I do remember seeing him on the sidelines on passing downs. Perhaps a few league GMs have as well. I don’t see 1st rd value in ANY player that should be put up for trade. ( I hate to say this, because I really like him. ) Kampman should be traded as well, he deserves better than to languish in a defense that does not suit him. Al Harris will never be as good as he was, and may not play until late next year, if at all. If he returns, why not make him move to SS? He’s a physical player, and that might be the only way to use him. I really don’t see us moving Donald Lee, Finley was injured some this year and this offense has to have a receiving TE. The backfield needs a real 2nd head for the monster. 3 at the FB position is stupid. Not that we have one, but a real running game would help everything. Keep dreaming if you really think TT is going to go out and get and impact FA. Not many GMs out there are going to let those players walk. Cribbs from Cleveland? The fans would burn the city to the ground. Nnamdi is the only reasonable longshot. Only because Al Davis is a fool. No way TT offers up a package deal for some WR like Marshall, Johnson or Boldin. He’s too enamored with his own picks. Draft an OLT, CB, S, HB, and more depth on both lines.
Easy.
I wouldn’t keep bush, but Colledge might be good for depth.
So where in there is your justification for TT quiting? He took a team that the TT haters said was a .500 team and they went 11-5 and made the playoffs. In the past 3 seasons now they have two great seasons and one bad one. I just don’t get it.
In the past 3 seasons now they have two great seasons and one bad one. I just don’t get it.
Yeah, and our one bad season came when we had 7 starters go down with injuries during the year, 5 of which were on defense. It’s not like we can blame injuries on TT.
by packallday555 on Jan 23, 2010 2:39 PM CST up reply actions
TrevorR is right, where is there any sort of evidence in what you say that shows that TT should go? Having the youngest team in the NFL go to the playoffs twice in three years seems like a good omen for the future.
Why would anyone in there right mind get rid of Justin Harrell before preseason? We’d get nothing in return, and if he gets healthy we add significantly to our DL’s depth. If he shows he can’t do it this training camp and preseason, then he goes. It’s simple.
The Packers don’t need to go out shopping anybody. It’s bad for morale. But with several very good players, who are extra to team needs (and generally easily replaceable) it wouldn’t hurt to pursue a few special opportunities. It would be foolish to suggest that WRs Marshall or Boldin wouldn’t be an upgrade over Jones or Nelson. I also like the idea of Cromartie, Woodson, Williams and Harris as CBs in nickel and dime packages. If Cribbs refuses to play on his current contract, Cleveland may be very willing to let him go, especially for another Ohio guy. The fans will be upset for bit, but if Cleveland wins more than last year, they’ll be fine. No obstacle to a trade. Nnamdi’s made a few mildly negative comments about Al Davis’ running of the team on ESPN. Could Al Davis be persuaded to get rid of a dissenter?
As for the Packers not getting problem players, while they aren’t the Bengals or Raiders, they’ve gotten their share. TT drafted Jolly, even though he had a history that dropped him a round or so in the draft. The same with Jamon Meredith and Brandon Underwood last year. He picked up Woodson, who was seen as a whiner in Oakland. Nick Barnett has had his own problems.
I think one of the more interesting trades would be getting a top 5-10 pick (exchanging our 1st and 2-3 of the expendable players). Of course, you’d only do this if there were someone really special that you could get. Is there anyone worth a move like that? Eric Berry? Rolando McClain? I don’t think that this is an impossibility, because a really bad team would be better off gaining 3-4 good starters over 1 future star.
This sounds crazy, but I think Allen Barbre would be a good fit at LG for us and letting Colledge walk. Bush was resigned for Special Teams and backup Safety, not expecting to play CB. However, since Harris and Lee got injured, Bush was expected to play as Underwood isn’t any better at this point. Don’t give up on Harrell, his injuries in college are not the same injuries he’s facing now. He may come around yet and he’s very inexpensive. Have faith in him. Al Harris causes too many penalties with illegal contact, so putting him at Safety worries me too much.
Go Pack!
Build an O-Line
Whether we build it through free agency or the draft. A wise man once told me “Hogs are who win games and who lose em.”
They want power. We want respect...
Rumors Ive heard
1. Hawk and a 2nd round pick for Antonio Cromartie and a 3rd round pick. I love this one! Hawk isn’t really the starter now, and won’t take a pay cut, we need DE help.
2. Donald Lee will be asked to take a pay cut or be cut.
3. TT really really likes Jahvid Best for a end of 1st round pick.
4. TT would like to try and get Buccaneers offensive tackles, Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood.
5. TT would be interested in Joey Porter to team up with Matthews if he price is right. Reports say Porter has “mutual interest” in the Packers.
6. The Packers and Mark Tauscher have talked about a deal to play in 2010 and to become an assistant coach after. Tauscher is very open to that and is considering it.
7. TT thinks Ryan Clark is a great starting safety and thinks he can steal him for cheap in Free Agency.
8. MM really wants TT to get Cribbs. Thinks he would be an explosive addition to the office to run Big 5 again, and for special teams.
obviously they would all be amazing (except maybe Hawk, that would open up a MLB spot that we will have to use a draft pick on)
2010 White Sox - Benching our way to the playoffs.
also, Im really happy they are providing a future for Tauscher, since I heard he kinda broke down mentally after walking after 2008.
2010 White Sox - Benching our way to the playoffs.
Some of these would be great. Having Porter opposite from Matthews would be beastly haha! Getting Cromartie would be great, and would likely make us contenders. Having him, Woodson, Williams, and Harris would be the best secondary in the league. Ryan Clark would be a great signing. He has 3-4 experience, and is a BIG hitter.
Where did you hear all of this stuff?
by packallday555 on Jan 25, 2010 9:23 PM CST up reply actions
not doubting ur credibility
but i’m juts curious where these rumors are from
by justinlewis on Jan 26, 2010 10:39 AM CST up reply actions
wow didnt mean to get everyone too excited, they are just rumors from a friend
who got them from these sites
www.packersnews.com
www.packerchatters.com
www.jsonline.com
RIP Jim Thome 1-25-2010
an AL team not having a DH is like a giraffe fucking a mule. - larry
Haha well if some of those things happen we would be serious contenders. Porter rushing off the edge opposite Matthews could be a fix for our secondary, as well as trading for Cromartie. Getting either Penn or Trueblood could be good as well, as they are both pretty good tackles.
by packallday555 on Jan 26, 2010 7:51 PM CST up reply actions
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you should see SSS, everyone committed suicide over there myself included
RIP Jim Thome 1-25-2010
an AL team not having a DH is like a giraffe fucking a mule. - larry
by blackoutsox on Jan 26, 2010 10:57 PM CST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Acme Packing Company
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
