Sproles?

by sicklebeat on Feb 26, 2010 7:51 PM CST

Just speculation of course, but news today that Sproles is not going to be tendered by the Chargers. I know its very out of character for Thompson to pursue someone like Sproles, but he would be a great back to have on the roster for the right amount of money. My guess is he'll be pursuing starting back salary, but I doubt there is another free agent back out there that would fill as many holes- Good in pass protection and receiving, fantastic returner, and a pretty quiet guy in the locker room. If some weird trade goes through where we trade Grant, I can definitely see us trying to sign him. It's fun to live in imaginationland, but what do you think? Good option or sheer fantasy?

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There have been no indications that the Packers are shopping Ryan Grant.

He needs a compliment, not a trade.

by StephanL on Feb 26, 2010 11:27 PM CST reply actions

Sproles would fill holes though...

…but might be looking for big dollars. Returners are at an increased risk of injury, so it’s hard to determine what they’re worth. Teams don’t like to pay these guys.

by StephanL on Feb 26, 2010 11:29 PM CST up reply actions

Sproles is NOT

a complete back. If we were to bring him in, it would be in a complementary role to someone like Grant. If bringing in Sproles meant getting rid of Grant and letting Sproles have the FT job, I am NOT at all interested. If it means we keep Grant, give him 50-60% and Sproles 40-50%, that is something I would definitely live with!

That said, I think the Tag last year will make Sproles look for the big bucks and he’ll probably sign somewhere with a crappy team that has lots of money to blow.

by TrevorR on Feb 27, 2010 12:51 AM CST reply actions

Sorry for the confusion

I did not at all mean to imply he was a complete back. He’s been a backup his entire career for the most part, and he’s too undersized for an every down type of player. That said, he does fill many of the Packers more minor needs at the moment. I do agree he is going to be too expensive to even consider- think Michael Turner signing with Atlanta- but like I said, its fun to pretend.

by sicklebeat on Feb 27, 2010 4:06 AM CST up reply actions

I wouldn’t be surprised if he got some big contrct, but whoever gets him is going to be disappointed though…just my opinion.

by TrevorR on Feb 27, 2010 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

We might be one of the best candidates

I think most teams in the league already have the one-two punch that has become more popular at RB over the last few years or are looking for a full time, #1 back and won’t pursue Sprioles. I can really picture any team in the NFC North to go after him (Vikes probably don’t have the money though). But I think he would be a great compliment to Grant and on Special Teams. Whether it is through the draft or FA we need to add some explosion to the offense with a guy that is dangerous is open space.

by justinlewis on Feb 27, 2010 8:11 AM CST reply actions

Special teams

The possibility of him as a returner is his best quality. But I’m pleading ignorance here, I’m not sure he’s a good return guy. I don’t like it that the Chargers placed the franchise tag on him last year, but now aren’t even going to tender him. What changed in the last year? Though the 2009 tag seemed questionable.

by Brandon on Feb 27, 2010 9:12 AM CST up reply actions

I think they were hoping to see he could be a complete back and learned that he just isn’t one.

by TrevorR on Feb 27, 2010 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah, I don’t know if he can be or not but he didn’t really ever get the chance because LT was always in the background. Too answer Brandon though, they probably tagged him because he is one of the better 3rd down backs in the league. Seemed like he has always been good for busting a 50-60 yard gain from a screen play or a little pass out of the backfield. I would love to see us get him but I’m sure he wants way too much money.

by packallday555 on Feb 27, 2010 1:19 PM CST up reply actions

Type of Back

With the type of blocking scheme that the Packers employ…they need a back that can find a crease and with quickness, bust through that hole with multi-directional capability. Ryan Grant is a “long-strider” meaning that he needs two or three straight ahead strides before he hits the hole and then he’s pretty much one directional (no realcut-back ability)…that’s why there’s been problems with the running game at times.

I think Sproles would be a good fit and bring multi-directional, cut-back across the grain capability and that provides alot of “home-run” potential.

by Jwriter on Feb 27, 2010 10:12 AM CST reply actions

I think you are right on.

I am a big Grant fan, but your description is correct. Sproles would be a good fit in the offense and has been a good returner. As said above, he will probably be wanting the big salary and starting back carries. The best fit would be as a complementary back to Grant as TrevorR described, so the money and carries might not be want Sproles wants.

That is too bad, I think he would be a do well in the backfield and possibly returning kicks. He can catch out of the backfield and has been an all purpose yard monster. Apparently, however, not so good on the pass blocking.

As far as not being tendered, since he was franchise tagged last year at $6.6 mil, he would be due a 10% increase. The Chargers would be paying him $7.3 mil. I can see their logic. I saw an article where the agent was looking for something in the range of $ 5 mil, which is a cut from last year, but probably closer to realistic.

It will be interesting to see how this shakes out, I would love to see him in green, but don’t see it coming together.

Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?

by BleedsbluinMI on Feb 27, 2010 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

Wow, I would love to see him signed for $5-7 million a year. Sure it would be kind of a lot but it would add that explosive element to our offense that we’re missing, and he wouldn’t only have to be a 3rd down Rb. He could occassionally come in and carry the ball on 1st or 2nd when Grant needs a spell. It would be a terrific change of pace for our running game, and with what on paper seems like it could be a pretty good interior o-line we might see our running game improve a lot.

by packallday555 on Feb 27, 2010 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

With the type of blocking scheme that the Packers employ…they need a back that can find a crease and with quickness, bust through that hole with multi-directional capability. Ryan Grant is a "long-strider" meaning that he needs two or three straight ahead strides before he hits the hole and then he’s pretty much one directional (no realcut-back ability)…that’s why there’s been problems with the running game at times.

Yes!! This is so true. I’ve always said Grant needs 3-4 strides to really get going but that just isn’t going to happen most of the time. In the zone blocking scheme like you said you have to have a Rb with quickness and good vision. While I think Grant is serviceable, he has neither of those qualities. Bringing in an Rb who can do those things could really improve our run game and in return our entire offense.

I don’t whether or not Sproles is that guy but I certainly wouldn’t be upset if we somehow signed him.

by packallday555 on Feb 27, 2010 1:22 PM CST up reply actions

cant wait till the Thomas Jones fanpost...

They want power. We want respect...

by SenorChuckles on Feb 27, 2010 11:24 PM CST reply actions

Shop Grant

Im not a fan of him (Grant) Ted shouldn’t have paid him that much after one year. I think adding a speedy guy would help him out when Grant have holes he most of the times get chased down. But weather its at RB or WR this team needs to start adding speedy players some where.

by wblake on Feb 28, 2010 11:56 PM CST reply actions

I’d like to see a speed guy added too. It would bring an extra dimension to the offense.

by packallday555 on Mar 1, 2010 12:00 AM CST up reply actions

sproles

Why does thePack need to trade Grant? sign Sproles hes takes care of the 3rd down role and the kick off return ,which everyone knows the Packers need help at!!!!

by BIRDMAN62 on Mar 4, 2010 4:50 AM CST reply actions