Packers 2012 Free Agents: Scott Wells

by Brandon on Feb 1, 2012 10:00 AM CST in Green Bay Packers Free Agency

It's been a long time since Scott Wells wasn't in the starting lineup for the Green Bay Packers. He missed four games combined in 2007 and 2008, mostly due to back problems. And when he didn't play, It seemed like the offensive line didn't function as well as they struggled with power rushers and blocking assignments. It's hard to tell how well a center is playing, but overall the quality on the interior of the line suffers when a center is a problem. And the interior of the Packers line was outstanding last season.

Also a good sign: Mike McCarthy wants him back next season.

This is a secondary concern, but the Packers don't have anyone to replace him either. Evan Dietrich-Smith would be OK if he became the starter, but he's much better suited as a backup. They would have to draft someone who could be a legitimate replacement at either guard or center, and I'd rather not have them worry about using a high draft pick on a center when they need more players on defense.

The fact that he just made his first Pro Bowl won't make him any cheaper. He should receive a contract of around five years and $25 million which would be similar to recent contracts given to Vikings C John Sullivan, and former Packers LG Daryn Colledge.

Poll

What will the Packers do with Scott Wells next season?

Re-sign him

1059 votes

Let him go and draft a replacement

64 votes

1123 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 18 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

if they don't resign him, I'll be very mad

I am too drunk to taste this chicken.

by ThroughBeingCool on Feb 1, 2012 10:29 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

gotta get him back

he’s a probowler and the best lineman on the team. plus McCarthy often mentions how well he coordinates the line and makes sure everyone has their assignments. resigning him has to be a top priority in this offseason

"I was so drunk I thought a tube of toothpaste was astronaut food"
My Twittah!

by Wisco12 on Feb 1, 2012 10:32 AM CST reply actions

i'd like to find out who voted to let him walk and draft someone

hahaha

by StevieV17 on Feb 1, 2012 10:48 AM CST reply actions

"Who voted to let him walk"

Probably some one from the Sea Hawks coaching staff.

I would hate to see him go. We’d be singing the blues again ala
Cullen Jenkins and even Nick Barnett. . He’s definitely a keeper.

We need a big time DE and a reliable tight end who can catch. I would
hate to see a lot of money wasted on Finley and let Wells slip away to help
one of the opposition destroy our defense again. Quarless can replace
Finley easily if all Jermichael can do is drop passes that hit him in the hands
or belly. If he wants big $s then happy trails.

BJK

by Crotext on Feb 1, 2012 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe you don’t remember Quarless blowing his knee up? ACL and MCL completely torn, its completely up in the air to see how effective he will be next year, if at all. I’m pretty sure he will start on the PUP list at least. I think we need Finley and Wells back.

by Tracker J Dunn on Feb 1, 2012 1:28 PM CST up reply actions

I don't necessarily agree with the Finley stuff you said

I think Finley will be good…..after he takes the rocks out of his hands. I agree with you that Wells is vital for the Packers to keep

by StevieV17 on Feb 1, 2012 3:15 PM CST up reply actions

Finley

Has NEVER had trouble catching the ball before. Your basing his entire career and willing to let him walk for that one year when he dropped a few more than he should have? Every reciever on the team and every coach has stated that Finley has the best hands on the team. Apparently you didn’t notice that the offense went from being very good to pretty much impossible to stop this season! A large part of that was due to the attention Finley gets from the D. Quarless is nothing but a good blocking all around TE. He isn’t half as good as Finley. Remember that fake punt Flynn threw him? He couldn’t even stay on his feet to catch the ball but you think he can easily replace Finley? Epitome of Dumb…

Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!

by Strohman on Feb 1, 2012 9:47 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

You and me both.

They can not be serious he is a great center.

by I bleed green more on Feb 1, 2012 8:11 PM CST up reply actions

We absolutely need these draft picks for other positions (defense).

It’d be a shame to have to waste one on a position where we have a capable player ready to sign.

A samurai sword collection. If you can do it. I don’t know if you’re allowed.

by TwoShoesMcGooze on Feb 1, 2012 10:54 AM CST reply actions

It all depends on the contract.

The Packers will want to front-load any bonuses so they’re not stuck with dead money if Wells’ play falls off a cliff in a year or two. If they can’t agree on the signing bonus and terms – or if Ted and Mike think that EDS can do the job and they need the money elsewhere (hello, Jermichael) – Wells will play for another team next year.

by Ebongreen on Feb 1, 2012 10:58 AM CST reply actions

No way do I give any of Scott Wells money to

oops,not again,butter fingers,I’m suppose to catch that,right,Yotto,what route was that,look I’m a fish…swiggle,swiggle,swiggle…Finley!!!

by Tarynfor12 on Feb 1, 2012 11:09 AM CST up reply actions

Great, good to know your opinion...

13.

"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."

by Wiedmann on Feb 1, 2012 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

I heard your pacing footsteps of anticipation and worry of when it was coming.

by Tarynfor12 on Feb 1, 2012 12:50 PM CST up reply actions

No brainer.

Hopefully the coaching staff learned from the Jenkins fiasco and see the value in keeping a guy like Wells. Would hate to see him go.

by leftisbetter on Feb 1, 2012 1:03 PM CST reply actions

Depends on how much.

Not sure if I’d be comfortable on giving him a 5 year/$25 mil contract. I think he’s solid enough, but not for that much money.

I wouldn’t mind getting an interior lineman in the first four rounds, regardless of if he re-signs or not. I’m not completely sold on EDS being the 1st man up on the inside, and, while there are more pressing needs on the defense, we won’t need to spend all of our early picks on defense (though, most of them should be). I can’t think of a position on the offense that needs addressing more than the interior line. Assuming Wells re-signs: Lang is adequate enough, but relegating him to a back-up role would be fine by me.

13.

"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."

by Wiedmann on Feb 1, 2012 2:06 PM CST reply actions

Ask the Cowboys what happens when you have a bad center.

Wells is the anchor for that line and losing him would hurt. Here’s a little reminder just how important a veteran guy like that is.

by stratefaced on Feb 1, 2012 2:19 PM CST reply actions

I voted to keep him

Wells is an integral part of the O line, a good blocker, has great communication with everybody out there, and we don’t have a decent enough of a backup yet. 5 years at 25 mil is a bit steep though. Maybe something like 4 years at 18 mil would be better. 25 mil is almost Joe Thomas kind of moolah

When life gives ya lemons, shut up and eat your damn lemons.
Brett Favre will lead the Vikings to a Victory in Super Bowl XLVI, Guaranteed! - REVENGE4FAVRE

by P-Townfan on Feb 1, 2012 4:51 PM CST reply actions