Jermichael Finley Indicates That The Packers Aren't Even Talking About A Contract
Packers, Finley making no progress on new contract | ProFootballTalk. Green Bay Packers TE Jermichael Finley did a whole bunch of interviews at the media center in Indianapolis on Friday, and "indicated that he and the Packers have had no discussions regarding a new contract."
I'm surprised that the Packers haven't been negotiating all along. Maybe they talked with his agent and have an idea of what he wants. Maybe they don't want to negotiate against themselves at this point because they know they'll use the franchise tag on him. He might believe he's a wide receiver because he did line up wide on occasion, but more often he was lined up next to a tackle as a tight end. Maybe the Packers intend to keep him and it's just the way they do things. As Finley called it, "the Green Bay way."
That said, if he hasn't had any discussions about a new contract, that could be a strong sign they intend to let him go. While the two tight ends drafted last April aren't as good, they could be viewed as his replacement. Now his situation is starting to remind me of Cullen Jenkins. The year before Jenkins left, the Packers drafted the player they thought would replace him (Mike Neal), and then they didn't discuss a new contract with him during the 2010 season. I'm not even aware that they offered him a contract after free agency began.
On the other hand, I thought Randall Cobb was drafted as a replacement for James Jones, but the Packers ended up re-signing him anyway. There are some other differences too. Finley is six years younger and entering his prime, while Jenkins has just turned 31. Also, as an offensive player, Aaron Rodgers might something to say about it and you'd expect his opinion would carry some weight.
In the end, I'm not sure which path the Packers will take.
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They need to tag him
The only guy on our roster that might be able to replace finley would be Quarless, but he might be out for next year too. i say tag him, let him play, and show us he
deserves a long term deal.
by Katsuya89 on Feb 4, 2012 8:50 AM CST via Android app reply actions
How much would it cost to tag him though?
We only have 7 mil to play around with I think, and we still have the draft to go through. I’m for keeping Fins, but not at too much of a cost. If he wants to get paid like a top 5 TE, then he has to hold onto the ball more.
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
Projections are
That the tag for TE’s is projected to be around 5.5 million. For WR’s, its projected to be around 9.5 million. Finley may argue that he is more of a WR than TE to get that money, but the most he could hope for is to split the difference.
We can save around 5.7 million if we release Clifton (or he retires), something that is very likely. Driver is due 5 million also, with 2.2 million of that being in a roster bonus due in March. We may argue about Driver coming back next year, but if he does it won’t be for that amount of cash. We have room for both Finley and Wells, even if Finley is tagged.
He’s a TE. He can argue all he wants but its what he’s always been. If he’s tagged he’ll be tagged as a TE.
Personally, if he wants to be declared a WR, I think it hurts his value. As a TE, he’s a top 6-7 kind of player with a lot more upside. As a WR, his value goes down. Compare him against WRs getting paid 5-6 mill a year, his numbers/production don’t match up AT ALL.
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by TrevorR on Feb 4, 2012 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Suggs
Argued that he was used more as a DE than OLB when he got tagged, and he got the average of the two for his tender. Its not about what you are listed as, but where you lined up most in your last season.
I actually think Finley had a decent to good season. Not an elite TE season like we would have hoped, but 55 receptions for 767 yards and 8 TD’s isn’t half bad, especially in our spread the ball offense. Remember, Finley was used as a decoy a lot.
We're on the same page
We should have room for Finley and Wells if we sign Finley closer to the TE tag. If Quarless didn’t have that nasty injury, I would have been a little less intent on keeping Finley. D.J. Williams looks good, but he just hasn’t played enough for me to know how good he’ll be. If Finley is not signed, it will be because the coaching staff sees greatness in D.J. and foresees a full recovery by Quarless. I’m not to that point yet.
Agree that the writing seems to be on the wall for Clifton and Driver. They have been great for this franchise and it will be hard to see them go, but it happens to virtually every player at this point in their career if they haven’t already been done in by an injury. Cobb seems to be the natural replacement for Driver. Gurley should get his shot.
Driver needs to stay.
I think DD would take less money, and he’s worth it. The guy was money when the weather got bad. Jennings would drop it, Finley had hands of stone, James would be a step too late. Jordy after blabbing that for being “the white guy” he was pretty good and would get double teamed. Meanwhile, Donald is running across the middle and catching that ball every time! Thompson has one job, keep the team together and get a DE who can rush the passer and get the double team so Clay is going against a TE or RB, all Ted needed to do last year was keep Jenkins! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
He had 3 rec vs NYG.
for the game and he was covered by LB and Safeties. Imagine if Cobb was getting that coverage… He would have had a field day, not a measily 3 catches, and the Packers might have been playing last nite instead of watching at home.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
by Strohman on Feb 6, 2012 9:44 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
D.J. Williams can replace him.
Although Williams is not as big as Finley, he’s as fast with better hands. With a full off season and OTA’s Williams will be the next great weapon in the Packers offense. He’s 6’ 3" and 250lbs. He can catch anything thrown to him without all the stupid crap Finley does after each catch. Finley may turn out to be the greatest tight end in football but with all the Packers other receivers, Jennings due a contract after 2012, along with Matthews and Raji, I’d much rather let Finley go and think about the next year too. Do you really want a player who acts like he won the Superbowl after EVERY 4 YARD RECEPTION!!! We need defense and I for one would much rather see Thompson get some defensive help instead of giving that idiot all that money. Besides, I believe the second you give Finley a ton of money, you have the next Chris Johnson on your hands. Finley strikes me as one of those players whose game is suddenly gone after the big pay day.
by sonny113006 on Feb 4, 2012 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Players need to act more like this after plays...

Instead of this after almost non-plays
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 4, 2012 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
You do realize that he got a 15 yard excessive celebration flag on his last sack before that, right?
I don’t recall Finley ever getting an excessive celebration flag.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
by Wiedmann on Feb 4, 2012 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I hope that's Realtime speed and he really ran that fast to the bench
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 4, 2012 5:39 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
What?
That doesn’t make any sense. Williams is nowhere near as athletic or as big as Finley is. He has shorter arms, shorter strides, is 2-3 inches shorter, and a different type of TE than Finley. I think Williams can become a weapon in the offense, but in a different way than Finley, more of a Dallas Clark type of weapon.
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Williams is as much a replacement for Finley as Neal was for Finley.
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Fail, or sarcasm
I’m not sure which
15-1 [One and done... *SIGH*]
Back on track to Super Bowl XLVII!
MattFlynn4StartingQB
I think he meant:
Williams is as much a replacement for Finley as Neal was forFinleyJenkins.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
No problm, Trvor
Whatvr I can do to hlp.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
by Wiedmann on Feb 4, 2012 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Your Dellusional
If you think Williams is anything close to Finley in talent. He’s small, so he can be easily covered by Safeties if not LB. And he’s not particularly fast or quick either. He’s a good reciever, but other than this year Finley has never had trouble catching the ball, so to say he has better hand is a serious reach. The coaches say that Finley has the best hands on the team! Driver does as much stupid crap after a catch as Finley, but you all love him to death!
I get that everyone is frustrated by his drops this year, so am I, but this is a one year aberration for Finley!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Without the usual Stroh anger, I agree.
Williams is a good receiver but not nearly of the same mold as Finley. Williams is a good, productive TE type, Finley is a game changer. The only one who can match Finley in playmaking is Quarless and if we don’t like Finley’s drops then Quarless is barking up the wrong tree. Finley has had great hands up until this year and the coaches are surprised at his in game drops. Quarless has been dropping balls throughout his college and pro career and we don’t even know when he’ll be back. Finley celebrates in a more flagrant way than Driver and his twitter love is annoying but he celebrates no more often than Driver and many athletes have twitter, including Rodgers. I can’t see any part of what Stroh said that I disagree with.
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 4, 2012 5:44 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
And back to Driver, he's shown great hands throughout his career and got back to showing them with more rest this year
But last year he dropped the ball as badly as Finley did this year and we didn’t hate him for it
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 4, 2012 5:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Did I miss something?
Didn’t the packers win a superbowl with Finley on the sidelines? And just lose to the Giants with him? I say if he wants too much money let him go and use it elsewhere. I’d rather see them keep Driver for another year. At least he can hold on to Rodgers fastballs in crunch time.
Yes
Obviously Finley being healthy is the reason the defense sucked so much this year
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lololololol
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by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 5, 2012 4:59 AM CST up reply actions
We also won The Superbowl with Charlie MF Peprah starting at safety yall..!
by Tracker J Dunn on Feb 4, 2012 9:59 PM CST up reply actions
It would be wise for Fish Man to keep his gills shut.
But,of coarse,I’m already holding the door open to let him walk out.
I'm still of the mind that you need to get some value in return for Flynn.
Maybe this has to do with that, maybe not.
...BRANDONJENNINGSSUX!!!
by TwoShoesMcGooze on Feb 4, 2012 9:24 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Some differances
Randall Cobb’s skill set is similar to Drivers, and I thought Cobb was drafted to eventually replace Driver in the slot. Jones is more of a physical receiver.
Both tight ends we drafted last year are not the same match up problems as Finley. While DJ Williams may have good speed for the TE position, he doesn’t have the size to go with it. Taylor was brought in for special teams and doesn’t have the speed the other TE’s do.
The TE’s not named Quarless or Finley are just complimentary players. Nothing wrong with that, because you need complimentary players, but they just don’t bring the same skill set of Finley or the problems he makes for defenses.
it really hurt when Quarless blew up his knee
he was the only one even close to Finley’s level of size and athleticism… But it’s worth noting that if people are already complaining about Finley dropping the ball, Quarless would probably be run out of town after half a season as the starter, he drops a lot of passes.
football does not build character, it reveals character.
This might be "Management Sending A Message!?"
This might be TT’s way of telling 88 to put up, shut up or BOTH! I don’t want us to Tag 88, and I’m not really concerned if he stays or goes. I would seriously like to see him mature a little more and keep his mouth shut though.
TT’s is scouting & getting ready for the combine/Draft. Sure he’ll address 88 when he wants to. But, I’m with TwoShoesMcGooze, want TT to find a way to get more than compensatory compensation for Flynn… : ) I might have mentioned that once or twice… : )
"SOUTHERN HILLS KENNEL" ~ We Breed The Best Bitches In TEXAS!!!
GO PACK GO!!!
I believe the Pack front office is
very calculated on how they do things. TT is not going to tip his hand to Finley or his agent until they know what they are prepared to offer. Same thing happened with jones last season.
I feel that their main resign priority is Wells bc that oline is so important to this offense. Finley will get tagged at best and the team would ask others like Driver to restructure or perhaps offer him a coaching gig.
I think TT wanted Finley to take the next step in 2011 and command a long term deal but that simply didn’t happen. His small steps, relative health last year and rapport with Rodgers earned him one more try here.
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by ajd1083 on Feb 4, 2012 9:46 AM CST via mobile reply actions
A few thoughts...
1). Finley is more Bubba Franks hands vs elite TE hands.
2). Franchise Flynn and trade…must be done.
3). Rework Clifton and driver contracts…driver eventually becomes WR asst. Coach.
4). Draft russel Wilson.
5). Extend Jennings’ contract NOW!
6). Draft DT, DE, RB, S, CB, OL, OL, QB…
...
1) Selling point in the contract, on why he don’t get the big money.
2) More and more time goes on, I doubt it happens.
3) Its not that easy. The player has to be alright with doing that.
4) Why? I love Wilson, he just doesn’t fit the mold.
5) Possible but remember that Clay and Raji are next and are out playing their rookie contracts.
6) DE/OLB, DE/OLB, S, CB, OT, QB, DT (We have Starks, Saine, Green and don’t need any more RB)
by king.nothing on Feb 4, 2012 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
More thoughts
1) Agree
2) Flynn tag & trade….not gonna happen. Matt Flynn = 3rd round compensatory pick.
3) Clifton and Driver = gone. Need money for Finley, Wells and draft picks
4) I like Wilson. Not sure GB’s front office does.
5) Extend Jennings if $ is left after Matthews and Raji.
6) TE, TE, TE, WR, WR, QB, QB……..wait no……OLB, DE, S, DT, OT, QB, CB
by Icebowler on Feb 4, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
How does the compensatory pick work?
I highly doubt we tag him as well and have seen people say we get like a 5th or 6th
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With my last breath, I curse Zoidberg!
by RaY210 on Feb 4, 2012 1:22 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
The process is secret
but it has to do with performance/contract.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
Wiedmann gave the short version...
Here’s the long version:
The compensatory picks are positioned within the 3rd -7th rounds based on the value of the compensatory free agents lost the year before. Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The formula was developed by the NFL Management Council and, as Wiedmann said, is somewhat secret, although most people can eyeball a 3rd round compensatory pick (which is the highest draft compensation you can get without making some kind of draft day trade with another team).
Since it is presumed that Flynn would be a starter with his new team, sign a decent contract and put up decent numbers, the Packers would receive a 3rd round compensatory pick the following draft for parting with him, unless somehow (unlikely) the Packers signed 1 or more free agents which had equal or more value than Flynn as deemed by the Council. You only receive compensation if you have a net loss of free agent talent, which is why some teams do not receive compensatory picks even though they may lose a free agent or 2.
Can't trade compensatory picks...
From what I’ve read of others, it seems like it has alot to do w/ compensation and little less to do w/ performance. For us to get a 3rd rd comp pick, Flynn would have to sign a pretty lucrative contract, guessing 8M per year or so and be the starter and put up really good stats. I don’t know, but my guess is team record isn’t considered in the process.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
He didn't say anything about trading compensatory picks...
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
really?
which is the highest draft compensation you can get without making some kind of draft day trade with another team).
That sounds like trying to trade a comp pick,since that is the entire topic of his comment!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Well, then, your reading comprehension has failed you again
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
I guess your ignoring the fact that his entire comment is about Compensatory picks.
Not too mention that sentence…
And he does say, and I quote "highest draft compensation you can get without making some kind of draft day trade "
But don’t let that stop you from arguing otherwise AGAIN!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
That seems to indicate that you cannot get a higher than 3rd rounder compensatory
Yet you can trade into the first two rounds. It doesn’t seem to read that you would trade a compensatory pick
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Feb 4, 2012 7:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
What's happening AGAIN is that you think you're smarter than everyone else
and you are proving you are not with your comments.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
by Wiedmann on Feb 4, 2012 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Whats your Fuckin Problem?!
Everything is fine till you open your pie hole and start an argument, and then it calms down and you have to open your fuckin trap to start if off AGAIN?! Are you a fucking moron or what?! Why the hell don’t you learn to keep your mouth shut and let it end! I recognized that when Budda explained it and every one move on but YOU! Just cuz I misunderstood isn’t a reason to start ANOTHER fucking argument is it?! Well I guess it isn’t unless your a complete JACKASS Like You!!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Maybe if you had replied to Buddha saying, "Oh, I guess I was wrong"
I wouldn’t have replied. But what did you do?
How am I supposed to know the issue was resolved?
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
My lack of response to Budda
Should have told you all you needed to… And then my response to Icebowl, just below, should have been more than enough…
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
and icebowlers original comment should have been enough to know he wasn't talking about trading compensatory picks.
Why would him saying it again mean you understood?
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
After reading this post, it's pretty clear who the jackass is here.
football does not build character, it reveals character.
by sheehan on Feb 5, 2012 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Said by the guy
Who admitted and was found guilty of baiting arguments?! Classic!!!!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Ooh I almost missed another classic Weidshroh argument. Yeah that is right, you are now a couple since you fight like a married couple on the brink of a divorce.
The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010
We stay together for the sake of the children.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
LOL…that is a SCARY image you just placed in my head.
The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010
I bet it'd be even more frightening if you knew what the two of us looked like.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
To set the record straight
I wasn’t saying you could trade a compensatory pick (which you cannot do). I was just saying that the only way you can get more value for a player BESIDES a compensatory pick is to make a deal on draft day for a 1st or 2nd round pick, which would be outside of the confines of the compensatory system and therefore not governed by its rules. Sorry for not being clearer on that one.
Wasn't being critical
Just clarifying… The rest of my original comment wasn’t even about that, but about how they determine the comp picks.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
To get a 3rd for Flynn he would have to do more than just put up "decent" numbers
3rds are pretty rare.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
From what I have read,
the contract/salary factors in higher than anything else, including stats. If he signs a big deal, it will tilt the table strongly in our favor. To give a bit of perspective, we received a 4th round compensatory pick for Aaron Kampman, and its not like he played lights out when he left GB. GB has recieved 3rd round compensatory picks in the past, but you’re right there have been a few head scratchers in the past.
Another reason why 3rd round compensatory picks are less frequent
is because typically a team may sign a free agent at another position or 2 where they have a greater need, which the council can use to offset or negate the value of the player you lost. If you get rid of a big free agent and don’t pick anyone (free agent) up there’s a decent chance you can get a 3rd or 4th round comp pick.
No they're not
Clay and Raji are next
Jennings’ contract expires after 2012. Raji & Matthew’s contracts expire after 2013.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
No after Jennings
In terms of getting contract extensions. Sorry I didnt’ clarify. I mean, its possible to extend Jennings now, but Raji and Clay are next in line, so we need to watch how we spend the money.
Ah, okay, I see what you're saying now.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
Rbs
Our rbs are not good. Grant gone, starks is a 3rd stringer, seine sucks and Green is an unknown. Lose seine and draft a speedy guy, which we don’t have.
Picket is old, we need a DT and de…
Saine
Not Seine, is a 220 lb RB who ran a 4.4 40. That not fast enough for you? I’ll take that over a 200 lb RB who has the same speed and can’t block. Unless you wanna put Rodgers health at risk w/ having a smaller RB, a la Bush or Best.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
You do realize
That we are a pass happy team. Saine is a great player, from his plays this year.
please stop with the tag and trade Fylnn
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I don't think Finley is worth elite money
look, the guy has the dropsies with one of the best QBs in the game getting him the ball. Yes Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski are great, but part of the reason they’re dominant is that they have great QBs throwing to them. Guys like Vernon Davis get it done with Alex Smith.
Finley is talented, but I don’t think he’s worth big money. With Rodgers in there we can roll out a “less talented” guy that as long as he can hold on to the ball, will be productive because you knows Rodgers will deliver it
by rip_city_swagger on Feb 4, 2012 2:24 PM CST reply actions
Case of the dropsies
I was really expecting to open this thread to see a bunch of replies to the effect of “Wide receivers catch balls, not drop them” or perhaps a more cynical “He may line up wide, but even when he’s targeted he’s not always receiving them.”
I like the group of recievers/tight ends currently on the roster, Finley included, but keeping 5 TEs last year was kinda… odd. Does keeping Finley mean letting Crabtree go, if only for roster space?
Williams ahead of Crabtree
I could see Williams going ahead of Crabtree because we have more value for a blocking TE if Finley stays.
just no. Crabtree would be the first one gone, or Taylor. I figure they value a great ST player over a good blocking TE who can’t catch (last target in playoffs was a very short middle throw that would’ve been a first down but was dropped—as far as I can recall, that night is still a little bleh). Williams has much higher upside.
by Tracker J Dunn on Feb 4, 2012 10:08 PM CST up reply actions
Where is all this can't catch stuff coming from?
I seem to remember Crabtree catching a TD against the Eagles last year in the playoffs, as well as catching balls over the past two seasons. He dropped one pass and now he can’t catch?
Williams had some trouble catching the ball near the end of camp, does that mean he can’t catch?
I don't think so.
We may have 5 TEs, but it’s not like they all do the same thing. Taylor is a ST player who is only listed as a TE. Crabtree is the blocker. Finley is our stud. Williams and Quarless are developmental prospects, ad one is a more traditional TE while the other is more of an H-back.
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Finley has shown potential without breaking out like Graham and Gronkowski. He’s played well, but inconsistently. He doesn’t really block well, and he isn’t as physical as he needs to be. A dominating TE needs to be able to overcome a LB who tries to push him off his route.
For me, he is a hard read. I’d hate to see TT let him go, but I’m not convinced that he’ll ever live up to his potential. I know that some are really “in love” with him and others have developed a “Finley-hate-complex,” but I’d just like to see a big, speedy, reliable TE that Rodgers can count on.
if he goes, i BET chicago drops a mint on him.
all the times he’s killed those guys. seems like the only team he’s super awesome against. if this happens, crap. look out. we’re in trouble.
we need to get clifton to retire.
see if collins is coming back.
get driver to drop down to 3.0 mil
get woodson to go down to about 8 mil.
doubt that will all happen. but we can all hope for the best, right? otherwise, alot of our stars are going to walk becuase we’ve got our old guys on the hook for big final year contracts.
Driver should be much lower than 3 mil
If he comes back he’ll be at best the 4th WR and he can’t play STs like most backup WRs do. I’d say about half that would be fair for him if he wants to play again.
"I'm here to talk about the economy today -- about the need to get four quarters of strong, consistent performance. That wasn't another Jay Cutler joke, I swear. It could be, but it's not."
yeah maybe 2.5M max, hopefully down near 1.5-2M. Personally I love DD, would love him to start coaching, I always used to hire him as my coach in Madden when he retired ha! I think we need to get Gurley on this team and see what he can give us, he’s going to be playing somewhere next season, might as well be here. I don’t know why they would keep him around otherwise.
by Tracker J Dunn on Feb 4, 2012 10:12 PM CST up reply actions
Wouldn't waste the money of him for the vet min!
Just taking a roster spot from a young player who has the potential to improve. I get everyone love Driver, I do, but seriously, its time to move on already.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Woodson
I don’t know how much he is going to be making. I’m sure he’s worth every penny of his contract-most people know how important he is to us, but I would love to see him take a little smaller piece of the pie. He is getting into the twilight of his career and I bet he is hungry for another SB win, that cap space becomes more and more important the closer we want to be.
by Tracker J Dunn on Feb 4, 2012 10:11 PM CST up reply actions
Rodgers MVP
Heres a shout out to Rodgers and his landslide victory over Brees for the MVP. 48 votes to 2. Hell Ya!
by holsteinhill on Feb 4, 2012 7:54 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Well deserved....
Hope its the first of several.
A few late thoughts
Tag Finley for 1 year, then let him walk
Thank Chad Clifton and Donald Driver for their commitment to the Green Bay Packers, and wish them well in their future endeavors…
LET MATT FLYNN WALK, DON’T TAG!! We still get a supplemental pick, right?
Draft OL, DL and DB not necessarily in that order
Decide if Scott Wells is the center of the future (I vote for Peter Konz)
Thank someone for the good fortune of being able to draft Aaron Rodgers, the current NFL MVP, reigning Super Bowl champ (for 1 more day) and our level headed leader for years to come!! Go Pack!
a late reply
1. It would be a good idea to tag him if there is no possible way to move Flynn. If you do tag him though, it would be foolish to predetermine his future before you see the results.
2. Agreed, keep them around in any other capacity than player if possible.
3. If there is no way to get greater compensation (which no one can really say definitively at this point-only time and TT will decide). The comp pick could be up to a 3rd rounder (end of round)
4. OL defnitely not needed early… It was a great move to go OT these past two years in round 1 because of the value and need, but with all our OLine spots set besides C I don’t think we need to find a 1st rounder- OL is a much better strength of ours than say the DL or LB at this point in time.
5. I don’t see how they get rid of wells, he is still in a productive period of his career, he may have peaked with this pro bowl season, but I think he will continue to produce and stay healthy for at least another contract. Konz would be a great pick.. if we could steal him in the 2nd.. I know thats highly unlikely, but our Defense needs new blood way more.
6. Go Pack!
by Tracker J Dunn on Feb 5, 2012 3:26 AM CST up reply actions
Konz
Konz would have to be the Pack’s first round pick. I just don’t see the value of letting go of a very good vet like Wells, replacing him with a rookie, and ignoring the pass rush in favor of three straight year’s of O-line picks. We desperately need to reduce the pocket time of our opposition.
by CourtesyLaughs on Feb 5, 2012 10:01 AM CST up reply actions
response.
1. Tag Finley and sign him to a long term contract when you get the numbers straight.
2. Both are done… Completely agree
3. Don’t see a way to tag and trade Flynn. Just don’t have the cap room for it.
4. Disagree here a little. 1st and 2nd should be OLB/DE, then DB (either CB or Safety) in mid and an OL or 2 later.
5. Wells will be interesting. I don’t want to see EDS starting at Center, but at the same time its Thompson’s philosopy to let 30+ yr old players walk.
6. Many thanks to the Many teams that passed on Rodger, especially the Vikes who did so TWICE, so we have Rodgers!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
by Strohman on Feb 5, 2012 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I think the Packers are really struggling with what to do with Finley
Talking with differnt Packer insiders Finley has continued to have multiple incidents off the field that have not been made public and not because the media does not know about it. I was at a fund raiser and a reporter was a speaker and he described several incidents that make me feel TT will let him walk rather than give along term contract. If he can be franchised at the TE price the talent is there to keep him around another year.
I usually have my mind made up on what I would do if in my fantasy land I were GM. but on the matter of Finley I am undecided. If there were no salary cap and money were limitless I would say sign him. His performance on the field has not been top 5 TE. He has all the potential to be as good as it gets but that has to translate to the field. It will be interesting to seewhat TT does I’m sure it wil be the right decision.
if
I find it somewhat difficult to believe
that the media would know about any Finley off field incidents w/o reporting them. I know the Packers are powerful, but I don’t see every news outlet not reporting them, or them getting leaked to a much larger media outlet and not getting reported and totally covered up. Sorry, but I just don’t buy it. With the amount of coverage of the NFL and everything that the Packers portray if Finley has had that many incidents they would get out one way or another. And think of the backlash if they do get out and its found out that the Packers covered it all up?! They would take ALOT of heat, and deservedly so… Too many holes in this to think its a very real possibility!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
I tend to agree with you. I’ve read couple comments over the last couple months that made similar references. I’m suspicious of semi-anonymous comments claiming to have inside connections that know secrets. If someone knows an incident that really happened – have the balls to say it!! Don’t just make vague allusions.
by MikeDB on Feb 5, 2012 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Your not living in the real world
Have only brought it up, I believe twice in my time here but I live within 75 yards of 3 board members. The PR director lives across the street. The fellow that just resigned lives 2 houses over, I laugh alot because what is reported in the paper often is the exact opposite of what they are thinking. I get to talk to personnel people all the time and had a nice conversation with the head coach last week his wife Jessica is my next door neighbors exwife; Little Jack and George, McCarthy’s step kids are at my home quite often.
You must also believe that the way politics is repoted on TV and in the paper is the truth, I don’t believe your that naive.
Sorry on second thought should have not brought it up
I can’t come on here and say so and so with the packers told me this because that would be wrong but the Finley thing was told to a fairly large group by a reporter and I have been told the same thing by people in the organization
So we're to believe
That all these people know of multiple incidents, from people w/in the organization, to all the local media, to fans, and not a one of them has ever decided to come out in the public w/ any of these incidents? All the media are covering it all up, w/o leaking a word of it to someone at ESPN for a little extra $$$, so ESPN or some other national media outlet can drop the big story? I know the Packers are powerful, but w/ the way the NFL/Packers are covered locally and nationally I don’t see them being able to cover incidents like this up w/ all the people you say know about it!
I’ve heard you mention your “insider” connection before… I don’t think I bought it then, and I sure as hell don’t now! Way too easy for some schmuck media guy at one of the local TV/news outlets to leak it to a large natl outlet and stay anonymous and get a little extra cash on the side and have the Natl outlet report it…
I think your the one not living in the real world!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
by Strohman on Feb 6, 2012 9:53 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Fine I won/' tbring some things up again because you read it o JS Online
by the yooper on Feb 7, 2012 8:32 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I Don't care if you do or not!
But if it doesn’t make sense I’m going to challenge it!
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
More Late Thoughts...
Draft OL, DL and DB—" not necessarily in that order"
Konz is more wishful thinking then anything else, TT won’t take him 1st round with more pressing needs on Defense, and he won’t make it to us in rd 2, unless TT values him and moves up, like he moved up to get Matthews. Which he could maybe do with the compensatory 3rd rd pick for Flynn??
We need more athletic D-Linemen and better depth and speed in the secondary!!
Compensatory picks
Are awarded the year after the player is lost, so the pick for Flynn will be in the 2013 draft., and they can’t be traded.
We should be getting two fourths this year though (Jenkins and Colledge), so we could use our 3rd and 4th round picks to move up and target a player we like.
Some of what we are going to do in the draft revolves around Collins. If he comes back (I think he will) DB is far less of a concern, could use some depth though. Even if he doesn’t come back, I think DE and OLB are two areas that have more questions than our DB’s though. After those two are addressed, the rest are really depth and developmental picks IMO.
Should be interesting to see what compensatory picks we get
Definitely a high one for Jenkins (5 yr/$25 mil) & a high one for Colledge (5 yr/$27.5 mil: thanks again for overspending, Arizona!). Maybe something late for Brandon Jackson (2 yr/$4.5 mil), Korey Hall (2 yr/$2.7 mil), or Jason Spitz (3 yr/$4.5 mil), too.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
2 4th round picks?
Would be my guess for Jenkins and College. And maybe a 6th or 7th for Jackson, Hall, Spitz. Don’t know or have a basis for comparison, but that seems reasonable. What did Kampman bring us? Seems he signed a contract similar to those of Jenkins and Colledge and only played 8 games. Have to think we’ll get the 2 4th rd picks and maybe the others will boost one of the 4th to a 3rd.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Kampman
Brought in a 4 for us. Kampmans’ contact was 4 years 24 million for a comparison. Jenkins contract is for 5 years 30.75 million while Colledges’ is for 5 years 27.5 million. Those numbers are all from Rotoworld by the way.
So just on a salary comparison, Colledges would be a little less but Jenkins is similar. But comp picks are based on salary and performance as you and other people have mentioned, which should mean Colledge will net us a 4th. Jenkins might fetch a 3rd (performance and contract), but I see that as wishful thinking.
Risk vs Reward
Honestly I’m happy with whatever the FO does with Finley. At a 5mil franchise tag, I honestly would rather pick up a pass rushing FA for that amount. Not that I think we’ll do it, just feel it would be a safer investment if it is there (IMO). I feel our off is amazing with or without him. With our WRs we just need anybody with reliable hands at TE. Teams have enough trouble with our 4 wideout spread. Tori Gurley is 6’5" and runs a little bit faster 40, but not as physical as Finley. Food for thought if you are talking about him as a pure receiver, its not like Finley is our go to blocker. I feel like we will move away from Driver after hearing him talk to the media and his salary vs production.
Hopefully OTAs get our LT settled for next year, just don’t think we can keep Clifton around at his pay/age. I don’t think we will have are permanent starting solution worked out for LT by the beginning of next year.
Obviously I would love to see us address our pass rush in the draft, maybe grab 2 or 3 in the first 3 rounds if we like what we see. DE/OLB should be deep this year. I think we’ll see a lot of teams over reaching for Off players this draft.
As far as comp picks go let’s hope for a third, but probably two 4ths. Love the guy, but there is noway we franchise Flynn we couldn’t afford to. Then again we can always cut our league MVP to pay him ;p
Is it legal for a fan to offer a player money to compensate them to take less on $ on their contract? just curious…
Sign Finley, then Trade for ROLB/DE
With pressure opposite CMIII and No Finley – Packers win SB.
With Zero pressure opposite CMIII and having Finely – Packers lose in first round.
Sign, then trade for picks and/or a player TT KNOWS will pressure QB opposite CMIII.
p.s. Flynn signs with GB, then traded to Miami (i.e Matt Cassell to KC).
2 problems
1st we would have to have the cap room to sign him for a trade. 2nd why would he sign with us, so we can trade him and hurt his future team by taking their draft picks? I would love for us to get some extra picks, just don’t see it happening.

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