Bring Back Mike Wahle

by Brandon on Feb 12, 2008 12:06 AM CST in News Comment 1 comment

Seriously. Since GM Ted Thompson let LG Mike Wahle leave in free agency, it has been a rotating door at left guard. First was free agent disaster LG Adrian Klemm and since then the Packers have tried Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, and Junius Coston. None one of them has overwhelmed the coaches. The Packers already have several recent draft choices on the roster, so bringing in another draft choice or two to compete doesn't seem like a sure fire winner.

Since Wahle has been released, he probably won't require a huge contract. Plus he was arguably the Packers best lineman from 2002-2004, and was named as a Pro Bowl alternate on at least one occasion. He's played alongside several of the current starters, so there won't be a big transition. It isn't very clear why Carolina released him:

Wahle was a three-year starter with Carolina after being signed as a free agent from Green Bay before the 2005 season. But Wahle turns 30 next month and had a large salary cap figure.

"We've kind of decided we're going to change some things on the offensive line and rework that unit a little bit," Hurney said. "Mike's been here three years and has been very good for us. He made one Pro Bowl and was an alternate in another."

Although Wahle made the Pro Bowl while in Carolina, they signed him to a big contract to play tackle, but shortly into his first season with them they realized he is a better fit at guard. He also ended the 2006 season on the bench with a shoulder injury, and he might not be fully recovered from it. He might command another big contract if he is healthy because it isn't a great free agent class at guard. He may also have trouble learning how to play in a zone blocking system, but the learning curve didn't seem too steep for veteran LT Chad Clifton or RT Mark Tauscher.

It would be great to see the Packers bring in a veteran to solidify a position without a clear incumbent who can also upgrade their run and pass blocking.

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The Great Wahle of... free agency

My initial knee jerk reaction was also, hey lets pick him back up! Our guards suck eggs. But honestly, while they aren't "overwhelming", they do a fine job at protecting the guy under center. Also, our line is very young and still working out the kinks. They showed a lot of signs of dominance towards the end of the season. I mean our guys weren't kicked around like those almost undefeated guys were. And while Grants explode-thru-the-hole style was instrumental in him being a top league rusher, I would say some of that credit has to go to the line and their ability to create a massive gaping cut-back lane through some of the greatest heavyweights a defensive line has ever had.

Juice and Spitz next year, is what I'm guessing. They're the most talented and Spitz is just plain nasty. Of course, we also have Allen "The Kracken" Barbe waiting in the wings, and its hard to deny that he may be the second coming of the Great Wahle. I predict he will be our best draft pick, that is if Harrell doesn't reach his potential.

Fiscal Ted probably won't throw any large chunks of money towards Wahle and I can't really blame him. He probably hasn't aged all that well and wasn't deemed worthy of a big percentage of the cap.

I also seem to remember him saying how much he despises the cold.

by Billy on Feb 12, 2008 1:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs