2013 NFL Free Agency: Tom Crabtree Signs With Buccaneers

This just seems to be the perfect end to a disappointing week. It is being reported that former Packers’ tight end Tom Crabtree has signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since the Packers chose not to place a tender on Crabtree (who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent), the Packers do not have the ability to match the Buccaneers offer. Crabtree was a backup tight end who was able to produce as a blocker, receiver, and on special teams.

In many ways this is a similar loss for the Packers as the loss of Jennings. The depth of the team is not going to be desperate to fill his position and there seems to be others on the roster who can step in for Crabtree’s role on the roster. That said it is frustrating to see a smart and scrappy player like Crabtree leave. Losing Crabtree is another disappointment in a long line of disappointments for the first week of free agency including the loss of Greg Jennings and the failure to lock up Steven Jackson or Chris Canty to deals.

The best way I can spin this for you is by passing along a reflection of Aaron Rodgers on the losses of the week….

Change is a big part of our business. Losing friends 2 other teams is tough. Hang in there cheesehead nation, lots 2 b excited about in 2013

— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 16, 2013