Cheese Curds, 3/22: Packers stand pat through free agency’s first wave

After a few big free agent names inked contracts over the weekend, it’s safe to say that the first phase of free agency is finally over. The last seven days have seen plenty of moves around the NFL, and although the Green Bay Packers still have yet to sign a player who played elsewhere in 2020, there are still plenty of good players available on the market.

The cornerback and defensive tackle positions are still pretty deep in the market, a good sign for the Packers who still have minimal cap space to use on new acquisitions. However, the team elected not to free up about $3.4 million in cap space late last week that they could have easily shifted back to 2022 by adjusting Aaron Rodgers’ contract.

One notable target is off the board, however. As soon as reports emerged that the Chicago Bears were going to release cornerback Kyle Fuller, we at APC and other media outlets speculated about the Packers being a potential landing spot. However, they had practically no time to get involved, as Fuller landed with a new team — and a familiar coach — very shortly after officially hitting the market.

The Packers can still make some moves; there will be cap space to be gleaned from a Davante Adams contract extension, which still makes sense for both parties. But for now, the team is being patient, judging the market, and hopefully will pounce when the right fit comes along.

Which free agents are left at Packers’ need positions? | Packers Wire
There are still some solid players available at cornerback and defensive line. Here's a good look at the top names still available on the free agent market.

Packers apparently pass on lowering cap by converting Aaron Rodgers’ roster bonus | Packersnews.com (subscription)
Green Bay paid out $6.8 million to Rodgers on Friday and there has been no word on converting that money into a signing bonus to spread half of it into 2022.

Giants signing WR Kenny Golladay to four-year, $72 million deal | NFL.com
Golladay might be the only wide receiver to really cash in this offseason, landing an $18 million per year contract to form a very good tandem with running back Saquon Barkley. The problem, of course, is the fact that the team's quarterback is Daniel Jones.

Denver Broncos, CB Kyle Fuller agree to one-year, $9.5 million deal | ESPN
Practically minutes after the Bears officially processed Fuller's release, the Broncos signed him to a nearly fully guaranteed contract. Don't blame Brian Gutekunst for not landing him -- it looks like Fuller was eager to rejoin Vic Fangio and the Broncos clearly wanted him badly.

Packers truly started at the grassroots level in 1919 | Packers.com
This Q&A with team historian Cliff Christl talks about the Packers' very first games, which sometimes involved drunken fans running onto the field and tackling members of the opposing team.

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After the 2020 tournament was canceled due to COVID-19, the Badgers repeated with a 2-1 overtime victory over Northeastern University on Saturday night, giving them their record-tying sixth national title! Congratulations to the team, to head coach Mark Johnson, and to Daryl Watts, who scored one of the most incredible goals you'll ever see to win it about three minutes into overtime.

Virginia police officer shot during attempt to catch an escaped cow | NBC News
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