Notes on the Packers heading into the Off Season

[porky88]

The late-season demotion of Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila from an every-down defensive end to a pass-rushing specialist has sparked speculation that he may make waves this offseason or draw scrutiny for having an excessive salary for a backup player. However, GM Ted Thompson unequivocally stated that he didn’t expect any problems from “KGB” in his new role. “Kabeer is a professional football player in the truest sense of the word,” Thompson said. “I’ve never heard one cross word. He’s always got a smile on his face; he’s always working to get better. He’ll do what’s best for the team. A lot of people talk about the role he’s going to have, but he’s going to play a lot of football.” Thompson also revealed that he’s working with restricted free agent Cullen Jenkins, KGB’s replacement at first-string right end, on a long-term deal.

Pro Football Weekly

While reiterating that he wants unrestricted free-agent RB Ahman Green back, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy indicated that he believed Green was still capable of 20-22 carries per game at this stage of his career.

GM Ted Thompson confirmed that the Packers have begun discussions with MLB Nick Barnett on a contract extension. Barnett is set to become a free agent after next season.

After ranking dead last in the special-teams rankings compiled by the Dallas Morning News for a second straight season, Packers GM Ted Thompson indicated that the third phase will be a priority this offseason.

Pro Football Weekly

Overall it sounds like the Packers do value Ahman Green even when he's approaching age 30. No indication on whether they'd get into a bidding war for him though.

The Jenkins talks have been confirmed by this source so anyone doubting the other thread can stop. It's legit.

KGB could be back which I believe would be a mistake.

I'm very happy to hear that Barnett and the Packers are talking long term extension. That means Thompson sees Barnett in the Packers plans long term.

 

[TOPackerFan]

Why do you think having KGB back is a mistake? He's the one true pass rusher we have on our roster right now.

 

[porky88]

Why do you think having KGB back is a mistake? He's the one true pass rusher we have on our roster right now.

He's no longer good at what he does. He's an average player in my opinion. Average against the pass and bad against the run. If we keep him I hope I'm wrong. Maybe not being an every down player will help him.

 

[TOPackerFan]

I thought he played better at the end of the year when he didn't have to play every down. He's not Julius Peppers, but he's a solid DE against the pass.

 

[porky88]

I thought he played better at the end of the year when he didn't have to play every down. He's not Julius Peppers, but he's a solid DE against the pass.

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187542/gamelogs/2006

He only had one sack. I only remember one big play late in the year and it's when he caused the fumble against Seattle. Funny thing is he had an awful game too. I hope your right. We'll see. If Green Bay manages their cap well they should have no problem affording KGB. However if we can get a deal done with Adalius Thomas (whom GB might take a look at) then I believe KGB needs to go to create cash and a roster spot.

 

[PackerLegend]

KGB is fine and can stay the only problem is how much money he is going to get for not having a big role anymore thats a problem and like a rumor had it before make a trade with KGB and something to Denver for Tatum Bell.

Im glad we are trying to get Barnett signed long term him and Hawk make a great tandem of LBers

 

[Packersfan43084]

I thought he played better at the end of the year when he didn't have to play every down. He's not Julius Peppers, but he's a solid DE against the pass.

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187542/gamelogs/2006

He only had one sack. I only remember one big play late in the year and it's when he caused the fumble against Seattle. Funny thing is he had an awful game too. I hope your right. We'll see. If Green Bay manages their cap well they should have no problem affording KGB. However if we can get a deal done with Adalius Thomas (whom GB might take a look at) then I believe KGB needs to go to create cash and a roster spot.

Sacks are an overrated stat in the NFL. You don't need sacks to be effective. Pressuring QB's and forcing them to throw the ball before they want to or to throw it away, doesn't necessarily show up in the stat books, but it does the job. KGB is a solid situational pass-rusher. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[porky88]

I thought he played better at the end of the year when he didn't have to play every down. He's not Julius Peppers, but he's a solid DE against the pass.

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187542/gamelogs/2006

He only had one sack. I only remember one big play late in the year and it's when he caused the fumble against Seattle. Funny thing is he had an awful game too. I hope your right. We'll see. If Green Bay manages their cap well they should have no problem affording KGB. However if we can get a deal done with Adalius Thomas (whom GB might take a look at) then I believe KGB needs to go to create cash and a roster spot.

Sacks are an overrated stat in the NFL. You don't need sacks to be effective. Pressuring QB's and forcing them to throw the ball before they want to or to throw it away, doesn't necessarily show up in the stat books, but it does the job. KGB is a solid situational pass-rusher. Nothing more, nothing less.

If you call what he did getting pressure than are definitions are a little different. I saw him get stood up time after time. I rather give a big contract to Adalius Thomas and cut KGB than keep KGB. That’s just my opinion though.

 

[Danreb]

KGB just needs to take a paycut.

He's one of the highest paid players on the team, and he's now what he should be -- a situational pass-rusher.

 

[refpacker]

KGB just needs to take a paycut.

He's one of the highest paid players on the team, and he's now what he should be -- a situational pass-rusher.

KGB is still a decent to good pass rusher........The problem is he is a horrible run stopper.....He can no longer move laterally, as he is a pin ur ears back a go kind of player.....There in lies your problem.. I believe he an ok DE to give the first string breathers, as well as let play in 3rd and long situations.....But he is no longer a number one on the depth chart...

 

[CaliforniaCheez]

For the negative side of things, there is not much.

Free agent losses. I mean possible free agent losses.

DT Kenderick Allen The Packers can sign if they want him.
QB Todd Bouman Not likely to be resigned
RB Ahman Green Who values him more than the Packers??
TE David Martin Gone with the Wind
LB Ben Taylor He wants to start. He will sign elsewhere
T/G Tyson Walter Commands the little bucks. Not a priority
LB Tracy White If no one better is signed he could be back

The Packers would likely only get a supplemental pick in 08 for Ahman Green signing with another team.

Cap Casualties

I don't forsee any prior to August. Even unlikely then I would put them in this order of being cut. All subject to offseason acquisitions.

1) Ferguson
2) Manuel
3) KGB
4) Clifton

 

[chibiabos]

:twocents: Agree on the first three possible cuts but, am not sure Clifton would fall into that category. Always thought he was one of the top Tackles in the league in spite of his predilection for getting ahead of the snap. And who would GB have to replace him at this time?

 

[chibiabos]

:feedback: You may want to consider replacing Clifton with Franks.

 

[HatestheEagles084]

Sacks are an overrated stat in the NFL. You don't need sacks to be effective. Pressuring QB's and forcing them to throw the ball before they want to or to throw it away, doesn't necessarily show up in the stat books, but it does the job. KGB is a solid situational pass-rusher. Nothing more, nothing less.

I agree, an addition to that is the fact that teams still pay attention to KGB, and that certainly opened things up for the rest of the d-line, we actually sacked the QB this year

I think that we should cut KGB (IF he doesnt take a paycut, IF) and draft a 3-4 hybrid OLB type to be our pass rushing specialist, someone who can provide the speed off the edges, but someone who we don't have to pay full time dollars, if KGB takes a pay cut to save us some money in proportion to the downs he plays, then he should be kept