Team Changes for Next Season

[BrokenArrow]

If MLF is let go. Even though many might like J.Harbough, he appears to be nice guy, calm, etc. but I'm a little tired of that. I want to see a LOMBARDI style coach with fire in his belly and a real desire to kick ***. Who that is right now, not sure but someone like the Indiana Univ. football coach. Personally I'd do whatever it takes to get him on the sidelines.
It's a tough business. If MLF is let go it might be the best thing for him to find a better fit for his football skills.

College coaches don't often make a great NFL HC. Anyone remember when Chip Kelly was supposed to take the NFL by storm? Yeah.

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

College coaches don't often make a great NFL HC. Anyone remember when Chip Kelly was supposed to take the NFL by storm? Yeah.

I also don't think the last 2 years is enough to give Cignetti the nod...at least not with a team that expects to win championships like the Packers

 

[Packphin]

Robert Saleh For HC, Mike McDaniel for OC, Raheem Morris for DC (assuming Hafley gets a HC job).
Git'er done

 

[gopkrs]

Move Hafley up to HC. Get someone in who can either maintain or improve on the defense (early part of the season) get rid of Stenovich, and Butkus, trade McManus and Nixon to Miami...put Gutey on notice that if she O-Line isn't fixed by opening day he's gone.

For my money Guenkust should be gone too. And the people giving him pick and free agent advice

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

For my money Guenkust should be gone too. And the people giving him pick and free agent advice

I'm not there...YET, but it may bite this team in the *** if they don't get rid of him before next season

 

[tynimiller]

For my money Guenkust should be gone too. And the people giving him pick and free agent advice

The man has been DYNAMITE in free agency acquisitions until this one season.

 

[tynimiller]

In truth staffing changes I think must be made:

- Rich out is clear and evident. If this organization doesn't do it, I want whomever fought for him to stay on the first bus out of town, regardless of whether that is Policy, Gute, MLF or the equipment guy down the hall.

I also think we have simply too many youngish/inexperienced/non-player past coaches on our staff. I think this could be one of the reasons this team doesn't finish well.

- OL was bad. I'd clean house here, and our OC is not a playcaller and the OL mind on the team. I think both the OC and the offensive line coach need changed.

- From there I think the team really needs to look at past players for some of the positional assistant coaches. Players see things in a different lens than coach-mindset guys do at times...and while they may lack the abilty to coach up technique they can for sure coach up discipline, finishing plays/games and reading/vision from the field perspective.


As for players that are not set to be FAs I'm about firmly planted in the following:

- Elgton Jenkins, massive thank you and a what might have been. Just never the same player since his bad injury years back. Still a NFL level guy but with fiscal restraints and his play and new injury just doesn't make sense. Cut and massive cap savings.

- Rashan Gary...I'm showing him and his agent film. Gary played the run exceptionally well this year like he always has...BUT his pass rush abilities are waning heavy and his speed is slowing. Simply isn't the player he once was. Renegotiate or we have to move on and let him go be that rotational piece elsewhere if he isn't willing being that here for less. Cut/Release maybe trade for the savings.

- Keisean Nixon....the second I saw him jump out of the way at the goal line of the one touchdown I was done, and as most know I already was nearly there. Call around and if you can get a 7th for him great...but I'm cutting for sure if no suitors.

- Aaron Banks...honestly the way Belton appears fully capable of being a guard of the future if we want him to, Banks position here likely can wait till post draft and decisions on Walker and Rhyan truthfully. Post June release is for sure in the cards here. I'll argue Banks is the first Gute swing and utter miss in FA. Post-June cut makes sense unless we don't fill the OL cupboard well enough and we have to live with him one more year.

- Nate Hobbs...so Hobbs is sadly going to be that expensive-ish piece of depth experience next year. I don't necessarily love it but in a pinch he can play outside, but his best role and best games this year was when he filled in for Bull. Hobbs isn't the swing and utter miss Banks was, but at best right now you can say he reached base on dribbler through the infield...

Free Agent Thoughts for many...not all..most of the RFAs and ERFAs I don't think we let leave.

- Kingsley Enagbare....Enagbare is to me the most crucial FA for Gute and Co to get right. He has not been good enough to get big pay day...but at times he was our best edge in games post-Parsons' injury. If in house you think Gary is on way out or plumetting down the hill of ability I don't know if you let Enagbare walk. He's young and motivated for sure...but in a contract year and having plenty of snaps, he performed like a perfect Edge 3 piece for a team...and that likely means someone is going to overpay to see if he can be a 2. Since I'm out on Gary I'm for sure trying to work a deal on Enagbare that is agreeable for both sides.

- Rasheed Walker...I genuinely think Walker had his worst season this year and unless he's taking a hometown discount on a short deal, we cannot sign him long term.

- Sean Rhyan...I think he is the definition of offer a somewhat reasonable but likely low to him deal, but let him explore FA. If he comes back he's your hopeful reserve C and G.

- Romeo Doubs...I LOVE this young man. Loved him in college. Love his story and I pray that he explodes someday wherever that is, but again unless he's willing to take less than he'd for sure get elsewhere I just don't think you can do it. Now if you can get him to sign like Watson did in the $10M/yr or so range I think Love would bang on the drum all day to make it happen. It is clear Watson is the better weapon but Romeo is a big catch and security blanket receiver type to Love. I support and could argue for the decision regardless what it is on Romeo.

- Quay Walker...I'm not paying him more than McDuffie range money. If he wants to stay and play for that area...but I'm fine letting him walk and moving on.

- Malik...sorry could have led. We would be dumb to pay him the range he will take. THE ONLY way I'm doing anything with him is IF legal to have a team call and say they want dibs on him so bad they'd trade for him if we franchised tagged him - which I don't see happening.

- Niemann - ST stud I think we try to secure on a short two or three year deal at ST rate.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

I don't agree with firing ML. But I do think that they need to shake things up. I would be in favor of letting Stenavich go. I honestly don't know what he contributes. I think ML needs some creative juices there and maybe someone who will get in his ear when his play calling gets redundant

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

In truth staffing changes I think must be made:

- Rich out is clear and evident. If this organization doesn't do it, I want whomever fought for him to stay on the first bus out of town, regardless of whether that is Policy, Gute, MLF or the equipment guy down the hall.

I also think we have simply too many youngish/inexperienced/non-player past coaches on our staff. I think this could be one of the reasons this team doesn't finish well.

- OL was bad. I'd clean house here, and our OC is not a playcaller and the OL mind on the team. I think both the OC and the offensive line coach need changed.

- From there I think the team really needs to look at past players for some of the positional assistant coaches. Players see things in a different lens than coach-mindset guys do at times...and while they may lack the abilty to coach up technique they can for sure coach up discipline, finishing plays/games and reading/vision from the field perspective.


As for players that are not set to be FAs I'm about firmly planted in the following:

- Elgton Jenkins, massive thank you and a what might have been. Just never the same player since his bad injury years back. Still a NFL level guy but with fiscal restraints and his play and new injury just doesn't make sense. Cut and massive cap savings.

- Rashan Gary...I'm showing him and his agent film. Gary played the run exceptionally well this year like he always has...BUT his pass rush abilities are waning heavy and his speed is slowing. Simply isn't the player he once was. Renegotiate or we have to move on and let him go be that rotational piece elsewhere if he isn't willing being that here for less. Cut/Release maybe trade for the savings.

- Keisean Nixon....the second I saw him jump out of the way at the goal line of the one touchdown I was done, and as most know I already was nearly there. Call around and if you can get a 7th for him great...but I'm cutting for sure if no suitors.

- Aaron Banks...honestly the way Belton appears fully capable of being a guard of the future if we want him to, Banks position here likely can wait till post draft and decisions on Walker and Rhyan truthfully. Post June release is for sure in the cards here. I'll argue Banks is the first Gute swing and utter miss in FA. Post-June cut makes sense unless we don't fill the OL cupboard well enough and we have to live with him one more year.

- Nate Hobbs...so Hobbs is sadly going to be that expensive-ish piece of depth experience next year. I don't necessarily love it but in a pinch he can play outside, but his best role and best games this year was when he filled in for Bull. Hobbs isn't the swing and utter miss Banks was, but at best right now you can say he reached base on dribbler through the infield...

Free Agent Thoughts for many...not all..most of the RFAs and ERFAs I don't think we let leave.

- Kingsley Enagbare....Enagbare is to me the most crucial FA for Gute and Co to get right. He has not been good enough to get big pay day...but at times he was our best edge in games post-Parsons' injury. If in house you think Gary is on way out or plumetting down the hill of ability I don't know if you let Enagbare walk. He's young and motivated for sure...but in a contract year and having plenty of snaps, he performed like a perfect Edge 3 piece for a team...and that likely means someone is going to overpay to see if he can be a 2. Since I'm out on Gary I'm for sure trying to work a deal on Enagbare that is agreeable for both sides.

- Rasheed Walker...I genuinely think Walker had his worst season this year and unless he's taking a hometown discount on a short deal, we cannot sign him long term.

- Sean Rhyan...I think he is the definition of offer a somewhat reasonable but likely low to him deal, but let him explore FA. If he comes back he's your hopeful reserve C and G.

- Romeo Doubs...I LOVE this young man. Loved him in college. Love his story and I pray that he explodes someday wherever that is, but again unless he's willing to take less than he'd for sure get elsewhere I just don't think you can do it. Now if you can get him to sign like Watson did in the $10M/yr or so range I think Love would bang on the drum all day to make it happen. It is clear Watson is the better weapon but Romeo is a big catch and security blanket receiver type to Love. I support and could argue for the decision regardless what it is on Romeo.

- Quay Walker...I'm not paying him more than McDuffie range money. If he wants to stay and play for that area...but I'm fine letting him walk and moving on.

- Malik...sorry could have led. We would be dumb to pay him the range he will take. THE ONLY way I'm doing anything with him is IF legal to have a team call and say they want dibs on him so bad they'd trade for him if we franchised tagged him - which I don't see happening.

- Niemann - ST stud I think we try to secure on a short two or three year deal at ST rate.

I can not if I'm Gutey in good conscience give Rhyan a contract after what we've seen. We've had interior O-Line issues since the day we let Runyan go and Rhyan is the consistent in every combo we've had since.

Quay I would give more money than McDuffie, but then again I wouldn't have given McDuffie HIS contract.

Jenkins to me is that Chad Clifton or Marco Rivera type...the leader, the guy everyone respects and the rookies learn not to F*** with. From that standpoint he's a re-sign but not at market value, well under.

I'm on board with everything else.

 

[tynimiller]

I can not if I'm Gutey in good conscience give Rhyan a contract after what we've seen. We've had interior O-Line issues since the day we let Runyan go and Rhyan is the consistent in every combo we've had since.

Ric it is going to be a back up type deal. Likely less than we did for if you remember (Lucas Patrick) the guy we kept around on such a deal that played a little bit of everywhere for us now probably 6 years ago or so. He got 2 years $3M which moved to today's money would be like us signing Rhyan to a 2 year $6M at most deal. Likely laced with incentives of per start being a big factor.

I don't think Rhyan gets starting money anywhere, but someone is giving him solid backup incentive potential contract for sure.

 

[tynimiller]

Jenkins to me is that Chad Clifton or Marco Rivera type...the leader, the guy everyone respects and the rookies learn not to F*** with. From that standpoint he's a re-sign but not at market value, well under.

You cannot resign him, he's under contract for years yet at HIGH value. It's a cut him or he has to take a massive paycut.

 

[tynimiller]

In truth staffing changes I think must be made:

- Rich out is clear and evident. If this organization doesn't do it, I want whomever fought for him to stay on the first bus out of town, regardless of whether that is Policy, Gute, MLF or the equipment guy down the hall.

I also think we have simply too many youngish/inexperienced/non-player past coaches on our staff. I think this could be one of the reasons this team doesn't finish well.

- OL was bad. I'd clean house here, and our OC is not a playcaller and the OL mind on the team. I think both the OC and the offensive line coach need changed.

- From there I think the team really needs to look at past players for some of the positional assistant coaches. Players see things in a different lens than coach-mindset guys do at times...and while they may lack the abilty to coach up technique they can for sure coach up discipline, finishing plays/games and reading/vision from the field perspective.


As for players that are not set to be FAs I'm about firmly planted in the following:

- Elgton Jenkins, massive thank you and a what might have been. Just never the same player since his bad injury years back. Still a NFL level guy but with fiscal restraints and his play and new injury just doesn't make sense. Cut and massive cap savings.

- Rashan Gary...I'm showing him and his agent film. Gary played the run exceptionally well this year like he always has...BUT his pass rush abilities are waning heavy and his speed is slowing. Simply isn't the player he once was. Renegotiate or we have to move on and let him go be that rotational piece elsewhere if he isn't willing being that here for less. Cut/Release maybe trade for the savings.

- Keisean Nixon....the second I saw him jump out of the way at the goal line of the one touchdown I was done, and as most know I already was nearly there. Call around and if you can get a 7th for him great...but I'm cutting for sure if no suitors.

- Aaron Banks...honestly the way Belton appears fully capable of being a guard of the future if we want him to, Banks position here likely can wait till post draft and decisions on Walker and Rhyan truthfully. Post June release is for sure in the cards here. I'll argue Banks is the first Gute swing and utter miss in FA. Post-June cut makes sense unless we don't fill the OL cupboard well enough and we have to live with him one more year.

- Nate Hobbs...so Hobbs is sadly going to be that expensive-ish piece of depth experience next year. I don't necessarily love it but in a pinch he can play outside, but his best role and best games this year was when he filled in for Bull. Hobbs isn't the swing and utter miss Banks was, but at best right now you can say he reached base on dribbler through the infield...

Free Agent Thoughts for many...not all..most of the RFAs and ERFAs I don't think we let leave.

- Kingsley Enagbare....Enagbare is to me the most crucial FA for Gute and Co to get right. He has not been good enough to get big pay day...but at times he was our best edge in games post-Parsons' injury. If in house you think Gary is on way out or plumetting down the hill of ability I don't know if you let Enagbare walk. He's young and motivated for sure...but in a contract year and having plenty of snaps, he performed like a perfect Edge 3 piece for a team...and that likely means someone is going to overpay to see if he can be a 2. Since I'm out on Gary I'm for sure trying to work a deal on Enagbare that is agreeable for both sides.

- Rasheed Walker...I genuinely think Walker had his worst season this year and unless he's taking a hometown discount on a short deal, we cannot sign him long term.

- Sean Rhyan...I think he is the definition of offer a somewhat reasonable but likely low to him deal, but let him explore FA. If he comes back he's your hopeful reserve C and G.

- Romeo Doubs...I LOVE this young man. Loved him in college. Love his story and I pray that he explodes someday wherever that is, but again unless he's willing to take less than he'd for sure get elsewhere I just don't think you can do it. Now if you can get him to sign like Watson did in the $10M/yr or so range I think Love would bang on the drum all day to make it happen. It is clear Watson is the better weapon but Romeo is a big catch and security blanket receiver type to Love. I support and could argue for the decision regardless what it is on Romeo.

- Quay Walker...I'm not paying him more than McDuffie range money. If he wants to stay and play for that area...but I'm fine letting him walk and moving on.

- Malik...sorry could have led. We would be dumb to pay him the range he will take. THE ONLY way I'm doing anything with him is IF legal to have a team call and say they want dibs on him so bad they'd trade for him if we franchised tagged him - which I don't see happening.

- Niemann - ST stud I think we try to secure on a short two or three year deal at ST rate.

I'd add to this a genuine conversation with Jacobs about upping his active per game bonus to like $58,000 and redoing his contract slightly to keep his hit down a touch. He's getting to that spot in his career that if he is like 90%+ RBs a wall will likely start hitting him. Healthy Jacobs is a hungry level of a back I want, but he's also not getting younger. Likely only save 2-3 Million here but that could be the way you bolster another spot or put towards a different extension.

 

[mradtke66]

I can not if I'm Gutey in good conscience give Rhyan a contract after what we've seen. We've had interior O-Line issues since the day we let Runyan go and Rhyan is the consistent in every combo we've had since.

I'm not sure that's a fair assessment. He's played quite well at center for us, minimized his mistakes, and plays nasty. He shouldn't get a market resetting deal, but he's not a liability. I also value cohesiveness on the OL. Being able to Rhyan - Belton - Tom intact is very appealing to me.

Jenkins to me is that Chad Clifton or Marco Rivera type...the leader, the guy everyone respects and the rookies learn not to F*** with. From that standpoint he's a re-sign but not at market value, well under.

The problem is he isn't a free agent. He has a ballooning contract, he's old, he's injured, and his play has fell off. I expect him to be cut and possibly him retiring.

 

[tynimiller]

I'm not sure that's a fair assessment. He's played quite well at center for us, minimized his mistakes, and plays nasty. He shouldn't get a market resetting deal, but he's not a liability. I also value cohesiveness on the OL. Being able to Rhyan - Belton - Tom intact is very appealing to me.


The problem is he isn't a free agent. He has a ballooning contract, he's old, he's injured, and his play has fell off. I expect him to be cut and possibly him retiring.

One advantage to signing Rhyan cheaper and planning on him at center unless you find one elsewhere it would allow this team to continue to focus on drafting Tackle prospects that are athletic and move them to guard or where needed. Belton appears head over heals the RG of the immediate future. Morgan is a tackle not a guard and likely I bet is the LT of the future...that leaves us with our worst case starting five of Morgan | Banks | Rhyan | Belton | Tom and there are some mid round centers who could be added or a guy to push Morgan or Banks really. In my perfect world we draft Banks' replacement or one forms on the roster (I still think John Williams has a part to play in 2026).

 

[mradtke66]

that leaves us with our worst case starting five of Morgan | Banks | Rhyan | Belton | Tom

This is where I am. I would be reasonably happy with this group. Rhyan and Banks normally have good footwork and do a good job of their doubles and moving to the second level. Not every time, but often enough that I like the pairing.

and there are some mid round centers who could be added or a guy to push Morgan or Banks really. In my perfect world we draft Banks' replacement or one forms on the roster (I still think John Williams has a part to play in 2026).

I could live with that as well. For the things that I do like about Banks, he isn't a world beater and his contract is structured more like multiple one year deals. Find his replacement, cut him, come out ahead, but that looks like a post 2026 season move.

 

[Wi. Mike now in Florida]

I don't agree with firing ML. But I do think that they need to shake things up. I would be in favor of letting Stenavich go. I honestly don't know what he contributes. I think ML needs some creative juices there and maybe someone who will get in his ear when his play calling gets redundant

I feel this is part of problem, ML needs to evaluate his coaching staff.

Remember Hologram's coaching staff??
FIVE on his staff left GB to head their own team.

 

[Packphin]

 

[RicFlairoftheNFL]

I'm not sure that's a fair assessment. He's played quite well at center for us, minimized his mistakes, and plays nasty. He shouldn't get a market resetting deal, but he's not a liability. I also value cohesiveness on the OL. Being able to Rhyan - Belton - Tom intact is very appealing to me.


The problem is he isn't a free agent. He has a ballooning contract, he's old, he's injured, and his play has fell off. I expect him to be cut and possibly him retiring.

About Rhyan EVERY time over the last 3 years we've needed short yardage, Rhyan's *** has hit the running back in the head one step after the handoff. Rhyan is the problem at every position he's been at, and with multiple combinations. Rhyan is the problem.

 

[mradtke66]

About Rhyan EVERY time over the last 3 years we've needed short yardage, Rhyan's *** has hit the running back in the head one step after the handoff. Rhyan is the problem at every position he's been at, and with multiple combinations. Rhyan is the problem.

That's a bold statement. What evidence do you have to support it?

 

[tynimiller]

About Rhyan EVERY time over the last 3 years we've needed short yardage, Rhyan's *** has hit the running back in the head one step after the handoff. Rhyan is the problem at every position he's been at, and with multiple combinations. Rhyan is the problem.

Ric, this is exaggeration at its finest and easily disproven with even just last game.

 

[Half Empty]

You cannot resign him, he's under contract for years yet at HIGH value. It's a cut him or he has to take a massive paycut.

2026 is his last year, cutting is $20M saving

 

[tynimiller]

2026 is his last year, cutting is $20M saving

Correct but I was commenting on claiming resigning him - he is signed, it's cut or restructure or redo of contract.

 

[Heyjoe4]

In my eyes, Diggs might be a improvement with a full off season. Parsons won't be back late or not at all in 2026-27. We need minimum 2 DTs that weigh over 300 and an Edge rusher. If Watson doesnt break his neck the WR corps is solid. The O line with healthy Tom could be ok depending on our RG progress as he is a road grader. The Jenkins center experiment should be over, as he should return to LG if he can play. A LT is needed either by draft, FA, or something else. Malik will be in Miami or Oakland book it. No way u keep Bisacchia, he seems to be good at the two kickers but nothing else. Back up QB is needed although I have no idea who.

"Parsons won't be back late or not at all in 2026-27."

Can't agree on this one lambeau. I expect Parsons will be back in the first half of October.

As for what area needs the most attention - that would be the entire CB group IMO. Nixon may be good at PBU, but he's simply not worth the aggravation/penalties he causes. He's good for one personal foul per game, it seems.

This is no easy task. GB doesn't have a 1st round pick, and cap is limited to about $11 mil (I think). Hobbs seems to be a bust, but he has been injured a lot.

Gluten has to wave his magic wand on this position group as he did with the Safeties two years ago.

FWIW I don't think Jenkins will be back next season, or not at a price GB is willing to pay. Gary is also iffy, but I think he stays.

 

[ExpatPacker]

I also don't think the last 2 years is enough to give Cignetti the nod...at least not with a team that expects to win championships like the Packers

I guess I would agree, even though I like Cignetti a lot. Too early to go in on him.

 

[AKCheese]

I see GOOD vet players traded for late round draft picks. Deebo for a 5th (if I recall correctly? Although he had issues in SF. We need some “bigs”. Might it not be possible to trade a late round draft pick for a guy languishing somewhere who we think might be a fit in our system vs using that 5th,6th, 7th round pick? I don’t think you’ll get a quality CB but you might pick up a guy who will fit in your OL/DL rotation. I thought I saw that we are getting 2 7th round comp picks. Also I always wonder about using a 7th rounder to move up in the 5th or 6th if there’s “a guy” we want 10-12 picks before “our turn” vs seeing him picked so we can get a guy we might very well be able to grab as an UDFA.