March 11 is creeping up quite quickly. There’s also the legal tampering period to be concerned about as well. Unless you live under a rock, you know the Packers need to make several major moves to free up cap space. When do you expect we’ll see the Packers announce contract extensions, contracts restructured, or flat-out releases? And do you have any predictions on who the Packers may be looking at bringing back or go after?
I don’t know the Packers’ plans, so I’m not going to try to predict them. For creating cap space, any straight restructures won’t be officially announced. Reporters find those out from agents and then word travels. There’s no timeline on potential releases, but two years ago, the Packers released Aaron Jones, David Bahktiari and De’Vondre Campbell all during the three days (negotiating window) leading up to the official start of free agency.
Richard from Caledonia, WI
Good afternoon, is it accurate that the Packers have 25 free agents this season? An online article suggested the number was that high which seemed too many? If true there will potentially be some very significant changes in the roster.
There are always significant changes. Par for the course in the NFL. But the Packers’ number of free agents only reaches 25 if the exclusive-rights guys (like Bo Melton) and already-released street FAs (like Trevon Diggs) are included. Looking just at unrestricted and restricted free agents, I believe Green Bay’s number is 17. What’s unusual is the eight RFAs. That’s a lot in one year. Nine UFAs is not.
Good morning II. I saw a list with four Packers in the top 25 of available free agents. That speaks to some good drafting. It also means a lot of talent likely leaving the building. Good problems to have, but with last year’s free agents not being productive and shortage of early draft picks, what kind of pressure does this put on BG? Seems like we’re going to need some draft picks to play early this year?
Not necessarily, but we’ll see. The Packers have two first-round picks from the last two years who are in line to play a lot more.
What is a “futures deal”? How’s it work and what is the advantage of doing them?
It’s just a team making an early commitment to a player (and vice versa) to be on the 90-man offseason roster when the new league year begins in March. Players who ended the season on practice squads or were otherwise not on an active roster (or IR) can sign futures deals in January/February with teams whose seasons have ended.
Would the NFL ever consider giving teams a cap break on drafted players? When re-signing a drafted player only 75% counts against the cap?
I doubt it. I can’t see the union agreeing to such a provision that could act as a restriction on players’ freedom of movement.
Hi! Further to the ST discussion and how injuries affect them. Gameday experience also plays a part I believe. If a rookie/substitute/new player plays a three-and-out series, they have three game-time plays of experience. A punt coverage person might not get three plays in a game (assuming the O is having a decent day). No matter how they practice, game time and practice time are not in the same time zone. Does it take as long for the game to “slow down” on special teams as on O or D?
A valid question and point, which highlights the value of experienced players on special teams to lead those units. You can never have enough of those guys, but nobody’s special teams are exempt from young players learning the game.
Mark from Sturgeon Bay, WI
Pretty sure I know the answer but want to confirm. When a team hires a new head coach I believe they get like an extra week of organized practice during the spring. Is there any similar consideration when a team hires a new defensive coordinator?
Kerry from Lakewood Ranch, FL
Do you think the road to the SB is a harder path in the NFC than the AFC right now?
It definitely was this past season, but the AFC playoff QBs didn’t include Mahomes, Burrow or Jackson. If those three get back in, along with Allen, Nix, Maye, etc., it’s a different story.
Morning II! I read an article on ESPN about the Vikings being non-committal to J.J. Do you think they’ll bring in a vet and have him “compete” for his position? I know the kid had a rough year with injuries but he showed some flashes. Can he take a Year 2 jump? Personally, I’m just hoping Malik Willis doesn’t go there!
It sounds like their plan is to acquire a veteran and let the best man win the job. But it remains to be seen how much money they’ll be willing to spend, and how attractive the opportunity will feel, for a vet not guaranteed to play while a first-round pick constantly looms.
Hi Mike, have you read “Bluegrass Baseball” by Katya Cengel? It follows four minor league teams for a year. It’s a good read, and I don’t like baseball!
Appreciate the rec. I switched to a fiction kick when training camp started last summer, and I’m seeing how many Grisham novels I can whip through in a year. But at some point I’ll go back to sports non-fiction I’m sure.
Can we really call this the 15-year anniversary of II? I suppose it’s like the Indianapolis Colts including the Baltimore Colts in their history. Transitions happen, names change, but the team lives on. As a reader from Vic’s first day on the job, I have to admit I was a little worried about the transition to II. You guys have done an amazing job filling large shoes while adding your own flavor. I’ll continue to read every day until the next transition causes me angst. Cheers to 15 more!
Thanks. But if I’m still writing this column then, something went seriously wrong.
Justin from Thousand Oaks, CA
Regarding the Ketchman prevent and concepts of similar ilk, are there any formation restrictions at all on defenses the way there are for offenses, or can you set them up however you want? Could you stick all 11 guys deep or in a bunch at the LOS or all on one side if for some unforeseeable reason you wanted to?
Defensive formations? The rules are there ain’t no rules. Okay not quite, but just these: Must be onside, maximum of 11.
Just a thought: If Vic were writing for II today, he might just modify his prevent defense to a 1-10 alignment, because if Micah Parsons is the one, there still may be pressure on the QB!
Fair point. Happy Tuesday.
