Released Players:
The Packers have released three players this off-season.
Back in February they released former ace cover man Sam Shields. This was the
obvious move if Shields did not retire because after his fourth concussion, and
second in nine months, there is no doctor on this planet who will ever clear
Sam Shields to play football again. If they do, they should have their medical
license taken away. Shields should retire now, before he loses any of his
retirement benefits. Also, they released former Super Bowl hero running back
James Starks. It was obvious in 2016 Starks has lost his skills and can't play
anymore. This was an easy decision.
Also, earlier this month the Packers released cornerback Makinton Dorleant after an off-season arrest.
Un-signed Players:
This off-season, Ted Thompson chose to let five players of
note walk. Safety Micah Hyde, outside linebacker Julius Peppers, tight end
Jared Cook, interior lineman J.C. Tretter, and running back Eddie Lacy. The
most surprising of this group is Micah Hyde, who signed with the Bills. I
believe Thompson made a mistake here. Hyde has been a standout punt returner,
covers tight ends and running backs, and does all the dirty work that nobody
else wants to do. They should have been willing to open up the checkbook a
little for him. The other three were expected. Tretter signed with the Browns,
Peppers signed with the Panthers, Cooked signed with the Raiders, and Lacy
signed a weight-incentive deal with the Seahawks where he has to weigh in seven
times between now and the start of the season.
Re-signed Players:
Ted Thompson did re-sign quite a few players. The most
notable was outside linebacker Nick Perry. His contract may seem large, but if
you look at the market for pass rushers, they got Perry on the cheap. Good deal
for the team. They also re-signed punter Jacob Schum, who got better as the season
dragged along. They also re-signed veteran backup Don Barclay, a good choice
due to his versatility and experience. They also re-signed running back
Christine Michael. Give him a full off-season with the Packers and he should be
much better in 2017.
Signed Free Agents:
This off-season, Ted Thompson did something very "un-Ted
Thompson-like." He went outside of the organization and opened up the checkbook.
The most notable of these was tight end Martellus Bennett. After Cook was
asking for too much money all morning, Thompson hung up the phone, and signed
Martellus Bennett away from the Patriots to replace Cook. Bennett may actually
fit better in the offense. After that he signed another tight end to fill out
the depth chart, Lance Kendricks. He went back to free agency again five days
later, bringing Devon House back to Green Bay. The Packers needed a veteran
corner in free agency, and brought a familiar face back home. Before leaving
for Jacksonville, House excelled in Dom Capers system. House is still only 27,
and hopefully he learned his lesson this time. Eight days later, Thompson went
back to the free agent well one more time, adding some depth up-front in
defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois. If he can find some motivation, he is a
great fit in this defense.
