Packers Pre Draft Update | Ticket King Green Bay

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.