An Uncapped Year: How It Affects the Green Bay Packers

With the March 31 deadline approaching and no imminent effort from Roger Goodell to extend or create a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, it looks like 2010 will be the first uncapped year for the NFL in 16 years.

Similar to Major League Baseball, teams will have no salary cap to restrict how much money is spent on their 51-man roster. 

Obviously, owners like Jerry Jones and Daniel Snyder couldn’t be more excited with an uncapped year.

Unfortunately, the smaller-market teams that aren’t owned by billionaires don’t want to see the NFL turn into the MLB, where rich teams can buy up all the talent by outbidding every smaller market team.

With an uncapped year, highly-sought-after free agents are likely to receive more money than they would ever be offered in a year with a salary cap.

At the end of the 2009 football season, the following 15 important Green Bay players would become free agents. 

• Chad Clifton
• Mark Tausher
• Aaron Kampman
• Brandon Chillar
• Ryan Pickett
• Ahman Green
• Jason Spitz
• Daryn Colledge
• Nick Collins
• Atari Bigby
• John Kuhn
• Will Blackmon
• Derrick Martin
• Johnny Jolly
• Tramon Williams

With the offseason leading into an uncapped year, only players who have played at least six seasons (including IR) are eligible to become unrestricted free agents.

These unrestricted free agents—Chad Clifton, Mark Tausher, Aaron Kampman, Brandon Chillar, Ryan Pickett, and Ahman Green—can choose to sign with any team.

The other nine Green Bay Packers —namely Nick Collins, Tramon Williams and Johnny Jolly—become restricted free agents.

If no team offers a contract to these players, they play for Green Bay another year with a 30-percent increase in their yearly salary (based off of 2009).

However, if a team tries to sign a restricted free agent, Green Bay is able to match any offer.

Depending on the level of the qualifying offer, Green Bay would receive compensation if they decided not to match another team’s offer.

This season, Green Bay has $15.868 million of cap space that can be used to extend or renew contracts for its players.

Unlike years before, this year’s cap space will not roll over into the next year.

It’s absolutely necessary for the Packers organization to utilize the rest of their cap space in order to eliminate being outbid by other teams in free agency.

I believe that these are the most important players who need to be retained (in the following order).

• Nick Collins
• Tramon Williams
• Johnny Jolly
• Brandon Chillar
• Ryan Pickett

Though it is unlikely the $16 million cap space will accommodate all five players, the uncapped year allows Green Bay to use one franchise tag AND one transition tag.

With Aaron Kampman coming off knee surgery, teams will still consider him a top free agent.

Green Bay could end up tagging and trading him, but is likely to receive less than a first round pick due to the injury.

Another rule that the uncapped season commands is that the eight teams that reach the divisional playoffs are restricted to how many free agents they can sign the following offseason.

This puts a much larger emphasis on successful drafting than acquiring free agents every year.

With Ted Thompson’s track record of successful draft picks, I think its safe to assume that Green Bay will still be a contender in the near future, regardless of how frugal he may be in free agency.

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Packers Injuries: Green Bay Starters Likely Played Their Last Game For Pack

Though the Pack was able to keep its playoffs hope alive with a win against San Francisco, today could be the last game Aaron Kampman and Al Harris play as Green Bay Packers.

Al Harris and Aaron Kampman were both carted off the field Sunday after sustaining serious knee injuries. It is reported that Harris has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season. Kampman is also believed to have torn his ACL as well.

Harris will need reconstructive surgery but at the age of 35 his career could be in jeopardy.

Aquired in a trade with Philidelphia in 2002, Al Harris has been a staple corner for the Green Bay defense. His aggressive bump-and-run style made him a perfect fit for the Packers’ man-to-man coverage. Harris attended the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2008 after being selected as an alternate the last three previous years.

Harris is mostly remembered for his overtime interception against the Seattle Seahawks where he picked off Matt Hasselbeck for the touchdown and the win in 2004. It was quite ironic due to Hasselbeck gloating after winnning the overtime coin toss, “We want the ball and we’re going to score.”

Kampman is likely out for the season and will become a free agent this offseason.

Drafted in the fifth round by the Packers in 2002, Kampman developed into one of the league’s best pass rushers. Over the past three years, Kampman collected 37 sacks, ranking third in the league behind DeMarcus Ware (45.5) and Jared Allen (37.5).

Though Kampman was an elite defensive end in the 4-3, he has been unable to make the transition to an outside linebacker in the new 3-4 defense. The likelyhood of him returning next year was already in question, but his trade value has taken a significant hit.

Regardless of what happens in the offseason, it is quite disappointing to see two Packer fan favorites that have likely finished their tenure in Green Bay because of injuries. 

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Not So Special Teams

The last two games have been pivotal in deciding the future of the Packers 2009 season. After giving the Vikings a 3 1/2-game lead and handing the Buccaneers their first win of the season, something needs to change right now.

I’m looking at you, Mr. Shawn Slocum.

You may not solve the offensive pass protection or red zone defensive woes but you are a huge part of why the Packers have lost the last two games.

In the last two games, sloppy special teams play has led to four touchdowns.

Last week, Percy Harvin was able to return two kicks for 77 yards and 49 yards. These returns gave the Vikings field position at the 14 and 38 yard line.

This week. Jeremy Kapinos had a punt blocked for a touchdown and Bucs kick returner Clifton Smith was able to run back a kickoff for 83 yards.

The pathetic display of special teams that was on display last week didn’t look any different today.

Maybe it’s just me but I’m sure that Clifton Smith doesn’t have the dynamic ability first-round pick Percy Harvin has.

If the Packers seriously want to try and finish the season out on a good note. they need to re-evaluate special teams coach Shawn Slocum.

I’m not saying Slocum should be the scapegoat from the last two games, but I have a hard time believing his coaching is helping more than hurting the organization.

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The Scariest Monster in The NFL: The Injury Bug

It lurks in the darkness and can strike at any moment. The attacks are completely random and can spread quicker than the plague. It can linger alongside a player for weeks or can permanently destroy their career. There is no escaping the Injury Bug (evil maniacal laugh follows).

The month of October has hit the Packers full of injuries. The following slide show depicts players who will miss at least next week and the players who will need to step up to fill the void.

Begin Slideshow

No Pressure: Favre Shreds The Wisconsin Secondary For The Win

In preparation for Monday night’s match-up, Dom Capers had to pick his poison: stop the running game  of Adrian Peterson or prevent Brett Favre from slinging the ball to his purple receivers.

Before last night’s game, Peterson was averaging over 6 yards a carry this season. Known as one of the league’s premier running backs, Adrian Peterson is a nightmare to game plan against.

Yet last night, the Packers were able to contain Peterson to a meager 55 yards on 22 attempts (a 2.2 average). Former first round pick Clay Matthews III was also able to rip the football out of Peterson’s hands and run 42 yards in for a touchdown.

If this was 2008, it would seem like Green Bay was able to successfully shut down Minnesota’s offense.

Unfortunately for the Packers, a certain player that was behind the Vikings offense was able to exploit the Green Bay secondary that former quarterbacks Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris Jackson could not.

That player was none other than Brett Favre.

In what seemed to be the dream come true for the Ironman ever since his departure from Wisconsin, Favre was able to put on a show Monday Night. Favre was 24 of 31 for 3 touchdowns and no interceptions versus his former team. 

Favre’s first touchdown was a short left pass to Visanthe Shiancoe, where Nick Barnett was not fast enough to cover.

The second touchdown was pass over the middle to Sidney Rice for 14 yards where Nick Collins was a step behind.

The third and final touchdown was a deep pass to Bernard Berrian for 31 yards. Berrian had beat Al Harris on the play but Derrick Martin failed to cover over the top and was too late to defend the pass.

Favre picked apart the entire secondary all night, which was due to a lack of a pass rush.

The 3-4 defense did a phenomenal job taking Adrian Peterson out of the game, but failed to get any sort of pressure on Favre.

Dom Capers failed to utilize the blitzing capabilities of the linebackers to rattle Favre. The defense was accredited with just one quarterback hit and no sacks.

The defensive effort could have been summed up by one play. Early in the third quarter, Favre had more than six seconds in the pocket and was able to complete a long 31 yard pass down the middle.

Dom, if your looking to get Brett throwing interceptions, you have got to rattle that 40 year old body of his first.

With a bye coming up this week, hopefully the Packers can get healthy and learn from their mistakes last night. Favre comes to town in less than a month.

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Packers With Expiring Contracts: Who Will Stay, Who Will Go? Part Three

It may be only a few weeks until the start of the regular season, but it is important that we look ahead and play Ted Thompson by evaluating players who should or should not have their contracts renewed for the 2010 season and beyond.

So far this offseason, Greg Jennings has been the only player that has been given a contract extension, which prevents him from testing free agency in 2010. But 15 more Packers are in the last year of their contracts.

Part three of this series covers 2010 free agents who are from the defensive backfield. Part One covered the offensive which is located here. Part Two covered the defensive line and linebacker corp which is located here.

Tramon Williams    age: 26        CB2

It’s unbelievable that Williams was an undrafted free agent. Once cut from Houston in training camp in 2006, the Packers signed him to the practice squad halfway through the season.

He made the active roster in 2007 and is the clear cut nickelback in the talented secondary. Williams had nine starts in 2008 for Harris (spleen) and filled in nicely. He had five picks in 2008 and was on the field for 74 percent of the defensive plays.

Prediction: Stay. Green Bay has one of the best secondaries in the NFL, yet Al Harris and Charles Woodson are not getting any younger. The cornerbacks behind Williams are unproven and Williams has shown that he can be a difference maker on the football field. He also is a key contributor on special teams and looks to be a fulltime starter in a year or two.

Will Blackmon    age: 24        CB4, KR/PR

Blackmon seemed to be a disappointment right out of the gate. Drafted in the fourth round in 2006, Blackmon broke his foot as a rookie in mini-camp which led to a lost rookie season. He broke the same foot the next year and missed seven games and the postseason. In 2008, Blackmon was finally able to stay healthy and showcased his return ability from punts and kickoffs.  

Prediction: Walk. As important Blackmon is to the Packers for his punt and kick return abilities, he contributes very little on the defense because of the talented players ahead of him. Blackmon is a decent returner, but will only be offered a minimal contract by the Green Bay organization. I see Blackmon turning down the offer in order to test free agency.

Nick Collins    age: 26        FS

Patience is a virtue. After three years of average play, many believed that the 2008 offseason was a make-or-break year for Collins. Drafted in the second round in 2005, he drew praises for his freakish athletic ability yet his skills had not translated into the regular season.

In 2008, Collins exploded with seven interceptions, three of which were taken to the house. Collins turned into a difference maker for the Packers who has helped make Green Bay’s secondary one of the best in the league.

Prediction: Stay. Thompson was smart not to jump the gun and fork out a new deal for Collins this offseason. Was the 2008 season a fluke? Collins will have to showcase his ability this year in a new defensive scheme.

He needs to be the Ed Reed of the defense, which if his play carries over from last year, he will be rewarded with a new contract. I believe Collins will continue his excellent play from 2008 and prove the doubters wrong that he is not a one year wonder.

Atari Bigby    age: 27        SS

With quite possibly the coolest name on the roster, Atari Bigby is a fan favorite among the Packer faithful. Bigby was on the practice squad from 2005 and most of 2006 as a former undrafted free agent. His first name “Atari” is Japanese for “attack,” which suits him well.

Bigby was the starter in 2007 and exploded at the end of the 2007 season and into the playoffs showing his hard-hitting ability. 2008 was a lost season for Bigby due to a bothering left ankle injury.

Prediction: Walk. Bigby has the tools to be the strong hitting safety that the Packers need in the secondary. Unfortunately, he has a tough time with injuries that severely hamper his ability on the field.

This year Bigby will need to prove he is healthy and can revert back to his 2007 form. I believe this year Anthony Smith may outplay him, leaving Bigby on the outside looking in.

2010 Expiring Contracts: Which Packers Will Stay, Who Will Go? Part 1

It may be only a few weeks until the start of the regular season, but it is important that we look ahead and play as Ted Thompson by evaluating players who should or should not have their contracts renewed for the 2010 season and beyond.

So far this offseason, Greg Jennings has been the only player that has been given a contract extension which prevents him from testing free agency in 2010. Yet, 15 more Packers are in the last year of their contracts.

In Part 1, I will look at the offensive players who will become free agents next off-season.

Deshawn Wynn    age: 25    RB3/4

Wynn was the Packer’s seventh round draft pick in 2007. Though he been injured quite a bit, he has shown flashes of potential as a backup to Ryan Grant. Currently, Wynn is battling for a roster spot with Kregg Lumpkin and Tyrell Sutton. Wynn will most likely make the roster this year due to his improved off-season work ethic that has grabbed the coach’s attention.

Prediction: Stay. As a restricted free agent, the Packers can match any team’s offer. So long as Wynn avoids the injury bug, he should be able to contribute to the offense. Its not likely a team will reach out to sign him due to his history with injuries.

Ruvell Martin    age: 27        WR5

Since being on the practice squad in 2005, Martin has been able to crack the deep lineup of wide receivers as the fifth receiver. Martin is tall and has an excellent repartee with Rodgers. His ability to make clutch catches on third downs makes him a favorite target. Though other receivers that include Brett Swain appear to try and take the remaining receiver spot from Martin, I believe Martin will make the final roster.

Prediction: Walk. As a fifth receiver, Martin is expendable to the Packers and would make a valuable No. 3 receiver on many teams. He will most likely look to join a team where he can receive more playing time.

Chad Clifton    age: 33        LT1

Clifton has become a staple of the offense since his rookie season. Drafted in the second round in 2000, Clifton has been a very reliable starter at left tackle. He went to the Pro-bowl in 2008 and has protected the quarterbacks well. Even though his play dropped off last year, Clifton will remain the starter for the 2009 season.

Prediction: Walk. At the age of 33, Clifton will not be given a lucrative deal by the Packers and will test free agency. Clifton should get interest from other teams and still has a couple more years left. The organization is hoping Jamon Meredith can step into Clifton’s role in 2010.

Tony Moll    age: 26        OT2/3

Moll can be described as a “jack of all trades – a master of none”. As a former fifth round pick in 2006, Moll is quite versatile on the offensive line but is not a starter. He has struggled in training camp and may not secure a roster spot.

Prediction: Walk. I’m not sure if Moll will make the active roster with the younger talent coming up behind him. If he does, I’m positive Jamon Meredith and T.J. Lang will have passed him on the depth chart by the end of the season, making Moll expendable.

Daryn Colledge    age: 27        LG1

Since being drafted in the second round in 2006, Colledge has been a durable force as a starter. He has started 44 of 48 games—all but three at Left Guard. He and Jason Spitz were the only two linemen to start every game in 2008.

Prediction: Stay. Colledge has been one of the better blockers up front for the Packers and needs to be given a contract extension. Thompson needs to lock him up.

Jason Spitz    age: 26        G/C

Spitz is a very skilled and versitile lineman. Currently, he is competing with Scott Wells for the starting center position, but was the starter last year at right guard. Spitz was a fourth round pick in 2006 and had played both guard positions in college, yet scouts saw him better suited as a center.

Prediction: Stay. If Spitz ends up winning the starting job for center, he should easily be rewarded with a contract extension. However, if he fails to become a starter this year at center or right guard he may be let go due to more important expiring contracts that involve current starters Colledge, Kampman, and Collins who are more valuable to the organization than Spitz if he can’t secure a starting spot.

Any thoughts or comments Packer fans?

That’s it for the offense. Part 2 will cover the defense.

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