Packers to sign Jimmy Graham

[homer]

Packers to sign Graham to 3 year deal per Adam Schefter.

[MillerParkSouth]

Well that's neat.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

saints wanted him, but at a big discount. He said no, and talks broke down. That's when the Packers swooped in. Will be interesting to hear what the numbers are.

[homer]

And releasing Jordy. That won't go over well with the yokels, er, locals.

[FVBrewerFan]

Per source: 3 years/$42MM

[hurricanecrush]

I'm at work and can't link twitter on my computer but Adam Shefter is reporting that he thinks it was easiest to release Nelson and re-sign to a cheaper contract since he was willing to take less.

[bjkrautk]

Graham is a "big" move, based on prior performance...but I don't know that he has the capacity to stretch the field vertically at this point in his career, which is the Packers' biggest need.

 

It's the same discussion MLB is having now: Is the player worth the money they're going to make? MLB has guaranteed contracts, so it's more of an issue there; by contrast, the Packers can get salary cap relief by cutting a player like Jordy once they're no longer living up to their cap number.

 

 

To maximize the value of someone like Graham, it'll be important for the Packers to find players able to "take the cover off" opposing defenses, to force the safeties to play back, creating openings in the short and intermediate routes for players like Graham (and Cobb). I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers used a late round pick (or two) looking for speed at WR, particularly if they make CB a priority on Day 1-2 of the draft.

[burnzy24]

I'm at work and can't link twitter on my computer but Adam Shefter is reporting that he thinks it was easiest to release Nelson and re-sign to a cheaper contract since he was willing to take less.

 

The tone of the press release from the packers sure makes it seem like he's played his last game for the team.

[OnTheBlack]

And releasing Jordy. That won't go over well with the yokels, er, locals.

 

I love Jordy, but Jordy right now is the perfect example of what's wrong with out offense(and how Hundley had almost no chance).

 

Basically Rodgers had to throw him open. That's why Adams had such better numbers with Hundley. He can beat guys off the ball. A torn ACL and 10 years or so in the league and Jordy just can't get that quick separation as much any more.

 

 

What I really think they need is another guy like Greg Jennings. His loudmouth sister and he kinda made his departure sour, but he was soooo smooth off the line, the first couple steps of a route beating guys. His last year here I remember is when we kinda started having problems in our passing game where Rodgers had to throw everyone open after Jennings went down with a groin injury. Came back late in the year and you could see all the difference.

 

 

Only problem..I don't want to spend a 1st on Ridley and don't see anyone else who resembles him that'd be a good choice at 14. Unless Davenport, Edwards...all the guys the Packers want are gone before they pick. Derwin James to. Not a need, I just think he's gonna be such a beast in anyone's defense..a lesser version of Earl Thomas with Kam's size.

 

 

Anyway, love Jordy, wouldn't preferred to see him stay here at ~5 a year, but love the idea of adding Graham. LOOOOTS of work yet to do in order to turn this into a contending team though...and lots of time.

[PeaveyFury]

I'd expect Montgomery to move back to WR most of the time out of the slot, which helps with the offense as well, but they'll need to add another WR as the 2 sooner rather than later.

[patrickgpe]

I guess I am OK with this. We all know they need a TE and they are much harder to get than WR. The Packers really had 2 choices: sign Graham or use a high draft pick on a TE and hope he turns out. I just hope the packers either use a day 1 or 2 draft pick on a WR or sign on of the lesser WR's that are available.

[DHonks]

I'd expect Montgomery to move back to WR most of the time out of the slot, which helps with the offense as well, but they'll need to add another WR as the 2 sooner rather than later.

 

If Montgomery moves to WR, I expect him to get cut. He showed absolutely nothing as a WR. His only value was as a RB where he excelled in 2016. I like him as a utility guy and special-teamer.

 

I'd release Cobb as he's never been more than a good #3 (at his peak) and is now merely adequate. If Cobb or Nelson can't find an opportunity, I'd consider bringing them back cheaply after the draft. I like them as #3 (Nelson) and #4 (Cobb) receivers, but not much else. Between the 2, I'd choose Nelson every time for his sure hands and perfect route-running

[pacopete4]

Montgomery played like 5 games at WR. Too much depth at that time to even get a chance.

[LouisEly]

I'd release Cobb as he's never been more than a good #3 (at his peak) and is now merely adequate.

I'd say that Cobb's 2014 and 2012, and his performance in the 2016 playoffs, were much more than a "good #3". And with Hundley at QB last year I don't know how you tell one way or another, but Cobb was 2nd on the team in receiving yards last year, 2nd in targets, and was the top WR in terms of Catch %. He's been nicked up, but when healthy (and with a healthy Rodgers) I think he is a very good #2.

[DHonks]

I'd release Cobb as he's never been more than a good #3 (at his peak) and is now merely adequate.

I'd say that Cobb's 2014 and 2012, and his performance in the 2016 playoffs, were much more than a "good #3". And with Hundley at QB last year I don't know how you tell one way or another, but Cobb was 2nd on the team in receiving yards last year, 2nd in targets, and was the top WR in terms of Catch %. He's been nicked up, but when healthy (and with a healthy Rodgers) I think he is a very good #2.

 

Except Cobb excelled as a #3. Whenever asked to be a #1 or 2, he disappointed. The NFL is full of system/scheme guys. But he excelled in his role. For a period of time he was the best #3 in the game in an offense that almost always played 3 or 4 receivers. In 2012 The Packers were ahead of the league with a fast-paced wide open offense. We had 4 good receivers and everyone had only 1-2 good cornerbacks.

[PeaveyFury]

Looks like 3/$30 mil, with $22 mil in the first 2 years for Graham.

[adambr2]

Looks like 3/$30 mil, with $22 mil in the first 2 years for Graham.

 

Wild guess -- 15M signing bonus, base salaries of 3M, 4M, and 8M in the final year.

[RobDeer 45]

I like the Graham move but do have some worries about how his speed will be over the next few years. I also worry about injuries with him. All that said, at a minimum, Rodgers should have a great red zone threat.

 

I think it was time for Jordy to go, as hard is that is to say.

 

I'd be all for cutting Cobb as well but worry that would leave us with less than a less than ideal situation at WR, but maybe that could be addressed in the draft. I really would like to see the Packers concentrate on defense and OL as Rodgers ages here. Let him make average WRs be good and concentrate on running the ball. Get a defense in place that can compete.

[pacopete4]

Would have preferred Trey Burton but hopefully, Graham still has at least two good years in his tank.

[LouisEly]

I'd release Cobb as he's never been more than a good #3 (at his peak) and is now merely adequate.

I'd say that Cobb's 2014 and 2012, and his performance in the 2016 playoffs, were much more than a "good #3". And with Hundley at QB last year I don't know how you tell one way or another, but Cobb was 2nd on the team in receiving yards last year, 2nd in targets, and was the top WR in terms of Catch %. He's been nicked up, but when healthy (and with a healthy Rodgers) I think he is a very good #2.

 

Except Cobb excelled as a #3. Whenever asked to be a #1 or 2, he disappointed. The NFL is full of system/scheme guys. But he excelled in his role. For a period of time he was the best #3 in the game in an offense that almost always played 3 or 4 receivers. In 2012 The Packers were ahead of the league with a fast-paced wide open offense. We had 4 good receivers and everyone had only 1-2 good cornerbacks.

Except that his best year - 2014 - he was the #2. Adams was a rookie.