Why have the packers been so passive in free agency?

Question

This seems to be a trend every since Ted Thompson came on board. Anyone have any insight as to the strategy of not going for some free agents even when we're FAR under the salary cap?

Answer 1

At first glance it does look like he needs to open up his tight wallet. But he does believe in building through the draft for several good reasons.

1. Calibur players in the NFL are getting younger every year, especially with regard to positions with speed. Why get a 30 year old declining player for more money than a rising young player?

2. If he does dip into free agency he does at the end. All the players that got signed already got spectacular deals because the teams wasted no time displaying need and gave into demands. Ted Thompson waits for them to give into his demands, which is why he has so much cap space to spend every year.

3. Look at how many free agent flops have happened over the past couple years. Teams spending big money and getting no results and cutting the player and getting a cap penalty. That is bad management.

So when you see all these signings and money getting dipped out, ask yourself if you ever hear about those GM's again? The redskins have continually screwed themselves over for the past 10 years with too much free agent signing. And teams that build through the draft continually make the playoffs and win the most superbowls.

Answer 2

Because it's fairly smart. The free agent pool isn't as great as years past talent wise. Yet teams have more cap room this year. So you're getting players way over priced. So in a couple of years a lot of teams will be hurting with average players. Time has shown, the best way to build a team in the age of free agency is through the draft, then fill the holes with free agents. What big signing has really made an instant success. Usually the players just disappoint. Reggie White, Drew Brees, maybe a couple more actually impacted a team and were worth it. I agree with Thompson.

Answer 3

I think that if they are keeping Brett Favre around, they should at least make it worth his while by building a Super Bowl contender around him. Building through the draft is great, and I think it should be done, but when you have a guy like Brett Favre, even at his age, who can still perform, and more importantly, motivate his team, you should take advantage of that.

They should have already traded Rodgers away for Moss, in my opinion, and drafted themselves a QB with their second pick. Someone like Chris Leak of Florida who is a proven winner with tremendous upside, who can take over the reigns when Favre finally decides to retire.

They need desperately to shore up their DB's, and already missed out on two great ones in free agency by being tight fisted. It's not like you're going to get an instant starter from the draft.

They need to stop being cheap, get Moss, get some DB's, use THIS seasons draft to score a solid QB and shore up the O-Line, then next season begin building the future defense.

Answer 4

I'm in agreement about Ted Thompson. As far as the salary cap goes, it sounds like they're either holding out for a pricey player or just trying to save bank.

Answer 5

I admit I haven't followed the Pack's signings much. They definitely haven't improved any the last few years. Maybe Thompson is just tight. I think people in sports management need to loosen the purse strings a bit. Another theory is their scouting department might not be real good.

Answer 6

I've been wondering this myself. I'm also curious to know how they will be replacing Ahman Green this year. I hope they shell out for someone who will help this team recover from the last couple of years...

Answer 7

TT believes in building thru the draft. So, don't plan on fielding a winner for about 30 more years.

Answer 8

Because the team only worries about if farve is there. They need to ask him to retire and work as a QB coach. Farve can no longer work miracles like he used to be able to.