It would have been easy to miss any of the roster moves made this week by the Packers, or by any club for that matter. So in case you've been living under a baseball shaped rock for the last seven days, here's what's been going on. (you may want to sit down)
LB Brandon Chillar was cut after injuring his hamstring in a non-team activity, thus voiding any injury insurance guaranteed by his contract. It's a tough break for someone who probably would have continued his role on the team. But for the Packers, who have real questions at LB, as well as a real need for salary cap room, it was a no brainer. Chillar reportedly has no hard feelings
T Mark Tauscher has been released. This move is hard on me, as Tauscher was easily one of my favorite players, in ethic and personality. But it just makes sense. The aging and oft-injured tackle was rewarded for a career of hard play with a Super Bowl ring, and now it's time for the team to cut ties, lose that injury liability, and get some fresh blood (and knees and shoulders) on the line. Fellow T Chad Clifton should stick around for at least one more year. While he, too, is an injury liability, his technique and play at tackle is just far better than that of Mark Tauscher.
RB Brandon Jackson is off the Cleveland. Jackson was barely serviceable as last year's defacto rusher after Ryan Grant was lost for the season. He is however very valuable as a 3rd down back, especially on passing plays, where he proved to be a stupendous blocker. In Cleveland, he'll get to play that role in a truer west coast offense, behind midwest folk hero Peyton Hillis. The DDS wishes him good luck (and quietly, good riddance).
OL Jason Spitz has been shown the door. Many regarded the running game as this offseason's biggest concern, but we all know that starts up front. The line improved last year, but still struggled to create rushing lanes and to keep the Precious (#12) comfortable in the pocket. It's only fitting that the team start giving the OL a serious makeover. Let's just hope they're able to forge a cohesive unit in this shortened offseason period.
G Daryn Colledge is on his way to Arizona. Fine by me. The DDS is on record as saying that Colledge was the worst starter on the line. As a fan, it's annoying to see all that potential go up in smoke due to 4th quarter penalties. Holding will happen, but to have as many late-game false starts as he did was hard to watch. In the end, the Packers showed absolutely no interest in re-signing him.
DL Justin Herrell has been released. Who didn't see this coming. His career will go down as an ultimate shame. He spent more of his 4 years with the team in the rehab room than the doctors themselves. I'm sure he had a cot with his name embroidered on it. The worst part is that he is such a raw talent, a physical specimen, that his potential impact was so obvious from the few snaps he actually took in 4 years, but the guy could just not stay healthy. He tore his ACL in the season opener last year, and it was clear that was the last we'd see of him.
Feel free to comment on what you think about these roster moves! I think every one of them was a common sense decision.
In other news, the Packers have yet to sign WR James Jones. Aaron Rodgers is on record as saying this signing should be the team's "number one priority" and that they "need James." Whether or not A-Rodg carries any clout with management in this regard remains to be seen. Jones is one of the best receivers still available, so his market value may be a bit high. The Packers have also agreed to terms with rookie wideout Randall Cobb. My theory is that Cobb will be used as a returner to start. But comparisons to Jones are just not fair. Cobb is a smaller player in all regards, and has no resume as of yet. The Packers would be wise to re-sign Jones. He led the team last season in YAC, and when the Precious is rallying for something, you best listen to the Precious.
The team has signed all of their draft picks, save RB Alex Green. It is likely that he will be signed, and that these negotiations are taking longer because the team finds themselves in a tough spot at RB. Even if Ryan Grant returns 100% healthy from his injury, the team could still stand to improve their running game. RB James Starks has immense potential. Perhaps it won't be too long before we see a Starks, Green 1-2 punch.
With the opening preseason game just a few short weeks away (Aug 13th!) there's still a lot of loose ends to shore up. Rest assured, the DDS will be here to keep you abreast of all goings on!
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