Category: Latest Packers News

How much will it cost for Packers to re-sign RT Bryan Bulaga?

Examining the potential cost of the Packers re-signing free agent RT Bryan Bulaga.

The future of soon-to-be free agent right tackle Bryan Bulaga might be the most difficult among the Green Bay Packers’ group of veteran free agents to predict this offseason.

Bulaga, who turns 31 in March, plays a premium position and is coming off one of his best seasons for a team that won 14 games and got within one game of the Super Bowl, but any examination of his value must include his worrisome injury history, especially for a player over the age of 30. Teams pay for a projected future, not past production, even if the two are intertwined.

So many questions need to be answered. How aggressive will the Packers be about bringing him back? How in-demand will Bulaga be on the open market? Will his injury history scare teams away? Is Bulaga willing to take a little less money to return to Green Bay?

Based on his overall body of work, the quality of his 2019 season and other deals signed by right tackles around the NFL, Bulaga is likely worth $10 million or more per season over a two- or three-year deal. And the interest on the open market will likely be high. It’s a simple supply and demand equation; there are more NFL teams looking for quality pass-protecting offensive tackles than there are quality pass-protecting offensive tackles available. When demand is higher than supply, prices must rise – a simple Econ 101 concept that plays out every spring at offensive tackle (and other premium positions) in free agency.

Unlike a truly free market, however, the Packers will get the first crack at signing Bulaga. And it’s possible the Illinois native and Iowa grad will want to remain in Green Bay, where he began his professional life and started a family. Human factors are at play in any big decision. No player wants to give away millions of dollars, and no player really should, given the short money-making window for NFL players, but comfort and convenience are valuable, too.

GM Brian Gutekunst already said the Packers want Bulaga back. He knows the Packers have an open Super Bowl window, and keeping Bulaga would help keep his aging quarterback upright in upcoming years, but even he acknowledged how many layers of the process must still be peeled back before a decision is made.

One thing is certain: Bulaga is coming off a terrific year. He won a number of individual battles against a few of the NFL’s best pass-rushers, including Khalil Mack, Danielle Hunter and Demarcus Lawrence. Pro Football Focus graded him out as the 15th best offensive tackle in the NFL. Bulaga also avoided a major injury and played in 17 of 18 games, and although he left several games with injuries, he also started 17 games, and his only missed start was due to the flu bug that spread around the Packers locker room over the final two months of the season. He proved he can still play at a high level and stay on the field.

Spotrac compared Bulaga’s age and statistical production to other right tackles and estimated him to be worth roughly $10.1 million per year, with a contract guess of three years and $30.4 million.

Bulaga’s agent will come to the bargaining table with that information and more, and the Packers will have to determine if they’re willing to meet a certain price before the start of free agency. Russ Ball and his team will have all the information on his ability, health status and potential longevity and should be able to construct a reasonable risk-benefit ratio.

It’s possible the Packers will be willing to get close to $10 million annually over a three-year deal if the contract is structured in such a way as to give the team an out after one or two years. Or, the Packers might decide to offer something much more team-friendly in total value – say, a three-year, $25 million deal, or a two-year, $17 million deal, for example – and hope that’s enough to get a deal done, and if not, let him test the market.

One team to watch if Bulaga gets to free agency: the Los Angeles Chargers. Former Packers offensive line coach James Campen took the job in Los Angeles, and Bulaga spent his first eight NFL seasons working under the highly respected coach in Green Bay. A reunion is possible with the Chargers, who need offensive line help.

The NFL Scouting Combine will provide important pieces of information for both sides. In Indianapolis, Bulaga’s agent will get a gauge on the league’s interest in his client, and the Packers, if interested, can start working on the early stages of the negotiation process.

Bulaga’s future is complicated and clouded by many factors. In a perfect world for the Packers, he’d return on a team-friendly third deal, stay healthy and keep Aaron Rodgers protected for a few more runs at the Super Bowl. But the economics of professional football are tricky and may force the Packers into an uncomfortable place. Does Gutekunst and the Packers want to pay a premium price for a great but aging and injury-prone player, or do they want to start over at a premium position one year after getting one game from the Super Bowl? Good luck, Brian.

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Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling: ‘Year 2 was a roller coaster’

The young Packers receiver was candid about his disappointing 2019 season in a social media post on Tuesday.

Green Bay Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling admitted in a candid post on social media Tuesday that his second NFL season was a “roller coaster” forcing him to take “long looks in the mirror.”

A breakout player as a rookie, Valdes-Scantling began the 2019 season as a starter for the Packers offense but battled through a midseason knee injury and was eventually demoted to a backup role. He finished with just 26 catches, 12 fewer than his rookie season.

“Year 2 was a roller coaster,” Valdes-Scantling wrote on his official Instagram page. “This game means everything to me. Battled through some tough times, adversity punched me in the face, and I had to take some long looks in the mirror. One thing I do know is that I’m built for this (expletive), and I’ll stand 10 toes every single time.”

After catching 21 passes during the first seven games, Valdes-Scantling managed just five catches for 36 yards over the final nine games of the regular season, and he was on the field for just six offensive snaps over two playoff games.

Knee and ankle injuries suffered in Week 6 created a setback from which he never really recovered.

Green Bay Packers’ Marquez Valdes-Scantling can’t catch a pass in front of Chicago Bears’ Prince Amukamara during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Standing 6-4 and gifted with 4.4 speed, Valdes-Scantling emerged as an unexpected rookie contributor during the Packers’ rocky 2018 season. He caught 38 passes for 581 yards, averaged 15.3 yards per catch and 8.0 yards per target and showed flashes of becoming a legitimate vertical threat for Aaron Rodgers.

The connection between young receiver and experienced quarterback never got dialed in during the 2019 season. Valdes-Scantling caught just 46.4 percent of his targets and was rarely on the same page as Rodgers, a perfectionist who doesn’t put up with repeated mistakes. As Allen Lazard emerged as a favorite target of Rodgers, Valdes-Scantling faded from the offense.

His season hit a low point when Valdes-Scantling dropped what could have been a 70-yard touchdown on the Packers’ first play from scrimmage in Week 15 against the Chicago Bears.

The Packers must now hope for a bounceback third season from Valdes-Scantling, who is certain to face stiff competition from newcomers at receiver this summer. Although the fabled second-year jump is preferred, young players can recover from disappointing sophomore seasons, especially if injury is involved. Davante Adams bounced back from a disastrous 2015 season and eventually emerged as a Pro Bowl receiver, although he was a second-round pick with a far more well-rounded skill set.

The offense being run in Green Bay is still set up for a player like Valdes-Scantling to succeed. He has the speed and downfield ability to be a useful player for Rodgers and Matt LaFleur, but getting healthy and rebuilding confidence will be required this offseason.

The roller coaster plummeted on Valdes-Scantling in 2019. It’ll be on him to rebuild the tracks and get himself going in the right direction in 2020.

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Packers rookie review: CB Ka’dar Hollman

Reviewing the rookie season of Packers CB Ka’dar Hollman, the 185th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers made eight picks during the 2019 NFL draft and signed several others during college free agency, adding an influx of first-year talent to the roster. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be going through and reviewing the 2019 season for all of the Packers’ top rookies.

Next up: cornerback Ka’dar Hollman, the 185th overall pick and the Packers’ first of two sixth-round draft picks in 2019:

Season stats

Hollman played in four games but didn’t produce a statistic. He had eight tackles and an interception during three preseason games. The Packers made him inactive for 14 of the team’s 18 total games.

Snap counts

Hollman was active and participated in games against the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders and both games against the Detroit Lions. He played four snaps on defense (all against the Raiders in Week 7) and 33 special teams snaps, including a season-high 15 in Week 17 against the Lions. He made his NFL debut on special teams against the Cowboys in Week 5.

Best play

In the preseason opener, Hollman jumped an intermediate pass from Texans quarterback Joe Webb and made the interception in front of receiver Vyncint Smith on the Packers’ first defensive series of the year.

Season recap, future outlook

The Packers’ depth at cornerback and surprising injury luck allowed Hollman to have a redshirt rookie season. He was active in only four games and played defensive snaps in just one game, limiting his exposure. The Packers were clearly comfortable with other young defensive backs playing roles on special teams, which kept Hollman from making the gameday 46-man roster the majority of weeks. However, the rookie did have an eye-opening summer and coaches often praised his potential as a press-man cornerback, so there’s reason to believe he’s still in the team’s long-term plans at the position. Hollman has the athleticism and demeanor to play in Mike Pettine’s defense, but there’s always a big adjustment to the pro game for young players, especially coming out of the MAC. He probably needed the year to get up to speed. Expect the Packers to add more competition at cornerback, but Hollman is a player to watch this summer. He could surprise if he’s comfortable with the scheme and the speed of the game in Year 2. Already 25 years old, the former Toledo star needs to show substantial development or risk losing his roster spot at camp. His background suggests he won’t go down without a fight.

Season grade

Sixth-round picks at deep positions rarely play in the NFL, and Hollman was no exception. He made plays at camp and during the preseason but wasn’t ready to contribute in any meaningful way as a rookie, even on special teams. He remained on the 53-man roster all year but his playing time was minimal and uneventful. The Packers will hope his year of development will translate into a big second-year jump. With only 37 total snaps as a rookie, his grade is incomplete. Grade: INC

Packers have easy decisions to make on exclusive rights free agents

The Packers should tender all five exclusive rights free agents this offseason.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has difficult decisions upcoming on several veterans in free agency, but he’ll have it easy when it comes to his team’s exclusive rights free agent pool.

An exclusive rights free agent is any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expiring contract.

The Packers have five such free agents in 2020, and all five should return on one-year deals at the league minimum. Once tendered by the Packers, they’ll have no opportunity to negotiate with other teams.

Here are the five:

WR Allen Lazard (24 years old, 1 accrued season): Broke out as a contributor in the passing game despite not making the initial 53-man roster. Caught 35 passes and finished second on the team with 477 receiving yards. Confident and big-bodied receiver who quickly gained Aaron Rodgers’ trust. Impressive run blocker.

DL Tyler Lancaster (25 years old, 2 accrued seasons): Run-stuffing down lineman who had to play more defensive end in 2019. Best suited as a backup nose tackle. Produced 30 tackles and 1.5 sacks over 16 games.

CB Chandon Sullivan (23 years old, 1 accrued season): Emerged as a quality fourth cornerback for Mike Pettine. Played in the slot and even some at safety. Stingy in coverage and comfortable playing the run. Broke up six passes and intercepted another over 16 games. Could compete for a starting job in 2020.

WR Jake Kumerow (27 years old, 2 accrued seasons): Late bloomer who finally found a home in Green Bay. Caught 12 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown in 2019. A favorite of Aaron Rodgers. Embraced blocking role and special teams jobs as a backup receiver.

TE Robert Tonyan (25 years old, 2 accrued seasons): Converted college receiver who brings speed and good hands to tight end position. Lost five games to a hip injury and never carved out a real role. Has improved significantly over two years in Green Bay and should be part of the puzzle at tight end in 2020.

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Packers mock draft roundup: LB and WR remain heavy favorites

Linebackers and receivers are dominating the first-round picks for the Packers in early 2020 mock drafts.

Mock drafts during this time of year are often an exercise in identifying needs. It’s all about matching a team’s top needs to a top player at the need positions.

National mock drafts are certain the Green Bay Packers need linebackers and receivers. The vast majority of picks in post-Super Bowl mock drafts have the Packers taking a linebacker – such as Kenneth Murray or Patrick Queen – or one of the many talented receivers in the class.

No one can know for sure if the Packers also view linebacker and receiver as the team’s top needs, and no one can know for sure if the Packers will use free agency – which begins next month – to address those perceived needs. The combine is still a few weeks away. And there’s another huge variable: No one knows how the Packers are grading the players.

It’s a crapshoot, but that’s what makes mock draft season so fun. The possibilities are endless. So are the combination of potential draft picks. The next few months are all about sorting through all the prospects and attempting to find which players fit teams the best.

Keep in mind: when we did this exercise around this time last year, edge rusher was the early and heavy favorite. The Packers ended up picking edge rusher Rashan Gary, but not a single one of the national mock drafts connected Gary with the Packers at this point in the process.

Here’s a roundup of the players going to the Packers in the first round of national mock drafts:

Dane Brugler, The Athletic: LB Patrick Queen, LSU

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

Luke Easterling, Draft Wire: LB Patrick Queen

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado

Mel Kiper, ESPN: WR K.J. Hamler, Penn State

Todd McShay, ESPN: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports: LB Patrick Queen, LSU

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame

Mike Renner, Pro Football Focus: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Jordan Reid, The Draft Network: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

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Former Packers CB Davon House retires after 8 NFL seasons

Former Packers CB Davon House informed the team he is retiring from the NFL after 8 seasons.

Davon House, a cornerback drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons.

House informed the team he wished to retire as a member of the Packers.

House, who turns 31 in July, played six seasons with the Packers and another two with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He produced seven interceptions, 54 pass breakups, three sacks and eight tackles for loss over 87 games and 46 starts.

The 131st overall pick in 2011, House played four seasons with the Packers – eventually as a key contributor in 2013 and 2014 – before signing a big deal in free agency with the Jaguars. He returned to Green Bay in 2017 and played another 15 games with the Packers over his final two seasons in the NFL.

House, who missed the final 13 games of the 2018 season after having shoulder surgery, went unsigned as an unrestricted free agent last offseason and didn’t play in the NFL in 2019.

House’s final interception in the NFL was of Drew Brees during a loss at Lambeau Field in 2017.

House’s most productive season as a pro came with the Jaguars in 2015. He intercepted a career-high four passes and broke up a career-high 23 over 16 games.

House played in three playoff games with the Packers during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

WATCH: Packers’ top 10 plays from the 2019 season

Relive the season’s best moments by watching the NFL’s highlight video of the Packers’ top 10 plays from 2019.

The NFL released a video highlight of the Green Bay Packers’ top 10 best plays from the 2019 season. The video can be viewed via Twitter above.

Here’s a rundown of the 10 plays:

10. Marquez Valdes-Scantling scampers down the sideline 74 yards for a touchdown vs. Raiders, giving Aaron Rodgers five touchdown passes.

9. Aaron Rodgers finds Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 40-yard touchdown pass on a free play against the Denver Broncos.

8. Aaron Rodgers goes deep to Davante Adams for a 65-yard gain against the coverage of Richard Sherman in the NFC title game against the 49ers.

7. Davante Adams shakes free for a 40-yard touchdown pass to open the second half of the Packers’ win over the Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round.

6. Aaron Jones completes a spinning catch of an Aaron Rodgers pass for a 21-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders.

5. Kevin King goes way up to secure an interception of Kirk Cousins in the end zone in the fourth quarter, helping the Packers hold onto a 21-16 lead over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.

4. Allen Lazard comes off the bench and catches a 35-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers in traffic, sparking the Packers’ comeback win over the Lions.

3. Aaron Jones runs through a pair of tackle attempts from Bears defenders en route to a 21-yard touchdown during the Packers’ Week 15.

2. Preston Smith finishes what Kyler Fackrell started, stopping Christian McCaffrey short of the end zone on the final play of the game with the Packers protecting an 8-point lead over the Panthers.

1. Aaron Rodgers floats a perfect pass into the corner of the end zone to Jamaal Williams, overcoming heavy pressure to produce a miracle touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Packers’ win over the Chiefs.

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Making the case for and against the Packers re-signing K Mason Crosby

Breaking down the reasons for and against the Packers bringing back veteran kicker Mason Crosby.

The Green Bay Packers must determine whether or not they’re ready to move onto a new era at kicker this offseason.

Mason Crosby, the franchise’s leader in points scored, will be an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires in March. He turns 36 in September but is coming off a season in which he was named a Pro Bowl alternate.

Here’s the case for and against re-signing Crosby:

Case for 

Crosby, who has spent his entire career in Green Bay, is coming off his best NFL season. He hit 22 of 24 field goals, tying the franchise record for field goal percentage in a season, and he hit 46 of 47 extra points overall, including the postseason. Despite trying off-the-field circumstances, Crosby remained mentally strong and as trustworthy as ever. Since last year’s disaster and Detroit, he’s been nearly automatic. During both wins over the Lions, Crosby hit the game-winner. His leg strength is no longer elite but it’s still good enough. He finished sixth in the NFL in touchback percentage in 2019 and has six field goals over 50 yards since 2018. Crosby has kicked in the cold and unpredictable conditions in Green Bay since 2007 and knows exactly how to handle adverse weather at Lambeau Field.  He’s also playoff-tested, with 26 made field goals over 20 career postseason games, and well respected in the locker room. Kickers aren’t often considered “tough,” but Crosby has rarely shied away from getting into the mix and making a tackle on kickoffs, and he’s never missed a game in 13 seasons. GM Brian Gutekunst is confident he can be an effective kicker for several more years.

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Case against

Crosby will be 36 years old to start next year, and physical decline can creep up quick on kickers. His value would drop substantially if his leg strength goes into rapid decline. While reliable over the long term, he’s been prone to down years, and often the misses come in bunches. Between 2017 and 2018, Crosby missed nine field goals and four extra points and had a field goal percentage of 80.4. Changes at punter and long snapper really affected his consistency, and turnover is common at both spots. What will be his price tag? Kickers of his experience and quality are worth $4 million or more per season. Barring a big home-town discount, the Packers will likely need to pay $10-15 million over 2-3 years to keep him. Can the Packers find a similar talent at a much cheaper price?

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Vikings add former Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers to coaching staff

Former Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has joined the Vikings as a senior defensive assistant under Mike Zimmer.

Former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has landed a new job inside the NFC North.

The Minnesota Vikings announced Monday that Capers, who spent nine years as the defensive coordinator in Green Bay, is joining Mike Zimmer’s staff as a senior defensive assistant.

Capers, now 69, was a senior defensive assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.

Capers led the Packers defense from 2009 to 2017. His defenses were excellent early, especially during a Super Bowl run in 2010, but the greatness faded considerably. Mike McCarthy eventually fired him after the Packers finished 21st and 26th in points allowed in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Mike Pettine has been the Packers’ defensive coordinator the last two seasons.

Now, Capers will get a chance to coach against the Packers for at least two games next season.

Capers has 32 seasons of experience coaching in the NFL, including 25 as a defensive coordinator or head coach. He’ll assist co-defensive coordinators Andre Patterson and Adam Zimmer with the Vikings.

Packers add new offensive quality control coach to Matt LaFleur’s staff

The Packers promoted Connor Lewis to offensive quality control coach on Monday.

The Green Bay Packers have promoted Connor Lewis to an offensive quality control coach on Matt LaFleur’s coaching staff. The team announced the move Monday.

Lewis, who joined the Packers in 2016, spent the last four seasons assisting the offensive coaching staff in “data analysis, playing rules and game management,” per the team. He has also worked in the football technology department in Green Bay.

Prior to coming to the Packers, Lewis worked with the Oakland Raiders and New York Giants.

Lewis will join Kevin Koger, another offensive quality control coach who joined LaFleur’s first staff in 2019.

The Packers still need to hire a wide receivers coach to replace Alvis Whitted, who was let go last week. There could be a chance that Koger, who has experience coaching receivers, is promoted to the position.

Packers offensive coaching staff

Coordinator: Nathaniel Hackett
QBs coach: Luke Getsy
RBs coach: Ben Sirmans
WRs coach: TBD
TEs coach: Justin Outten
OL coach: Adam Stenavich
Asst. OL coach: Luke Butkus
Offensive assistant: Jason Vrable
Offensive quality control: Kevin Koger, Connor Lewis