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J.C. Tretter: Green Bay Packers lineman’s versatility valued

By Raymond Rivard

Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) prepares to the snap as tackle Don Barclay (67), outside linebacker Andy Mulumba (55), tackle J.C. Tretter (73) and running back James Starks (44) line up at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Packers defeated the Lions 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) prepares to the snap as tackle Don Barclay (67), outside linebacker Andy Mulumba (55), tackle J.C. Tretter (73) and running back James Starks (44) line up at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Packers defeated the Lions 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers center JC Tretter (73) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers center JC Tretter (73) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

J.C. Tretter, the four-year Green Bay Packers offensive lineman, might be looking for a new team, a new city and a new job in the coming weeks.

That is if the Green Bay Packers and the team’s GM, Ted Thompson, think they can get along without the versatile lineman.

When one considers whether Tretter will be on the Packers radar for re-signing prior to the NFL Free Agency period, we have to think about what he has done for the team.

Tretter, in his four years, has only played the equivalent of a single season. Yes, if you’re going to call any player on the Packers’ 53-man roster injury-prone, it would be J.C. Tretter.

He was hurt on the very first day of rookie workouts just after being selected by the Packers in the 2013 NFL Draft. That leg injury kept him out his first season.

But he was ready to go and was slated to be the Packers starting center in 2014 when he was again hurt just before the start of the season. Instead of jumping in as Aaron Rodgers‘ battery mate, he was once again relegated to the injury list, making way for the emergence of Corey Linsley, who at the time was a rookie being thrown into one of the most important of offensive positions (but that’s a story for another time).

Tretter did come back later in 2014 and saw limited action.

It wasn’t until 2015 when Linsley went down with an injury and it was Tretter, ironically, who stepped in his place and played for most of the season.

Tretter began the 2016 campaign once again as the starting center – that was until he again went down with injury.

Up and down is an easy way to describe Tretter.

But what’s important here is how Thompson sees Tretter and whether the Ivy Leaguer still has enough in the tank to come back once again – and stay back.

That’s what Thompson must be weighing as free agency inches closer.

Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers center JC Tretter (73) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers center JC Tretter (73) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The ace in the hole that Tretter holds is his versatility. His best position has been center, but he’s been known to step in as a guard and a tackle, on both sides of the line, and has held his own.

Will that versatility be enough to allow him at least somewhat of a pay raise heading into the 2017 season? That remains to be seen.

Thompson may just go back to the draft to find another lineman who could contribute as much as Tretter. And though Tretter hasn’t been on the field as much as the team and fans would like, his experience in the system is also a plus.

News today that T.J. Lang may be testing the market plays well for Tretter, who has the skill to play any position on the line.

That said, his future in Green Bay will depend on many factors and whether Ted Thompson feels he’s the guy to help the next edition of the Packers team … and beyond.

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