D.J. Smith was signed today by the San Diego Chargers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Reports today confirmed that D.J. Smith, the Green Bay Packers former linebacker by less than 24 hours, had found a new home.

The San Diego Chargers signed Smith today, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The Packers waived Smith yesterday because of a failed physical, but reports weren’t clear on whether Smith was claimed by the Chargers by the 3 p.m. CDT deadline or whether he had passed through waivers and was signed by San Diego.

But one thing is for certain – Smith won’t be wearing the #51 Green and Gold jersey anymore. After suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament last October, nobody was really sure if he would make it back with the Packers, especially after the Packers re-signed A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones this offseason. In addition, Desmond Bishop, another inside linebacker, is hoped to return at some point after he suffered a serious hamstring injury that also kept him off the field all of last season.

Smith, who was a sixth round pick by the Packers in 2011, was considered short for a linebacker, but was always around the football. In 22 games with Green Bay, he had 82 tackles. He also stepped into the starting role at inside linebacker last year when Bishop went down with his injury.

Tramon Williams returns an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

A couple of questions have been burning in my mind since the Green Bay Packers were beat down in their Divisional Playoff game by the San Francisco 49ers – the first is what’s happened to Tramon Williams? The second is what will we do with Jermichael Finley?

Williams suffered through his second straight down season. Two seasons ago it was attributed to a shoulder injury and while he showed flashes of his old self at various points this past season, he was burned more times than not. Maybe it was the scheme, but there were so many times that Tramon didn’t even seem in the same zip code. Unlike his inspiring season when he helped lead the Packers’ defense to a Super Bowl XLV win, this past season was a big disappointment. He did show flashes, but his inconsistency was more of an issue than we would have liked.

Tramon Williams has been known as the Packers’ best cover guy.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The season ended for Williams and the Packers as we watched Michael Crabtree eat him alive. It was just plain ugly and prompted Packers cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt to say that Williams isn’t a lock as a starter next season … and he shouldn’t be. With the strong play of rookie Casey Hayward and second-year player Davon House, as well as Sam Shields, Williams may be the odd man out next year. Whitt said Williams will have to compete for a starting spot, which at this point is probably best for everyone.

On the other side of the line of scrimmage is tight end Jermichael Finley. The talented 25-year-old has one more year left on his two-year contract and from the way Mike McCarthy talked about him in his season-ending press conference it seems the Packers will bring him back for that final year. Where they go from there isn’t clear, but what is clear was the play of Finley the last half of the season.

Here’s what McCarthy had to say: ”I really felt Jermichael Finley was a different man, a different player from the bye week on. I had an opportunity to talk to him about that at length in his exit interview, so I feel very good about the way he finished the year.

“There was a change in that young man. We obviously have to look at the first half, too, and make sure that’s part of the evaluation because we’re all judged on 16 games.”

In fact, it was the Sunday after a Bob McGinn story that claimed the Packers would cut Finley once the season was over that Finley came out like gangbusters, piling up receptions with nary a drop. By season’s end, Finley collected 61 receptions which broke Paul Coffman’s 33-year-old franchise record and gave the team reason to bring him back for at least one more run.

In his first six games Finley has six drops, something he publicly claimed was due to his lack of chemistry with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Coupled with that was Finley’s agent coming out with bad things to say about Rodgers.

Jermichael Finley has been bashed in the media, but is still considered the Packers’ best option as a tight end.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

But that all changed after the Packers’ bye. Here’s what he had to say about it: “I’d say more than anything I was just determined. Just determined to prove people wrong and just determined to make myself better overall. But that’s what I do; I play football for a living, and I put all of it in. And at the end of the day I get what I put out.”

When one considers the other tight ends on the roster – D.J. Williams, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree and Ryan Taylor – one can see why Finley continues to be the starter and the possible player of the future.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Greg Jennings is a free agent this offseason and has probably played his last game for the Green Bay Packers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I was hoping this article wouldn’t have to be written for a few more weeks, but here we are after the Green Bay Packers‘ divisional round loss. A multitude of major personnel decisions loom on the horizon, any of which could be the difference for the Packers in 2013.

Let’s quickly dispense with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. I’ve seen any number of tweets, comments, and emails about how Green Bay “needs to find the money to pay Jennings” and “Driver needs another season to shore up his hall of fame credentials.”

In regards to Jennings, paying him would put Clay Matthews, B.J. Raji, and/or Aaron Rodgers in jeopardy of not re-signing. All of those are more integral to Green Bay’s future success than Jennings, especially with Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones under contract. As for Driver, it became evident very early on this season that he could no longer separate from defenders. It would be coaching malpractice to have him on the field next year.

Finally, as much as Driver is loved and cherished by Packer fans such as our fearless leader, Ray, he will be in the Packers’ Hall of Fame, but not the one in Canton.

The following are the big decisions the Packers will be pondering as they enter the offseason.

Can the Packers afford to keep Sam Shields?

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) intercepts a pass during the third quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: Sam Shields completed the final year of his three-year rookie deal in fine fashion. After becoming the starter in week 2, Shields proved reliable as the wide corner in all the defensive formations. He also demonstrated the ability to make plays on the ball, as evidenced by his three interceptions. Really, the only black mark against Shields this year was penalty count, and much of that came during the reign of the replacement refs, thus skewing results.

Why they should keep him: Shields is the fastest player in the secondary. No other corner can handle the speed matchups nearly as well, and it’s unlikely to find another corner that can reproduce that ability.

Why they should let him go: One of the great discoveries of the 2012 season was that Green Bay is stacked at corner. In addition to pro-bowler Tramon Williams, Davon House and rookie Casey Hayward demonstrated starting ability. Hayward in particular was the Packers’ best corner this year. While none have the foot speed of Shields, the Packers have the replacement already in the building. The funds Shields would require could be reallocated to another position.

Prediction: As of right now I think Shields is re-signed. He’s a restricted free agent which should somewhat deflate his salary, and after a lousy 2011 season, Shields looks like a rising star again.

Is there a place for Brad Jones at inside linebacker?

Dec 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Brad Jones (59) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: After the preseason claimed Desmond Bishop, the regular season took his backup D.J. Smith. At that point it was Brad Jones’s turn, and after a shaky start Jones became a pillar of the pass defense. Jones covers slot receivers and especially tight ends better than any of the other linebackers can. While inside linebackers Bishop, A.J. Hawk, and even Smith are all comparable to superior players, they cannot be relied on in the nickel and dime packages to stop passes to the middle of the field. Jones was also passable in run defense, allowing him to play on all downs.

Why they should keep him: Coverage linebackers are hard to find, and generally speaking those players are awful against the run. Jones provides some semblance of balance in these regards, and in the modern NFL where athletic tight ends and read-option quarterbacks are commonplace, players like Jones are only going to become more difficult to find.

Why they should let him go: Jones won’t start over Bishop or Hawk, and unless one of them gets hurt the Packers would be paying Jones for three downs when they’re probably only getting one or two out of him.

Prediction: Brad Jones has probably played his last down as a Packer. There’s just too many good players at his position and as an unrestricted free agent Jones’s price tag is too high to justify retention.

Will Charles Woodson take a pay cut? Will he be cut if he doesn’t?

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson (21) reacts after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: 2012 proved a challenging year for Charles Woodson. The coaches determined in the preseason that he was no longer capable of covering as a wide corner, only allowing him to play the slot corner in the nickel. Complicating matters, we don’t truly know what kind of safety he is. For the first seven games he was adjusting to a new position. Before he could complete the transition, a collarbone injury knocked him out. Woodson never got a chance to shake off the rust once he returned in the playoffs. What Woodson’s exact role will be in 2013 remains shrouded in mystery.

Why they should keep him: Woodson is the most versatile player the Packers have at safety. Woodson has enough speed left to play deep and enough pass rushing ability to play around the line of scrimmage. Woodson was used mostly as a pseudo-linebacker when he came back from injury, a fine usage of his size and coverage ability. His ability to play this role will become even more vital if Brad Jones departs this offseason.

Why they should let him go: M.D. Jennings proved a more than capable option at safety, improving steadily after a poor showing against the 49ers in week 1. More impressive still was Jerron McMillian. McMillian is by far the most physical presence in the secondary, which when coupled with his 4.42 speed allows the Packers to do get very creative. Both Jennings and McMillian would benefit greatly from a full-time role which can only happen if Woodson is out of the picture.

Prediction: The Packers will probably ask Woodson to restructure his deal and I expect him to oblige. No team is going to offer Woodson more money or a greater opportunity for football success, and Jennings and McMillian could benefit from another year of coaching before either takes on the job full-time.

What to do with Jermichael Finley?

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) is unable to make a catch in the end zone against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: No player on Green Bay’s roster is more polarizing than Jermichael Finley. No other tight end or wide receiver on the team is as talented a pass catcher, but Finley has not lived up to his potential. While many fans can’t see past his shortcomings, Finley has quietly been setting team records for the position. It’s been rumored for some time now that the Packers plan to cut the tight end this offseason. Finley is entering the second year of a lucrative two-year deal. If he remains under contract, Finley will count $8.75 million against the cap. However, if he’s cut before the fifteenth day of the league year, Finley will only count $500,000 against the cap for a net savings of $8.25 million.

Why they should keep him: Finley’s been a record-setter for the Packers. In 2011, he produced the most receiving yards for a tight end in team history. This season, Finley set the team mark for most receptions by a tight end. Anyone the Packers replace him with will be a step down, and with Greg Jennings departing the Packers shouldn’t be looking to give away talented pass catchers. Even if Finley doesn’t have a breakthrough season in 2013, the Packers will have a year to develop replacements for him and Jennings. Finley could either be re-signed or he could walk next offseason.

Why they should let him go: While cutting Finley won’t provide enough savings to keep Greg Jennings, he could allow the team to keep other would-be cap casualties. Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji’s extensions can’t wait any longer, and both players are more valuable than Finley.

Prediction: Given how strong Finley finished the year, and how well the quarterback spoke of him, I think Finley comes back for 2013.

Has A.J. Hawk played his last down for the Packers?

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) is tackled by Green Bay Packers inside linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) during the third quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Season Review: 2012 was probably A.J. Hawk’s best year as a Packer. He tied his career best for total tackles, nearly matched his season record for sacks, and had over double his previous best for tackles for loss. However, Hawk still doesn’t play well in coverage and will return to a reduced role when Desmond Bishop returns in 2013. Hawk’s contract lasts through 2015, and cutting him now would incur a $4.8 million cap hit immediately while saving $17.85 million over the next three seasons.

Why they should keep him: Hawk is a steady producer who handles the play calls. Being able to communicate the calls is a skill, one that others in the past (Nick Barnett) have struggled with. If Hawk goes, this duty probably falls on Desmond Bishop who’s never had that responsibility at any time during his career.

Why they should let him go: The savings from Hawk’s contract would be like Finley’s contract on steroids. It would guarantee both Raji and Matthews are fit comfortably under the salary cap while also provided tons of breathing room for Rodgers’ deal. There are tangential benefits too. Brad Jones suddenly looks very affordable, and between him, Desmond Bishop and D.J. Smith, the Packers would have a very versatile inside linebacker group.

Prediction: I’m taking a bold stance here and predicting Hawk goes this offseason. I haven’t heard any talk of Hawk being a cut candidate, but the benefits of such a move are obvious and overwhelming. Furthermore, Hawk turns 30 next season, and Ted Thompson tends to veer away from those types of players. While Hawk could offer to restructure his deal, that wouldn’t change the fact Hawk isn’t a strong coverage linebacker or that Jones is probably more useful for the team at this point.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Packers quarterback Graham Harrell throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The 2012 NFL Cut Day has come and gone as the Green Bay Packers have gone with Graham Harrell. But Harrell is not the most proven backup – there are three former backup quarterbacks who have proven track records that Green Bay needs to consider.

New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer (8) unloads pass during preseason.

QB Brian Hoyer

Brian Hoyer was the backup for the Patriots and he has shown he has the potential to be a starter in the NFL but now is a free agent after being surprisingly cut by the Patriots as they chose to keep Ryan Mallett as the backup over Hoyer. Hoyer has been developed in the same system that helped Tom Brady become an elite and helped Matt Cassel go from a backup USC quarterback to the starter for the Kansas City Chiefs. Hoyer would be worth signing by the Packers as he could also be used as a trade chip next offseason to bring in a draft pick, unlike what they were able to do with Matt Flynn.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during preseason. Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

QB Seneca Wallace

Seneca Wallace is a proven veteran quarterback who has been solid when given the chance to start in the past. Wallace has some mobility to get out of the pocket and can sramble and pick up yardage. Wallace is a also a fairly acurate quarterback who might not make the big play but will get lots of solid completions. Seneca Wallace does not throw too many interceptions either. Wallace would provide a solid veteran presence as a backup and on the field if Aaron Rodgers were to be hurt as Wallace would be a smart signing just like Hoyer.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Stephen McGee (7) throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins. Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

QB Stephen McGee

Former Cowboys and Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee has come in when Tony Romo was injured in the past in Dallas and been a reliable quarterback in games. Now McGee may not be as well known around the league as Hoyer and Wallace but he is a proven backup that the Packers could potentially keep for multiple seasons. McGee has the ability to get out of the pocket when he needs to and is fairly accurate. He he will not make big plays as he has never averaged more than 5.41 yards per completion. McGee is not as known as Hoyer or Wallace but might just be the best possible backup the Packers could get.

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces the 32nd overall pick of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

What a crazy offseason it has been … Peyton Manning being released from the Colts, Tim Tebow being traded to the Jets, and the Saints bounty scandal are the big headliners.

As an average Packer fan, you may think the Packers did the usual thing this offseason which was … nothing at all.

Though they may not be headline news, the Packers did make some key acquisitions and have somewhat lessened the importance for the upcoming draft for the Packers. GM Ted Thompson lives and dies by the draft which means his presence in free agency is hardly ever felt. Heck, before this year, he had not signed an unrestricted free agent since 2009.

So what makes this season so different for Thompson?

Maybe having the worst-ranked defense had something to do with it. Also, losing All Pro center Scott Wells left a large hole to fill. One that a rookie just could not fill.

So Thompson went out of his comfort zone and signed former Colts center Jeff Saturday, who played with Peyton Manning his entire career. With Saturday getting way up there in age, his value in free agency was slightly diminished. His age has not caught up with him yet, so adding Saturday to the Packers O-line fills a large hole.

After Saturday, the Packers picked up defensive tackle, Daniel Muir, who also played with the Colts. Muir has not played in a year, but when he did play he was a very effective tackle on every team he was with and could add some needed depth to the Packers’ defensive line.

The final transaction for the Packers was with former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Anthony Hargrove. With his size being around 270, he could play as a defensive end in the Packers 3-4 scheme or at outside linebacker. I do believe, however, the Packers picked up Hargrove in hopes of him being able to fill the shoes of a position once held by Cullen Jenkins, who is now playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.

So with the offseason winding down, what’s next for the Packers?

It’s what Ted Thompson lives for. The NFL Draft.

The Packers have 12 picks with which to work this year which ties for the most picks Thompson has had since 2006, his second year on the job. With the very nice compensatory picks the Packers received, the team have a very nice selection of picks capable of making some moves in the draft. This could mean trading down in the draft for even more picks or trading up and getting a certain player the organization have had their eyes on. This means the Packers have some leverage in this draft which is where Ted Thompson shines as a general manager.

Who the Packers should look to draft in the early rounds would be either be a pass rusher who can play outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme or draft another young offensive lineman, because center Jeff Saturday is only a short-term solution.

Players who would seem logical include Clemson defensive end Andre Branch, USC defensive end Nick Perry, or Wisconsin center Peter Konz. If Konz is available, this would seem to be a logical pick and would fill a need for the future.

With another crazy offseason coming to an end in the NFL, all that is left before players begin practicing again is the NFL Draft. An event where teams gain more depth and players begin living the dream which they have had ever since being a kid. So, though free agency is basically over, there is still something to look forward to very soon.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The final game of this past season at Lambeau Field was a huge disappointment.

We’ll probably never get over that final Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field a couple of weeks ago. Just about everyone on the planet thought the Packers were going to rout the New York Giants en route to the NFC championship game where they would do the same to the San Francisco 49ers …

We all know what happened on the way to the Super Bowl … the Packers fell flat, while fumbling and bumbling their way to a quick exit from the playoffs.

It was crushing, disappointing and made everyone wonder who those guys impersonating the Packers really were. It was a game that will be remembered right up there with the 1961 loss to the Eagles, the 1997 loss in the Super Bowl to the Broncos, the 1998 loss to the 49ers in the playoff game when Jerry fumbled and Terrell caught the ball and cried, the 2003 loss to the Eagles in the 4th and 26 game, and of course the overtime loss to the Giants in the 2007 championship game.

Take away the four fumbles, the six drops, the completed hail Mary and this year’s debacle may have been different, but hey … that’s why they play the game.

So, with that all said, we need to take a look at the Packers roster and wonder which players who were a part of this past year’s team that won 19 straight games won’t be a member of the team come the start of training camp next July.

Well, let’s take a stab at it. Here’s our list:

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Chad Clifton: His days of protecting Green Bay Packers quarterbacks is probably nearing the very end. Though he may be brought back, his years of NFL battles with top notch defensive ends is beginning to show and the Packers will be better off looking to fill the position with younger bodies.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Jermichael Finley: Everyone seems to think the Packers will throw the franchise tag on this 24-year-old tight end who has so much potential, but has had as many disappointing performances as he has had big games. It may be time for the Packers to cut their ties with the inconsistent tight end … it’s not like they don’t have a stable of players at the position waiting behind him … the huge contract he will demand may be money wasted.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Ryan Grant: The veteran running back’s play was commendable down the stretch this past season, but his fumble in the playoff game may have stamped his ticket out of Green Bay. He signed a one-year deal and was playing for a long-term deal with the team. However, he could never beat out James Starks and when Starks went down with injuries late in the season, Grant was only serviceable. The Packers will cut him loose, as they should. The Packers have Alex Green coming off injured reserve next year and with a healthy Starks could form the base for a different look with Brandon Saine contributing. Clearly, the Packers will also have to look to the draft to add more to the position.

Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE

Erik Walden: Not only did his stock in the character column sink after his post-Thanksgiving Day fight with his girlfriend, but so did his play. He was a huge disappointment late in the season and it’s time for the Packers to move on and move him out. Waiving Walden won’t be a huge surprise and will be crucial in clearing some room for any linebackers the Packers draft come April.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Donald Driver: It pains me to write this, but the Packers will have to move on without their smiling wide receiver because of three factors – his age, his contract, and the depth of talent at the position. Though it would be great to keep the popular player on the roster for at least another year, it just doesn’t make fiscal sense for the team to do so. Unless Driver takes a significant pay cut, which he may do just to finish his career in Green Bay, it look as though he may have played his final game in Green Bay. All Packers fans hope they can work things out to keep him in the fold.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Pat Lee and Howard Green: Both of these players will most likely not make the final cut if they are brought back to compete in training camp. Neither did much for the team last year and should be moved.

Like Lombardiave.com at Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The moves came this morning after it became known that Quarless was ruled out for the season after his gruesome leg injury suffered against the New York Giants last Sunday.

The complete official press released distributed this morning by the Packers’ PR department can be found after the jump …

And don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)

It’s not earth-shattering news, but news nonetheless.

The Packers PR department released the following this morning.

PACKERS SIGN T CAMPBELL TO PRACTICE SQUAD,
RELEASE C/G FENAROLI FROM PRACTICE SQUAD

The Green Bay Packers have signed T Chris Campbell to the practice squad and released C/G Paul Fenaroli from the practice squad. The transactions were announced Tuesday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Campbell, a 6-foot-5, 328-pound first-year player out of Eastern Illinois, was on the Packers’ practice squad for 15 regular-season games and all four postseason contests in 2010. He was originally signed by Green Bay as a non-drafted free agent in April 2010. Campbell was with the team during the 2011 preseason but was released on Sept. 3. He will wear No. 69.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.