Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

On the day of the NFL draft, it is easy to get excited about the potential prospects that the Green Bay Packers could be adding to their roster this weekend.

We all expect Green Bay to address their roster needs in the draft, but it is also important to keep in mind the players currently on the roster that could make a big impact on the team next year.

Every year it seems some Packer player makes a big jump from year one to year two, and I expect this year will be no different. This season I expect this player to be outside linebacker Nick Perry.

Many seem to be counting Nick Perry out when discussing the Packers’ need at outside linebacker. Consider these mock drafts from various NFL analysts—

Rob Warner from fftoolbox.com has Green Bay taking OLB Sam Montgomery from LSU in the first round.

Warner says when explaining the pick —

“An upgrade from rush linebacker Eric Walden is sorely needed.”

Clark Judge from cbssports.com has Green Bay taking Texas A&M OLB Damontre Moore in the first round.

Judge explains—

“Rewind the videotape of the Packers’ loss to San Francisco, and see why the Packers must find someone, anyone, for outside contain.”

Charles Davis from nfl.com also has the Packers taking Moore from Texas A&M

Davis states—

“A tough combine might hurt his draft status, but the Packers are still seeking pressure opposite Clay Matthews.”

Gil Brandt from nfl.com has Green Bay selecting OLB Jarvis Jones from Georgia with their first pick.

Brandt—

“Nonetheless, he can be the kind of outside pass rusher Green Bay is looking for.”

Notice a theme here? I have heard similar sentiment among many Packers fans. Where does Nick Perry, their first round pick from last season, factor in? These guys act like Green Bay is desperate to find anyone to fill the other outside linebacker position. They don’t even acknowledge Perry’s return from injury this season.

Yes, the Packers need to add depth to the position, but an immediate need? I don’t think so. I don’t have a problem with Green Bay taking another outside linebacker in the draft that will bring some additional pass rush, but I still see Perry as the solution at the position for the foreseeable future. Perry’s presence means the Packers don’t have to reach for an outside linebacker in the draft and select one in the early rounds.

Feb 27, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive lineman Nick Perry does the shuttle run during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Perry has all the physical tools to be an effective 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s 6-3, 265 pounds, and ran the 40 in 4.6 seconds. He has the strength to hold up well against the run and the quickness and speed to be effective in both rushing the passer and dropping back in coverage. He has plenty of potential — he just needs to put it all together.

Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel interviewed outside linebacker coach Kevin Greene about Perry’s potential — “He can be physical. He can rush the passer … He can do the whole spectrum of this position.”

Coach Greene also went on to say that Perry proved to him that he could rush the passer and cover receivers, citing an example of when Perry covered Colt’s receiver Reggie Wayne perfectly down the seam in week five last season. Coach Greene also reiterated that he likes Perry’s power and his ability to “knock tight ends two yards into the backfield.” Perry proved he can be effective at the position, and he has his coach’s confidence.

Perry was placed on injured reserve week six last season with a wrist injury, so there is very little to work off of when considering Perry’s performance at the position. However, he showed plenty of potential in the five games he started last season, and though there were some growing pains at the position, we need to remember that Perry was working on transitioning from a college defensive end to an NFL outside linebacker. A difficult task that takes time. Last season was Perry’s first year playing the position, and given another offseason to develop, he could prove to be effective rushing the quarterback standing up.

Last season, Perry had his moments. He recorded 18 tackles, two sacks, and eight quarterback hurries in five games. He had a rough game in the season opener against San Francisco, but rebounded strong against the Chicago Bears the following week. If you go back and watch the tape of that game, you’ll see that Perry was effective in pushing the pocket, which forced the Bears to shift their protection to his side. This freed up Clay Matthews to have a monster performance, recording 3.5 sacks and terrorizing Cutler all game. Perry also had a pretty impressive game in week five against the Indianapolis Colts, showcasing his power on his crushing hit on quarterback Andrew Luck, which was unfairly flagged.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) goes by San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Some overlook Perry because of his unimpressive numbers in those five games, but what they fail to see is that Perry got good push at the line and helped take some of the attention off of Matthews. In fact, Matthews had some of his best games last season with Perry lining up on the other side. Just compare the numbers.

With Perry in the lineup last season, Matthews recorded eight sacks, 21 tackles, and one forced fumble. After Perry was placed on injured reserve, Matthews only recorded five sacks, 22 tackles, and one forced fumble in his remaining seven games (I was not counting the four games Matthews missed with a hamstring injury). The change in those numbers is pretty significant.

Simply put, Matthews was better with Perry in the lineup, and that in itself should be enough evidence to believe Perry could be the answer at the other outside linebacker position.

Yes, Green Bay needs another viable pass rusher outside of Clay Matthews on the defense, but who’s to say that pass rusher isn’t currently on the Packers’ roster?

I say he is, but what do you think? Do the Packers bring in another guy to compete with Perry for the starting job or do they trust that last year’s first round pick will play to his potential?

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Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces defensive end Nick Perry (Southern Cal) as the 28th overall pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve been a Green Bay Packers fan since age 9, but only began paying close attention to the NFL Draft during my teen years. This was the early 1980s, however, and back then you followed the draft by reading in the following day’s newspaper who your team selected.

That was back when there were like 37 rounds (OK, just 12) and some of the players still wore lame, single-bar facesmasks like Bart Starr’s. All the better for punching each other.

How did Bart Starr not get punched in the face more often, wearing that flimsy faceguard?

Some 30 years later, however, we have only seven rounds, helmets and facemasks are reinforced to discourage punching (and to help prevent concussions), and the NFL Draft is officially an event. As in, a rent-a-tux-and-limo-and-go-be-photographed-by-paparazzi kind of event. In fact, it’s become the biggest non-sporting sports event (yeah, that phrase made me go temporarily cross-eyed too) in America.

The draft, which began in 1936 as a way of ensuring every team had a shot at getting talented players, wasn’t televised until 1980. And until 1995, it was held in hotel ballrooms with minimal audiences and fanfare. But much like TV’s The Jeffersons, the draft has moved on up.

Last year, according to SI.com, a combined 8.1 million viewers (including myself) watched the first round of the draft televised live from Radio City Music Hall. Folks, that’s a lot of viewers. By comparison, the season finale of “The Walking Dead,” one of the most popular shows on television, last month drew 12.4 million viewers.

Furthermore, two NBA playoff games that were played on the same night as the NFL Draft round one last year drew only a combined 1.8 million viewers. We’re talking playoffs here, people. And the NFL Draft, an event with no actual live sports involved, beats it by more than 6 million viewers? (Somewhere, I think I just heard David Stern sob.)

In fact, according to online ’zine The Guardian, the combined total viewership of the draft grew by nearly 100 percent between 2001 and 2010. The Super Bowl, for comparison’s sake, has seen its viewership increase by only 28 percent since 2001.

Yeah, the NFL Draft is definitely an event now. Be honest, how many of you out there would consider missing your daughter’s piano recital if it was going to be held this Thursday night? I know I would. Luckily, I don’t have a daughter.

Well, Packers fans, the good news is the NFL is paying attention to your loyalty, and is ready to reward you. For your viewing pleasure this year, they’ve implored NFL staffers not to tweet draft picks prior to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stepping to the podium to make the announcement on live TV. There’s more drama this way; now you can sit, frozen, greasy chicken wing clutched in your fingers, mouth agape, a trickle of beer moistening the corner of your lip, as you await the next pick.

In addition, we, the NFL Draft viewing public, will be learning the draft choices at the same time as Chris Berman and John Gruden – thus, they can continue speculating right up until the moment Goodell says, “With the 26^th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select …”(Yeah, we all know Ted’s probably going to try and trade that pick. Work with me here.)

But how do they manage to get the damn graphics up so fast when a pick is made? Well, the producers of the show do get the picks between 30 and 60 seconds before they are announced. But they have to cross their hearts and swear on their mothers’ graves that they won’t tell the “talent.” All for you, Packers fans.

“I love you, man.” (USA Today Sports Images)

And this will also mark Year Four of Goodell hugging all the draft picks. Wiley ESPN reporters figured out that Goodell officially began showing us his man-panties with the third pick in the 2010 draft. No. 3 pick Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma, upon being called to the stage, shuffled over to Goodell and wrapped him up in a 300-pound man hug that seemed to go on forever. It was truly a tender moment.

And with that beautiful, live-TV love-fest, hugging first-rounders became a Goodell draft tradition. (For the record, the last first-round pick to not get hugged was Ndamukong Suh. Sorry Ndamukong. Maybe Roger was just waiting for you to make the first move.)

So when Thursday night rolls around and you’re hunkered down in front of the TV, your Clay Matthews jersey proudly trumpeting your team loyalty, Doritos, cheese cubes, wings and tacos lined up on your coffee table, and a cooler full of your favorite swill next to your chair, remember that the NFL has maximized this event for you, the fan.

That said, don’t be afraid to jump up and down when Goodell announces that the Packers have drafted Menelik Watson or Matt Elam or, heck, even Eddie Lacy. Don’t hesitate to cheer when Ted Thompson trades that third-round pick for two fifth-rounders, a seventh-rounder and a bag of used cleats. Don’t feel ashamed if you get teary-eyed when Goodell hugs the newest Packer.

And above all, don’t be afraid to throw a Goodell-style man-hug on your buddy, that guy whose been sitting next to you for every first round since Tony Mandarich, the NFL’s most offensive tackle, smashed your hearts. Because, goodness knows, you’ve both earned the right to enjoy this Thursday night NFL event.

How will you celebrate the NFL Draft this year?

Click Leave a Comment below to let us know – and while you’re at it, click on over and Like us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter.

Will Margus Hunt still be around at the 26th pick? Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports photograph

While watching NFL 32 the other day, the program had prospects in-house that they were interviewing in lieu of the upcoming draft. What better way to see where prospects heads are before the biggest day of their lives. When it came time to talk with Margus Hunt, I just got the feeling that he could potentially be the perfect Green Bay Packer on and off the field. Obviously whether or not Hunt is still on the board at 26 remains to be seen, but defensive end is an area of need that Hunt could certainly shore up.

Hunt’s story is far from typical. Born in Estonia, he attended Southern Methodist University in 2007 and originally signed up for track and field. Football had never even been a consideration. Around the time he was finally able to attend school, SMU had actually dropped track and field altogether. Having been a shotput and discus thrower, Hunt’s athleticism simply couldn’t go ignored and that’s when his trainer suggested trying out for a football scholarship.

Needless to say, football coach June Jones was impressed. Then again, what’s not impressive about a man thats 6-8, weighs 275 pounds, and runs a 4.7 second 40-yard dash?

Come Combine time, Hunt nearly replicated these impressive numbers as his 40-yard dash time was officially clocked at 4.6 seconds and he was able to bench press 225 pounds 38 times.

While Hunt’s physical attributes and numbers on the field speak for themselves, it was the Margus Hunt off the field that struck me as most impressive. During his interview with ESPN, Hunt comes across as one of the most humble of prospects. You get the feeling that he is genuinely thankful to simply have this type of opportunity.

When asked if his family members (who still reside in Estonia) even knew what American Football was, he replied he was still in the process of explaining it to them. To me, this is the classic Ted Thompson draft pick. Not arrogant, extremely grateful and humble of the opportunity laid at his feet, and would fit in with the team from day one. It’s almost something that can’t even be described by words but after being a fan of the Green and Gold for so long, it seems as if the Packers Nation just knows whether or not a prospect such as Hunt has “it.”

Margus Hunt
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

I believe Hunt would even provide a “spitting image” of the type of Packer Clay Matthews was recently quoted as describing – production on the field leads to the organization taking care of you as the player. I really don’t see Hunt as a “problem child” or an injury risk as he has remained healthy throughout college.

I for one must say I would be happy should Thompson decide to draft Hunt. In my eyes, he is more than worthy of a first round selection, and a relatively safe one at that.

However, as I stated earlier, whether or not he is still available at 26 remains until Thursday to be seen. In Ted we trust.

How does the Green and Gold nation feel about Hunt? Let us know, we want to hear what YOU have to say!

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The Green Bay Packers do things quietly and efficiently – much like Aaron Rodgers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

If you’re expecting the horns to sound, the band to play and the confetti to fall, you’re in the wrong place – especially if you’re thinking all that will happen before or even after Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers signs what should be a record-breaking contract.

Don’t expect any of it. In fact, don’t even expect the team to say much once it occurs. Yes, the Packers PR department will issue the cursory press release with a quote from Rodgers, Coach Mike McCarthy,  General Manager Ted Thompson and probably a few words from Packers President Mark Murphy about how relieved they all are that the negotiations are done and that they can now focus on what’s important for the franchise – getting back to work as a football team.

Coach Mike McCarthy runs a tight ship.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Oh, there will be attention once the announcement is made. The national media and NFL Network will swoop in to set up shop at 1265 Lombardi Avenue and then quietly part for better headline venues – such as Tampa Bay. No doubt the trade of Derrelle Revis to the Buccaneers will have plenty of legs in the days and weeks to come, while Rodgers’ story will most likely come and go as quietly as it has been prior to his signing.

And that’s the way the Packers like it.

Just ask Clay Matthews. Yesterday, he talked about the Packers way of conducting business with an almost reverent tone – saying that there are high expectations in Green Bay and that hype doesn’t describe it. Professionalism is a better word, Matthews said. He abides by it; Rodgers abides by it and so do the greatest majority of Packers players and personnel.

Here’s how Matthews described it (you can almost see Ted Thompson standing over him with watchful eye as Matthews talked):

“Obviously, you need to have athletic ability and be able to help this team, but for the most part, you look at the players up and down the board, it’s very rare that you are going to find a Packer get into trouble or saying something outlandish.

“We like to keep everything in-house, make sure we handle our business professionally. There is not a lot of buzz around these contract negotiations, as well as Aaron (Rodgers’) here in the near future. So I’m sure we will wake up one day and hopefully they will announce he is the highest-paid quarterback. In the meantime, you are not going to be hearing much grumbling from anyone.”

Packers President Mark Murphy has carried on the Packers Way.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So, put the horns and confetti away, and tell the band to go home. Those things won’t be necessary. Clay Matthews signed his new $66 million contract in a quiet room with the door closed and then tweeted about how inconsequential his new-found riches were in light of all that transpired in Boston just a few days prior. His humility was appropriate and exactly what was needed at the moment.

I suspect that when Rodgers puts his signature to his new contract, the scene will be similar. Look for the press release, a few clips on the news and then it will be time to start thinking about the new season.

And that’s the Packers way.

Clay Matthews is introduced at a game at Lambeau Field. Matthews, who signed a five-year contract this week to stay with the Packers, says the Packers franchise is something special.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Green Bay Packers is a different franchise, I think every Packers fan and most people who view the organization from the outside agree – and Clay Matthews reiterated what we already know today when he talked about his new contract and much more on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

First of all, the organization doesn’t have a single owner who pushes their personality on the team – in fact, the Packers have thousands of owners – the fans who own stock in the team. Though they have no say in how the organization is managed, the members of the Packers board of directors hear what the fans say, what they think.

Aaron Rodgers is poised to sign a new contract with the Green Bay Packers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Second of all, professionalism has been the key word that describes the Packers on and off the field. When the Mike McCarthy/Ted Thompson/Mark Murphy took over the reins of the team about eight years ago, they picked up where the Mike Holmgren/Ron Wolf/Bob Harlan triumvirate left off and it’s been a relative smooth transition. The bottom line is that there is an unspoken code in Green Bay – one that was so well described by Mathews.

Here’s what he had to say about how players handle the issue of contracts:

“We like to keep everything in-house, make sure we handle our business professionally. There is not a lot of buzz around these contract negotiations, as well as Aaron’s here in the near future. So I’m sure we will wake up one day and hopefully they will announce he is the highest-paid quarterback. In the meantime, you are not going to be hearing much grumbling from anyone.”

His description hits home for all Packers fans – folks who have come to expect excellence not only from the leaders of the franchise, but also from the players who excel on the field and carry themselves with dignity off the the field.

Again, here’s Matthews, who has only been in Green Bay for four years, but clearly understands how things operate:

“I think that is one of the most important things they look at. Obviously, you need to have athletic ability and be able to help this team, but for the most part, you look at the players up and down the board, it’s very rare that you are going to find a Packer get into trouble or saying something outlandish.”

Is the Read-Option here to stay? Colin Kaepernick probably hopes so. He shredded the Packers defense in the playoffs last year and will get the chance to do more damage as the 49ers open the 2013 season at home against Green Bay.

As I sat drinking my coffee and anxiously awaiting the schedule release last night, I couldn’t help but notice our beloved Green and Gold play at San Francisco again this year.

While the Packers faithful have 579 total reasons to forget their season ending there, this does make me wonder just how long this infamous “read-option” will be around? Mr. Aaron Rodgers was quoted a few months back as saying it’s more of a passing trend than anything. Maybe, maybe not. But after being beaten as soundly as the Packers were, I am curious as to whether or not this will have any bearing on the draft.

Isolate and attack. That’s really what it came down to as Colin Kaepernick isolated outside linebackers Eric Walden and Clay Matthews, waiting for their first misstep to run the opposite way en route to 181 rushing yards. The finger can be pointed every-which-way for such a loss as many fans were even calling for Dom Capers’ head after this blowout.

In the end it simply comes down to execution and Kaepernick executed far better than the Packers defense did. We do need to give credit where credit is due as Kaepernick is an outstanding all-around athlete. In the same light, he almost seems to be spearheading this new wave of quarterback, paving the way for other all-around athletic quarterbacks such as Geno Smith.

Will Kevin Sumlin help Dom Capers’ defense stop the read-option?

For a defensive unit to be dealt such a blow, Mike McCarthy wasted little time in getting his defensive staff up to speed, sending them to College Station to learn from Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin about defending the read-option. While probably not a bad move, it’s safe to say this one definitely caught many of the Packers Nation by surprise.

So what bearing (if any) will this have on the draft? Ted Thompson’s strategy and philosophy have both been well documented as he has always stuck to his guns. But has Thompson encountered a hurdle such as this before a draft?

This is truly a unique scenario as McCarthy went so far as sending his staff back to college. I can’t help but wonder if it will be enough to sway draft strategy one way or another. The majority of the projections out there seem to emphasize filling the void left by Charles Woodson more so than not. Overall speed would probably be the one trait to look for to defend a read-option.

Let’s hope Jermichael Finley has this look on his face only when he scores touchdowns next season …
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Jermichael Finley, probably best known to Green Bay Packers fans at this point as the guy with untold potential who keeps dropping the damn ball, has turned the tables a bit.

Finley has pledged to donate $500 for every dropped pass during the 2013 season to One Fund Boston, a charity set up by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to help raise funds to help those most affected by the bombing attacks at the Boston Marathon this week.

Hey, it’s an absolute PR coup for a guy who’s painted himself as a me-first player the last couple of years.  Finley also pledges to donate $500 for every touchdown he scores this year – a number that was woefully low in 2012 at just a pair.

“Now fans can cheer & boo me @ the same time!” Finley tweeted. Nicely played.

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) misses a catch while defended by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53). Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Jer-Mishandle dropped seven of his 87 targets last year, scoring only two touchdowns after racking up eight scores in 2011. He also made worse his slow start to last season by basically blaming quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He essentially pointed the finger at everyone but himself.

A repeat of last year would net One Fund Boston $4,500. Now it’s going to be tougher to curse him and throw chicken wings at the TV screen when he makes one of his patented bone-headed drops.

But Coach Mike McCarthy praised Finley’s finish to the season, even as fans and NFL prognosticators predicted the Packers would part ways with the freakishly talented tight end.

“I was very pleased with the way Jermichael played there in the second half,” McCarthey said in February at the NFL Scouting Combine, “and he improved a number of different areas of his game.”

The Packers were so pleased with his strong finish that they brought him back at his full $8.25 million salary amidst a flurry of cuts and restructures designed in part to make room for big new contracts for stars such as Rodgers and Clay Matthews.

Perhaps this is Finley’s way of bringing about a better sense of focus on the field. James Jones made a turnaround in 2012 after being drop-prone in his first few seasons with the team, so why not Finley? Speaking as a long-time Packers fan, it’s nice to finally see some maturity and humility in the guy.

Still, it will be fun to see if Rodgers puts a little extra zip on the ball when he passes to Finley this season, just to make him put some of his money where his mouth is. Or at least where his mouth used to be.

Clay Matthews is a classy guy …
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Amid the vast coverage of the recent contract extension of Green Bay Packers All-Pro outside linebacker Clay Matthews, Packers fans may have missed his humility shining through.

Matthews was signed to a 5-year, $65 million contract that for the time being makes him a Packer for the foreseeable future. This is obviously great news for Packers fans who have been eagerly waiting for both Matthews and superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers to sign contracts with the team.

With the cornerstones in place for the coming years on both offense and defense, the Packers can continue to sustain excellence and even build around that championship duo.

Clay Matthews will be a Packer for at least the next five years.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

However, what some fans may have missed when Matthews officially signed was Matthews’ tweet in honor of the people affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.

Trivial amongst the recent tragic news, but happy to continue my career in Green Bay! twitter.com/ClayMatthews52…

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) April 17, 2013

This is a guy who had just signed a contract that should guarantee him financial security for the rest of his life. Most people would expect an NFL player to tweet a picture of himself celebrating or even a totally understandable “thank you to the organization” post. Instead, Matthews chose to put his contract news secondary to the people hurt by the recent tragedy.

This display of humility is one that paints a picture of the type of players the Green Bay organization has continued to pursue. The Packers have always been known as a community-driven organization, and with that expectation comes a responsibility to the community.

With the signing of Matthews to a lucrative contract, Green Bay is continuing the model of outstanding players on and off the field representing the city and its fans. When Rodgers signs, (most likely soon) the Packers will have All-Pros leading both units, and they will be fortunate enough to have incredibly humble guys as leaders.

The team is in good hands, and with young guys like Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson ready to continue that model, the Packers can look forward to another generation of Packers for which Vince Lombardi would be most proud.

Clay Matthews has plenty to celebrate today with his 5-year, $65 million pact he signed with the Packers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With Clay Matthews signing today for five years at $65 million and $31 million guaranteed, four-year linebacker will be wearing Green and Gold through the bulk of his prime years.

According to sources close to the situation, the Green Bay Packers front-loaded the deal. Matthews is said to be receiving $22 million by the end of 2013 and $27 million in the next year.

Wow! That’s one heck of a deal, but Packers fans can only hope that General Manager Ted Thompson and team President Mark Murphy have their ducks in a row. We all knew that locking up both Matthews and quarterback Aaron Rodgers was going to have a significant impact on the Packers cap numbers, but most of us also agree that keeping one’s own players leads to team unity and consistency and is much more favorable than spending one’s future away on unknown free agents.

One thing we know for sure is that the Packers will have Matthews for years to come. If he hasn’t already become the face of the Packers’ defense, with the release of Charles Woodson, he is now.

Just as Rodgers will continue to lead the Packers’ offense, it’s hoped that Matthews’ hamstrings hold out for another five years and he can continue to put up the productive numbers he has for the past four years.

With that said, below you will find a nifty infographic courtesy of Packers.com. This pretty much spells out what Matthews means to the team.

Clay Matthews will be a Packer for years to come.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

A sigh of relief washed over Green Bay Packers Nation this afternoon as Clay Matthews and the Packers reached a long-term agreement, per a tweet from the Packer linebacker.

“Trivial amongst the recent tragic news, but happy to continue my career in Green Bay!” Matthews tweeted appropriately today.

May 22, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) talks to fellow linebacker Nick Perry (53)

The draft is only a little more than one week away, and it’s time to look at some positions the Green Bay Packers could focus on in the draft.

With the loss of Erik Walden to the Indianapolis Colts and Frank Zombo to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, the Packers are looking mighty thin at outside linebacker. This only leaves the Packers with Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, and Dezman Moses. Green Bay needs to add more young talent to solidify the most important position in Dom Capers‘ 3-4 defense.

There may be a chance the Packers address this need early in the draft, but with more pressing needs at offensive line, defensive line, safety, and running back, and the potential of Perry returning as the starter, I see the Packers taking an outside linebacker in the mid-to-late rounds. Remember, they don’t necessarily need to find a starter here, but rather a player who will add depth and can rotate in with Matthews and Perry. Here are a few outside linebacker prospects Green Bay could select late in the draft that I believe would fit well with their team.

Auburn Tigers defensive end Corey Lemonier (55)

Corey Lemonier: Auburn, 6-3, 255 pounds, 4.60 40 time, 27 reps bench press

A bit too small to play defensive end in the NFL, Lemonier projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Lemonier shows good agility and speed for a player his size. He plays with a high motor and brings a physicality to the field the Packers could use (watch some of his college highlights). Lemonier had a great sophomore season in 2011, recording 13.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks, but his 2012 season wasn’t as promising, only recording 5.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks, dropping his draft stock significantly. Mock drafts project Lemonier to go anywhere from the bottom of the second round to the top of the fifth. If the Packers could get Lemonier at the end of the third or fourth round, this would add another edge rusher to rotate in with Perry at left outside linebacker.

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles defensive lineman Jamie Collins (8)

Jamie Collins: Southern Miss, 6-3’, 250 pounds, 4.64 40 time, 19 reps bench press

Collins converted from safety to linebacker in college and shows good short-area quickness and movement for an outside linebacker of his size. In his last two years at Southern Miss, Collins piled up 16.5 sacks and 39.5 tackles for a loss, proving he can be a very effective stand-up pass rusher. Mock drafts have Collins going anywhere from the top of the third round to the sixth round. Collins struggled against top tier tackles and lacks ideal upper-body strength, which leaves some scouts concerned about his ability to hold up against the run and be an every down player. Collins’ ability to get to the quarterback would make him a great third down pass rusher and situational player for Green Bay.

August 31, 2012; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker Chase Thomas (44)

Chase Thomas: Stanford, 6-3’, 244 pounds, 4.91 40 time, 18 reps bench press

Chase Thomas looks like a Ted Thompson-type pick. Thomas is a high-hustle player who played outside linebacker in a 3-4 system at Stanford. Thomas proved to be productive as an edge rusher in the 3-4, posting 27.5 sacks in college, and wouldn’t need a lot of time to adjust playing outside linebacker in the Packers’ defense. Thomas lacks power and flat line speed, pushing him down draft boards despite his playmaking ability in college. Thomas could go as late as the fifth round, making him a great value pick for Green Bay if he falls to them at the bottom of the round.

Oct 6, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Michael Buchanan (99) 

Michael Buchanan: Illinois, 6-5, 255 pounds, 4.78 40 time, 22 reps bench press

Buchanan has ideal length and size for a 3-4 outside linebacker, but showed inconsistent effort as a senior. He had a great junior season in 2011, recording 13.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks, but after Whitney Mercilus left Illinois, Buchanan’s numbers dropped off his senior season – only recording 7 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Buchanan could drop as far as the fifth or sixth round and be a good fit for Green Bay late in the draft. A coach like Kevin Greene could turn a player like Buchanan into a productive player.

Other OLB prospects: John Simon of Ohio St., Sio Moore of Connecticut, David Bass of Missouri Western, and Travis Johnson of San Jose St.

Any of these draft prospects would be great mid- to late-round finds for Ted Thompson and company. They would add some competition to the outside linebacker position and provide important depth needed to have success with a 3-4 system. Keep your eyes open on day three of the draft, and still expect Thompson to do what he does best – finding value late in the draft.

Aaron Rodgers jerseys were the seventh highest in sales last year, but the Packers team sales didn’t even crack the top 7.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

We know, we know … when you go out to buy your updated Packers jersey this year you most likely will have a tough choice between the Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews duds hanging in your hometown sports stuff store.

Clay Matthews doesn’t even rank in the top 15 of players jersey sales …
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, just so you know … Matthews isn’t even close to being in the top 10 of jersey sales this past year – heck he wasn’t even in the top 15. Though we’re not so sure about what his Fathead sales were this past year, the NFL has released its top 15 list of player jersey sales – a list topped by Robert Griffin III and rounded out by Marshawn Lynch at 15. In fact, Griffin set a single-season jersey sales record on NFLShop.com. The other two freshman phenoms last season, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson, ranked sixth and fourteenth, respectively.

Rodgers dropped right into the middle of the list at number seven.

Right behind RGIII was the old-timer, Peyton Manning – can’t figure that one out.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III set records for sales of his jersey this past year.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

But there were some surprises among the list, too. San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis ranked right above Rob Gronkowsk at number 10 and Tim Tebow – yup, THE Tim Tebow – ranked number 13, despite playing about two minutes last year. Go figure.

Here’s what nfl.com had to say about some of the other players who were on the list:

Some other surprises from the list: Victor Cruz was the second-most popular non-quarterback, ranking No. 8 overall. Adrian Peterson‘s incredible year didn’t translate to sales: He barely cracked the top 25. Troy Polamalu and Drew Brees both had big falls out of the top 10, while Miles Austin fell from No. 11 out of the top 25.

In addition to individual players sales, the NFL also keeps tabs on team sales – it’s also not so good for Packers fans -

The San Francisco 49ers finishing on top for the first time since at least 1979 (the 49erswere No. 2 in 1994 and 1995). The rest of the top six selling teams all are in the Eastern time zone: The Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots.

It’s time to get out there and start buying, Packers fans …

Anyway, the complete players list is below:

Peyton Manning, pictured here during a game at Lambeau Field several years ago, is still near the top of jersey sales.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Top-selling NFL player jerseys
Rank	Player
1	Robert Griffin III
2	Peyton Manning
3	Ray Lewis
4	Colin Kaepernick
5	Tom Brady
6	Andrew Luck
7	Aaron Rodgers
8	Victor Cruz
9	Eli Manning
10	Patrick Willis
11	Rob Gronkowski
12	J.J. Watt
13	Tim Tebow
14	Russell Wilson
15	Marshawn Lynch

Clay Matthews, who is closing in on a long-term deal with the Packers, has his sights on last year’s Super Bowl MVP, Joe Flacco.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With all the focus on Aaron Rodgers and his potential bank-breaking extension, the Green Bay Packers are also reportedly close on extending another one of its superstar players, Clay Matthews.

According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers and Matthews are close to a deal that would pay Matthews around $13 million annually.  The potential new contract would make Matthews the highest paid pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL. The deal will reportedly eclipse the previous deal of six-year, $78 million contract that the Dallas Cowboys and DeMarcus Ware agreed on a few seasons ago, which made Ware the highest paid pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL.

The Milwaukee Journel-Sentinel reported last week that the deal between Matthews and the Packers is “in place” and the “finishing touches” will be worked out shortly.

Obviously for Ted Thompson, the hope is for the Packers to have all of its must-sign veterans locked up before the NFL Draft rolls around in just more than 20 days.

A number of Packers fans, me included, have been skeptical about extending Matthews to such a large deal because of his injury history.

Matthews has missed a handful of games over the last couple of seasons with a nagging hamstring injury, and for a pass-rusher that is particularly alarming.

There is no debate that when healthy and on the field, Matthews is worth every penny of this potential deal. He is a gamer and arguably the best defender to come to Green Bay since the minister of defense himself, Reggie White.

Nonetheless, Matthews and the Packers are closing in on a deal that would make the “Claymaker” the highest paid pass-rusher in the game.

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

If you’re interested in casting your vote on the player who you would most like to see on the cover of EA Madden this coming season, check out the basketball-style tournament bracket page where you can cast your vote.

The brackets are set up into two categories – “old school” and “new school.” Clay Matthews, who has made it to this second round of the tournament, is of course bracketed in the “new school” portion and is matched up against Andrew Luck. The voting during this round will continue through March 27 before moving on to the third round.

There are no Packers included in the “old school” brackets.

Matthews, to date, is trailing Luck in their voting, 89-61 percent, so he’s got a ways to go if he is going to advance.

The question is, considering the jinx, does anyone really want to win this honor?

Well, somebody’s got to win, so it might as well be someone the Packers play next season – so it could be Kaepernick … he’s due for the sophomore slump anyway. Matched up against Cincinnati’s A.J. Green, Kaepernick trails in balloting, 69-62 percent.

Those players garnering more than 90 percent of the voting in the old school side of the brackets are Joe Montana, Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice, and Deion Sanders – Not a bad team in their own right.

If interested in voting, check it out here …

Clay Matthews was rumored to have broken both his legs in a car accident last night … IT WAS A RUMOR!
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It’s been a great day on Twitter and the Internet … I’m sure you’ve see the “news story” about Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews that includes this information:

A spokesperson for the Wisconsin highway safety authority(HSA) has confirmed that Clay Matthews has broken both of his legs in a traffic altercation. He has been transported via ambulance to a local Wisconsin hospital for treatment, and the full extent of his injuries are not known at this time, however, both of his legs were visibly broken and not life threatening according to sources.

While the news page “looks” official enough … it’s from Global Associated News. So I first asked myself when I first saw it, What’s Global Associated News and why are they the first to break this story? Why not the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, the Green Bay Press Gazette? Profootballtalk.com? or why not lombardiave.com?

So, I did what every good reporter does – I Googled it … ahahahha. After all, you can believe everything you read on the Internet, right?

But after a couple of clicks it became apparent the site was responsible for many, many hoaxes.

But there sure are a lot of people on Twitter who took it at face value.

Clay Matthews III was not one of them. The Green Bay Packers’ linebacker wasn’t about to let this slide by and wasn’t going to be considered a French model either.

Here’s is what he tweeted at about 2 p.m. CDT today:

Where’d you hear that? The Internet. And you believed it? Yeah, they can’t put anything on the Internet that isn’t true.

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) March 17, 2013

Number one, we’re happy that Clay is OK and that the story was a hoax. Secondly, don’t believe everything you read on the Internet … it’s NOT always true.

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The question for the Green Bay Packers was never should they try to sign Steven Jackson, but rather how much should they bid?

That didn’t stop hoards of fans from attacking Packers GM Ted Thompson when his proven free agency approach led to the former-St. Louis Rams running back signing with Atlanta. Some have even gone as far as to demand Thompson’s ousting. Granted, most fans are smarter than that, but it just goes to show you how quickly people forget a championship run followed by two straight division crowns.

May 22, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson during organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Thankfully, the Packers’ organization doesn’t operate at the whim of the fans. Neither does Ted Thompson. During this free agency period, the Packers GM has approached former-Packer Cullen Jenkins and the aforementioned Jackson expressing interest. In both cases Thompson gauged the players’ level of reciprocal interest and gave both his price.

Thompson doesn’t look to sign players, he looks to acquire value. There’s no better way to build a team in the salary cap era. In Jenkins’ case, the New York Giants expressed greater desire (and overpaid accordingly). Jackson’s situation was a little more complicated. Several times since opting out of his contract with St. Louis, Jackson expressed considerable interest in coming to Green Bay. The Packers initially didn’t share the enthusiasm.

That changed this week, and blogosphere was abuzz over the potential marriage. The Packers are widely considered to be deficient at running back, and Jackson fits Green Bay’s zone-blocking scheme. But this is the NFL, and personnel decisions are not so simple.

This is where some fans disconnect with reality. The Packers need to preserve cap space to extend Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews. Thus, any deal with a free agent like Jackson must not cut into those funds. Even if Jackson returns to his 2010 form, unlikely as that is, he’s not worth the trouble if it means Green Bay losing its star quarterback or premier pass rusher. Despite this, the irrational segment of the fanbase wants to send Thompson to the guillotine.

While Thompson will never speak publicly about what transpired with Jackson, it’s easy to read the tea leaves. Jackson wanted (and received from the Falcons) a long-term commitment. The Packers, seeing Jackson’s age and the abuse he’s taken over nine seasons, didn’t want to commit for more than a season or two.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) pushes away Green Bay Packers safety Charles Woodson (21) during the 4th quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The result was Jackson making Green Bay his backup plan, and that’s OK. Thompson’s approach prevents Green Bay from falling into salary cap hell. Look no further than the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens both had to purge many of their best players just to get under the salary cap. In a few years, this offseason’s big spenders Seattle and Miami will have to do the same thing. It’s hard to win championships when you find yourself cutting your best players, something the Packers under Thompson very rarely had to do. When Green Bay does release a big contract early, it’s a case like Charles Woodson; a player who can no longer play at a high enough level.

Bringing this back to Jackson, it’s easy to see why Thompson balked at a three-year deal. Jackson’s productivity has dropped every year since 2009. Over that span, he led the NFC in carries with 1,171. That figure doesn’t even account for his catches out of the backfield, which add on another 177 touches. The combination of these hits has demonstratively worn Jackson down. Despite playing in all 16 games last year, he barely surpassed the 1,000-yard mark while averaging only 4.1 yards a carry. That’s hardly an elite back, let alone one worthy of a three-year contract after age 30.

Don’t agree? Let’s compare those numbers to a similar player who Packers fans are familiar with: Ahman Green.

Ahman Green battered defenses for many years, but the hits wore him down by his 30th birthday.

During his prime, Green was a powerful runner who also displayed great hands out of the backfield. His 1,883 rushing yards in 2003 and 594 receiving yards in 2001 are both team records. Green played well through his first seven season, but then the accumulated carries began to wear him down. His final full season in Green Bay, the then 29-year-old Green rushed for only 1,059 yards and 5 touchdowns. That season was eerily similar in many respects to Jackson’s final year with St. Louis. After that season, Green never rushed for more than 300 yards in a season again.

Now, that doesn’t mean Jackson will rush for less than 300 yards this year, but he won’t be the elite player most fans expect him to be. In all likelihood, 2013 will be Jackson’s last shot at a 1,000-yard season. Yet Atlanta will be paying him starter’s money for two additional years. It won’t be a surprise if Jackson doesn’t survive to the end of that contract. When that happens, there’ll be a lot of people who conveniently forget that they trashed Ted Thompson for not signing Jackson this offseason.

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.

Clay Matthews, pictured here with Desmond Bishop, is due a huge payday, but is the time right?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I was blown away today by the John Rehor’s post that takes an intriguing look at Clay Matthews, his importance to the Green Bay Packers and the reasons why team officials should not rush into re-signing their best defensive player.

Rehor comes clean – he’s a huge Clay Matthews fan. He understands that there isn’t a defensive player on the team who has contributed more since being drafted.

“A four time pro bowl selection, Matthews already has an impressive resume,” Rehor writes. “Third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2009, second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2010, 42.5 sacks, good for fifth all time in Packers history, along with regularly making quarterback’s lives miserable, he is by far the best player on the Packers defense.”

Matthews prepares for 2013 making a mere $3.7 million – a veritable steal for not only the best player on the team but one of the top defensive players in all the league. He enters the season as one of three Packers who have been mentioned as top signing priorities. In addition to Aaron Rodgers and B.J. Raji, Matthews’ contract is primed for extension. And he’s due a big payday.

However, there is the downside to all this. Over the past three years, Matthews has been plagued by bad hamstrings, injuries that have kept him out of preseason action in 2009 and 2010. He missed one game in 2010 and four games this past season. Rehor points out that it has been an issue during Matthews’ early years and what’s to prevent it from continuing to be an issue?

“If it has been an issue since he was 23, will it still be an issue when he is 30? 31?” Rehor asks.

In addition to the fact that Matthews has been affected by injury, Rehor says that Matthews’ success has come because he is the perfect player for the 3-4 defense, but what would happen if the Packers decided to move to a hybrid defense or go to a pure 4.-3?

If you remember, this is the defense that was gashed for monumental offensive outputs the past two seasons. The defense was the worst in the league in 2011 and though the unit played much better overall last season, there were performances by Adrian Peterson and Colin Kaepernick that exposed major weaknesses in the Packers’ scheme.

Clay Matthews
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, this wasn’t the fault of Clay Matthews, but it could be endemic to the entire scheme as designed by defensive coordinator Dom Capers. If the team continues its defensive meltdown into 2013 and Capers hits the road, what then?

We hope that we don’t have to answer that question. But what if the Packers move ahead with signing Matthews this year instead of waiting until after the 2013 season and the defensive scheme is altered?

Rehor says it best:

Let’s speculate for just a moment: the Packers sign Clay Matthews to a long-term deal, the team fails to win the Super Bowl, and Dom Capers is fired. It is possible that McCarthy hires another 3-4 Defensive Coordinator (he has said he likes the aggressive nature of the 3-4), or they begin a switch to a hybrid or back to the 4-3. While I personally think this may not seem impossible with current personnel, the contract he is going to sign is as a 3-4 outside linebacker, somewhere in the $12-15 million range. Is paying him that much to play a 4-3 OLB a smart decision? Could he even play with his hand on the ground and still be productive making that kind of salary? It is all speculative at this point, but it is something that Ted Thompson has to consider.

Clay Matthews
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Strong words with the bottom line being that the Packers need to consider if and when they extend the contract for Clay Matthews. While we all think that Matthews is an incredible talent who would be a crucial element in bringing another Lombardi Trophy back home to Green Bay, Packers officials also have to be realistic and re-sign players when the time is right.

Rehor says that the time might not be right just yet.

I agree.

Give this some time and let things play out before pulling the trigger on a deal.

Again, I’ll let Rehor sum up the reasons:

“… ongoing issues with his hamstrings and potential question marks regarding the scheme the Packers operate might make Ted delay his signing just a bit. Perhaps he should wait until late in the 2013 season to resign Matthews, until some of the uncertainty is gone, before making such a large financial investment in one of the cornerstones of the current Packers roster.”

John Rehor is a  staff writer at PackersTalk.com and co-host of Cheesehead Radio. To contact John follow him on Twitter @jrehor or email johnrehor@yahoo.com

The clock may be ticking for B.J. Raji.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Earlier this week, our own Jason Hirschhorn questioned whether the Packers should pursue a huge contract with Green Bay Packers’ defensive lineman B.J. Raji. He hasn’t been the only writer who has questioned Raji’s overall value to the Green Bay Packers.

Today, Jersey Al Bracco of Jerseyal.com provides with some nifty statistical analysis (courtesy of Pro Football Focus) about Raji’s career numbers and points out the inconsistencies the defensive lineman has given the team over the past three years. In fact, Al asks the simple question, “Warrior or Shrinking Violet?”

While we all would like to think that Raji is the warrior we have seen from time to time, he oftentimes has disappeared from the football landscape.

Last year was a perfect example. We all wondered where he was during the first half of the season, only to have our questions answered in the second half when he reappeared with a vengeance.

Al also asks this important question: “Overall, he graded out as a ‘positive’ in 2012, but now it’s time to get back to my original premise. Did Raji fatten up his numbers against the bad offensive lines to offset poor play against the better lines?”

Hirschhorn had similar thoughts about Raji and whether the Packers would be serious about pursuing a big contract with the lineman. Considering that the Packers will most likely work first on producing extensions for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews, coupled with the fact that the Packers, like all teams, have limited dollars to spread around, Raji may be the odd man out.

Here’s how Hirschhorn addressed that issue:

As currently constituted, the Packers have about $20 million in cap space. Part of that figure is already earmarked for the incoming rookie class with some space reserved for free agency and emergencies. However, most of that figure will go toward extensions. Next year’s salary cap doesn’t figure to increase very significantly, and with even more contract negotiations coming into view after 2013 – James Jones, Bryan Bulaga, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb chief among them – the Packers already have an idea of which deals they want to pursue and which ones they’ll pass on.

Packers fans love B.J. Raji.
Raymond T Rivard photograph

Could Raji be that player who will be allowed to test the market?

Only Ted Thompson can answer that question, but as we enter this year’s free agency period, it will be interesting to note the dollars that players of Raji’s ilk will command in the open market. You can bet that the Packers are also watching those numbers closely – though things do change from year-to-year.

Hirschhorn says it better than I can:

Reading the tea leafs, it appears that Green Bay is letting their other extensions decide that question for them. Depending on how much it takes to re-sign Rodgers and Matthews, the Packers will know if a lengthy extension with Raji is reasonable.

They don’t want to be caught in a situation where they’ve extended Raji and don’t have enough cap space for either Matthews or Rodgers. Thus, Green Bay has prioritized their negotiations to prevent that scenario.

I don’t think there’s a Packers fan who doesn’t love Raji. He’s an intelligent, funny, and talented young man. However, the dollars and the circumstances may catch up with him and his place with the Packers.

That’s what makes the National Football League such a brutal business. The numbers sometimes overtake the personalities and teams are stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place when developing their rosters.

His performance on the field over the next year will be crucial in determining whether the Packers get serious in signing him to an extension.

We can only hope that his performance matches up with the numbers and that all works out for Raji. It would be great that he will be allowed the opportunity to stay with the team for years into the future.

Time will tell …

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Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve spent any time at Lombardi Ave, you’re surely aware that the Green Bay Packers are set to negotiate three major contract extensions – B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews, and Aaron Rodgers – over the next 12 months. Those extensions have been treated as a package deal in many ways, as all three players are represented by the same agent, David Dunn.

Because Raji and Matthews were drafted in the first round of the same year, they’re entering the final year of their rookie deals. Rodgers, having signed an extension midway through his first year as a starter, is under contract through 2014. Thus, the expectation for several years has been that Raji and Matthews will receive their new deals first, and then Rodgers’ extension will fall soon thereafter.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

However, if recent reports are to be believed, a Rodgers extension could be in the works now prior to any extension for Matthews or Raji. This may be very telling, as even though Rodgers is by far the team’s most valuable and indispensable asset, he has two years left on his contract. He’s not the biggest worry the Packers have in terms of contract negotiations. So why would the Packers hammer out an extension with Rodgers ahead of the sooner expiring Matthews and Raji deals?

The answer may very well be that Green Bay doesn’t anticipate room for all three contracts, and thus will let Raji test the open market.

As currently constituted, the Packers have about $20 million in cap space. Part of that figure is already earmarked for the incoming rookie class with some space reserved for free agency and emergencies. However, most of that figure will go toward extensions. Next year’s salary cap doesn’t figure to increase very significantly, and with even more contract negotiations coming into view after 2013 – James Jones, Bryan Bulaga, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb chief among them – the Packers already have an idea of which deals they want to pursue and which ones they’ll pass on.

As we discussed as part of this week’s mock draft analysis, Raji presents all sorts of problems for Green Bay. His dominant 2010 season suggested he’d be one of the league’s best nose tackles for the foreseeable future, but Raji struggled to repeat that performance in 2011. This past year was even more confusing, as Raji returned to a high level of play but did so at the five technique position rather than the nose.

While there is value in a 3-4 end, a nose tackle is considerably more important to Green Bay’s defense. Furthermore, Raji will likely demand to be paid like a fulltime nose tackle rather than an end.

With just as much good tape as bad, no defined position, and limited cap space, how much can the Packers afford to invest in a Raji extension?

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) talk with outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Reading the tea leafs, it appears that Green Bay is letting their other extensions decide that question for them. Depending on how much it takes to re-sign Rodgers and Matthews, the Packers will know if a lengthy extension with Raji is reasonable.

They don’t want to be caught in a situation where they’ve extended Raji and don’t have enough cap space for either Matthews or Rodgers. Thus, Green Bay has prioritized their negotiations to prevent that scenario.

It’s unclear at this time what the end result will be, but it’s time to start wondering if this is Raji’s last season in the Green and Gold.

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.

The Green Bay Packers are one of the best run franchises in the NFL with a front office that gets the best value out of their players and organization.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Pro Football Focus (PFF), one of the most comprehensive and enlightened football Internet sites out in cyberspace, released an interesting post today that focuses on the Green Bay Packers and their Performance Based Value.

We all know Ted Thompson in a tightwad. He rarely takes the free agent carrot, though it’s the sexy thing to do; he seems to always be ahead of the ball in signing extensions to the right players at the right time (see Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson, to name just two); and he always holds his cards closely to his vest.

Charles Woodson was the highest paid Packer before being cut.

Those are good things, whether you like to think so or not. Just ask the guys over at PFF and take a look at their post. The writing is on their (website) wall. They go about backing up their claim that the Packers consistently go the right route in their handling of veterans. For instance, the recent release of Charles Woodson wasn’t done because the Packers’ brass thought he couldn’t play anymore – they did it because they weighed his overall value to the team and realized that it was time to move on. That thinking is backed up in PFF’s report.

The majority of the overvalued players on this list are either on their way out of Green Bay (Jermichael Finley, A.J. Hawk, Ryan Pickett, and maybe even Tramon Williams) or have already left (Woodson, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jeff Saturday). If there are players on this list who are to be kept, they most likely will play out their current contract and be moved on or will agree to have their contracts reworked – which rarely occurs. A couple of those include Bryan Bulaga and John Kuhn.

I don’t know of anyone who likes to make less money, do you?

Overall, the report places the Packers at +$7.6 million, according to PFF’s formula (which you can read about on their page).

Mike Renner, the author of this piece, had this overall statement to say about the Packers …

Not surprisingly after going 11-5 the Packers received good value from their contracts. The Packers made a living off of backups playing like starters in 2010, and it was no different again this year with two of our top five subs of the year. The good news is four of their overvalued contracts are already off the books for 2013, and with Ted Thompson’s disdain for overpaying players we could see even more moves this offseason.”

Don Barclay was one of the best values among the Packers players last season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Those moves to which Renner points will most likely involve Jermichael Finley and A.J. Hawk. Finley is on the final year of a contract that will overpay him  more than $8 million this year alone. Hawk, who was a first round pick, has managed to stick with the Packers because of injuries and a penchant for playing well, but not well enough to be a full-time starter. The Packers can do better and Ted Thompson knows that.

In relation to the idea that the Packers continue to be one of the best-run franchises in the NFL, we also sought out a listing of every player on the Packers’ roster and came across this comprehensive list at rotoworld.com. This is a pretty incredible compilation. It provides all of the detailed contract provisions for each of the players – from the measly pickings of Don Barclay up to the monster contracts of Charles Woodson and Aaron Rodgers (though is should be noted here that Rodgers was one of several “undervalued” players on PFF’s list – I think you can understand why).

For instance, Barclay, who became a starter for the last six weeks of last season, signed a three-year, worth $1.44 million on April 30, 2012, that will pay him  $480,000 in 2013, $570,000 in 2014, before reaching restricted free agent status in 2015.

Compare that to Woodson’s team-topping contract that the Packers unloaded a couple of weeks ago – $11.4 million with a salary cap hit that was to be around $10 million. You could also compare it to Tramon Williams’ third-highest contract on the team.

In November 2010, Williams signed a five-year, $38.148 million contract. The deal contains $11.074 million guaranteed, including a $6 million signing bonus.

Here is what Williams is due the next two seasons before becoming a free agent in 2015:

• 2013: $5.9 million (+ $300,000 roster bonus),

• 2014: $6.9 million (+ $300,000 roster bonus), 2015: Free Agent

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) tries to get away from Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

You could also compare it to the contract Casey Hayward signed as a rookie last year: He signed a four-year, $3.3 million contract. The deal contains $1.4 million guaranteed, including an $847,000 signing bonus. 2013: $540,451, 2014: $690,901, 2015: $841,352, 2016: Free Agent.

Now, you can look at these contracts and think, “man, they come into the league as instant millionaires.” You are right, but they are paid what the market bears and can demand. The NFL is big business, it’s a tough business and these guys have to be at their best every single day to have any staying power. They’re not flipping burgers at McDonald’s

So, I suggest that you take a look at these two sites. They offer a wealth of information and, especially at this time of year when free agency is kicking off and player movement becomes a huge story, these numbers will help you put into perspective the types of contracts that teams and players are negotiating.

In addition, you might keep going back to the PFF page that illustrates in black and white why the Packers have been so successful on the field and in the front office.

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