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.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish former player Tyler Eifert is interviewed during Notre Dame pro day at the Loftus Center. Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports photograph

I guess anything is possible when one starts considering the direction Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson will take in the NFL Draft, but the closer we get to the D-Day (Draft Day) the more I’m convinced a tight end will not be the first round selection for the team.

But why are so many mock draft composers out there in love with the Tyler Eifert-to-Green Bay pick? Take a trip around the Internet and you will find many, including walterfootball.com, who are projecting Eifert going to Green Bay.

I don’t see it.

Jermichael Finley stiff-arms Tennessee Titans linebacker Will Witherspoon after catching a pass at Lambeau Field.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Number one, Mike McCarthy loves Jermichael Finley – he’s said so more than once – and he’s going to do everything in his power to keep him around after this, Finley’s final season under contract with the Packers.

Number two, the Packers have Andrew Quarless and D.J. Williams in reserve roles and Ryan Taylor, the special teams ace, already on the roster.

Number three, the Packers have too many other more important holes to fill before even thinking about a tight end. Consider offensive line, defensive line and safety among those needs.

As for Finley, he was the Packers most proficient pass-catcher the second half of last year behind Randall Cobb. His value, despite the angst he causes the fans, is astronomical for the Packers. Yes, his salary is third highest, at this point among those players on the roster, but he is also instrumental in the Packers offensive success.

Yes, there are times he disappears from the statistics, but that doesn’t mean his presence isn’t felt. He draws double-teams and occupies space in the middle of the field to open up sideline routes and running  back routes. He’s a talent that must be accounted for on the field – a value that McCarthy feels is important to making his system go.

So, why not draft Eifert or another tight end?

Because I feel the Packers are going to try to commit long-term to Finley. His upside is too huge to let him walk … and even if they don’t commit long-term, they still have him for one more year to allow them to take the time to continue to develop the players in-house.

Even more importantly, there is no imminent need to draft a tight end if the Packers lose Finley after this upcoming season, they can then take the steps to address the situation.

There is no need at this point and I feel Thompson will see it that way, too.

The April Fools edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we at LombardiAve.com have plenty of offseason information to pass along to our readers. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts are making their final impressions on NFL teams, and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them once again and evaluate their performance.

Draft positions have been set. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) catches a pass defended by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) during the first half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Elfert was ruled out of bounds on the play. Mandatory Credit: Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Notre Dame

Analysis: Green Bay needs help up front, but another way to help Aaron Rodgers would be to get him a capable tight end for the future. Jermichael Finely is sticking around for now it seems, but he’s not a long term option anymore as animosity grows. Eifert gives Rodgers his Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham, and that makes him even more dangerous than he was before. Menelik Watson and other offensive lineman will be available on the second day for the Packers to flirt with, but Eifert won’t be and if they want to help Rodgers, they’ll get him a giant tight end.

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) catches a touchdown pass while being defended by San Diego Chargers safety Steve Gregory (28) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

This mock draft makes a lot of assumptions about the Packers’ relationship with Jermichael Finley. Primarily, it assumes that Finley and the Packers have become acrimonious towards one another.

While fans may be growing more spiteful toward Finley, there’s not enough evidence to suggest such is the case with the front office. Such an argument is even harder to make when the deadline for Finley’s roster bonus came and passed without any real chance of a renegotiation or release.

If fans can put down their pitchforks for a minute, they’d realize what good news this is. After Randall Cobb, Finley was the Packers’ best pass catcher the second half of the season, catching 33 passes for 402 yards while dropping zero balls. With Greg Jennings leaving via free agency, Finley should see his usage spike.

That doesn’t necessarily mean drafting a tight end early is a bad move for the Packers, however. After all, Finley’s contract expires following the 2013 season. Should Finley have a big year, it’s possible he’ll have priced himself out of Green Bay.

Alternatively, if Finley has a bad year or is injured, Packers GM Ted Thompson could choose to let the tight end walk. In either of those scenarios, a replacement would be needed. The in-house options – D.J. Williams and Andrew Quarless – have shown promise, yet neither has provided bankable production in the passing game so far. Thus, it’s easy to see where a talented rookie tight end might find a niche with Green Bay.

San Diego State Aztecs tight end Gavin Escobar (88) catches a 29 yard pass while defended by Army Black Knights defensive back Lyle Beloney (15) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

That said, I don’t think Tyler Eifert is that guy. His athleticism, while more than average, doesn’t stand out the way a first round tight end should. His best attribute is his ability to high point the ball on his jumps, but that’s his lone exceptional quality.

Considering that Aaron Rodgers’ passes rarely require fantastic feats of athleticism to bring down, the value of that ability is diminished. More importantly, there are several tight ends of comparable quality who should be on the board much later.

Zach Ertz is a comparable body tight with similar athleticism, and probably would be an ideal target should the Packers trade out of the first round. If the Packers stay in the first round, San Diego State’s Gavin Escobar should still be around at their second pick. Escobar possesses comparable athleticism and college production to Eifert and Ertz, but at a much lower cost.

Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (2) tries to avoid a tackle by Purdue Boilermakers defensive tackle Kawann Short (93) quarter at Memorial Stadium. Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

Since we’ve discussed receivers, running backs, safeties, and offensive lineman to death, here are some defensive lineman that might intrigue the Packers.

Kawann Short is an impressive specimen at 6-3, 299 pounds. Because of his long arms, Short batted down 11 passes at Purdue. He also blocked four kicks. What Short mainly gets docked for is his motor, which isn’t always running in top gear.

That’s not uncommon for defensive lineman, and given Short’s production in college that shouldn’t be too much of a worry. His stock is thought to be rising, so he might be gone by 26.

UNC’s Sylvester Williams is another talented but inconsistent lineman who would fit in the Packers’ 3-4. Williams, who played defensive tackle in the Tar Heels’ 4-3, notched six sacks in 2012. The catalyst for that impressive production is his swim move which should translate to the next level. Unfortunately, he’s a one trick pony at this stage of his career. While Williams should develop into a very good player, he may be too much of a project in round one.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins (52) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2nd half at Memorial Stadium. Ohio State defeated Indiana 52-49. Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Finally we come to Ohio State’s Johnathan Hankins. Hankins is one of the true nose tackle prospects in his draft class, and accordingly may be snatched up early. Should he last to Green Bay, Hankins would immediately allow graybeard Ryan Pickett to reduce his snap count. Hankins would also solidify B.J. Raji’s move from nose tackle to 3-4 end. More than anything, Hankins would be a plus defender against the run. With Adrian Peterson not likely to slow down in 2013, adding another beefy defensive lineman could be a wise move.

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.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The 2011 Green Bay Packers draft class is peculiar one. Of the 10 players chosen, only one, Randall Cobb, has really made an impact. Other than Cobb, for the six players remaining from this draft, the 2013 off season and training camp is going to be an important time for these guys. For many of them have the potential to play good football for the Packers.  The question is in 2013 is will they take off or flame out?

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers first round selection, the 32nd overall, offensive tackle Derek Sherrod, is the most intriguing prospect of this class. Sherrod, if you recall, suffered a gruesome leg fracture against the Chiefs in December of 2011, when Tamba Hali rolled into him in the fourth quarter of the game. Sherrod at that point in the season was just starting to get a feel for the NFL.

It was hoped that the 2012 offseason would give Sherrod the edge at the left tackle position needed to challenge for the starting spot against Marshall Newhouse. Those dreams were dashed, as Sherrod was forced to sit out the entire 2012 season rehabbing his leg. The Packers are hopeful Sherrod can return in 2013 and compete this season for a spot on the offensive line.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

In the second round the Packers selected a player that has quickly become a go to guy on offense. A versatile wide receiver from Kentucky, named Randall Cobb. The 2012 season was a break out year for Cobb, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers targeted him 104 times and connected 80 of those times for 954 yards and 8 touchdowns. Cobb lines up all over the field in the Packer offense and is also an effective return man. Although in 2013 it is likely Cobb’s return duties will dissipate, as his real value in on offense.

With their third round pick the Packer chose a running back from Hawaii, Alex Green. His rookie season was shortened after suffering an ACL injury early in the year. In 2012, his first full season, Green rushed for 464 yards averaging 3.4 yards per carry and no touchdowns. I don’t think the Packers have thrown in the towel on Green just yet, but 2012 certainly was underwhelming. Green will need to fight and scrap during the 2013 offseason to secure a place on this coming year’s roster.

Jim O

Ted Thompson selected a big corner back from New Mexico, Davon House, with their fourth round pick. The Packers like House, but he has had some difficulty staying healthy. 2011 he was hampered by ankle and hamstring injuries and in 2012 he suffered a shoulder injury that limited him to nine games. He did, however, show some flashes of the big physical corner that Packers thought they drafted. The highlight of his career thus far was in week 8 of 2012 when he blocked a punt against the Jacksonville Jaguars and teammate Dezman Moses returned it for a touchdown to secure the Packers 24-15 victory. As a result House was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

With a pick obtained from San Francisco via Denver the Packers selected D.J. Williams in the fifth round. A 6-2, 245-pound tight end from Arkansas some thought had the athletic ability to challenge Jermichael Finley for the tight end position. Thus far this has not been the case. Williams has collected just nine catches for 70 yards in the past two seasons. 2013 is almost sure to be a make or break season for Williams.

In the sixth round Ted Thompson had amassed three selections. Of those three, only D.J. Smith has stuck. With linebacker Desmond Bishop going down in the first preseason game of the 2012 season, Smith was almost assured a starting job. He ultimately won the starting inside linebacker position, but he too was injured.  In week six at the Houston Texans, he tore an ACL and reportedly more. Prior to the injury, Smith had 2 sacks and 39 tackles. If he can recover in time for training camp, which has been rumored to be doubtful, he will compete for playing time at the crowded inside linebacker position.

The other two picks in the sixth round, offensive lineman Caleb Schlauderaff and defensive end Ricky Elmore never made the Packers final roster. Schlauderaff was traded to the Jets on Sept. 3, 2011, for an undisclosed draft pick. Elmore is currently on the Redskins roster.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay also had multiple picks in the seventh round. With their first pick in the seventh round they selected a Ryan Taylor from North Carolina. A tight end; a guy who plays with a mean streak, has proven to be a very good special team player. With the recent departure of Tom Crabtree, if Taylor continues to progress on special teams, it is a safe bet he’ll be returning in 2013.

With the other pick in the seventh round the Packers selected defensive end Lawrence Guy from Arizona State. Guy spent the 2011 season on injured reserve. In 2012, he was one of the last players released in training camp and landed on the Packers practice squad. The Indianapolis Colts signed Guy in October 2012.

As I said in the beginning this was an interesting draft class. Every player selected is still in the league, a reflection of Ted Thompson’s eye for talent. However, outside of Randall Cobb, none of these players have really identified themselves as solid contributors. With the exception of Cobb, Taylor, and Williams, all of these guys have suffered significant injuries at some point. This does of course factor into their lack performance.

In 2013, I would look for Davon House to take the next step towards becoming a valued player in the Packer secondary. If Sherrod can return healthy, at the very least he can add needed depth to the offensive line. The same can be said for D.J. Smith at the inside linebacker position. I would also expect Ryan Taylor to be a leader on special teams. For the others this offseason will probably determine if they return to the Packers regular season roster.

I had the Packers selecting Barrett Jones in the first round, however, recent news of foot injuries for Jones and the possibility that he will end up on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list to start the season, has his draft stock plummeting.

Many “experts” had the Packers also selecting between former Stanford tight end Zach Ertz or former Norte Dame tight end Tyler Eifert, but because Finley was awarded his roster bonus and will be staying in Green Bay, at least for the 2013-14 season, taking a tight end in the first round would be foolish.

Other experts have slated the Packers to take former Alabama running back Eddie Lacy in the first round. Personally, I would never take a running back in the first round unless it is a home run like Adrian Peterson, Bo Jackson, etc. The lifespan of a NFL running back is too short on which to waste a first round pick, especially in the pass-happy Packers’ offense.

That would leave us at the defensive line and linebacker positions. Personally speaking, if the Packers can’t get Margus Hunt of SMU, Alex Okafor from Texas or Kevin Minter from LSU then they shouldn’t even waste their first pick on anyone else on the defensive side of the ball.

As for the offensive line, if the Packers aren’t able to get tackle Lane Johnson from Oklahoma or tackle D.J. Fluker from Alabama then why waste the pick?

With the majority of the true “first round” talent within the top 13-17 picks, it would make no sense for the Packers to reach on a player in the first round that they could easily see in the second or third round. It would make a ton of sense for the Packers to acquire more draft picks, especially with how deep this draft is at the wide receiver, safety and defensive line positions, all positions of “need” for the Packers, to go along with the offensive line and linebacker positions.

By trading out of the first round the Packers could get another second round pick and maybe a fourth or fifth round pick. Another direction they could head in is to ask for a third, a fifth and sixth round pick all for the No. 26 pick. There are a number of options for the Packers to acquire more picks in the draft, which would be the smart route to go at this point.

All in all, the closer we get to the draft, the more obvious it is becoming that the Packers must trade out of the first round.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers neared what was a massive decision that would affect their cap space dramatically for next season. Ted Thompson knew this decision would impact what they do in this year’s NFL Draft and how they approach the rest of the offseason. Thompson also knew that the decision to keep or cut Jermichael Finley was huge and has been talked about a lot.

However, there is one obvious right decision that the Packers should have made – and they made it today …

The Packers kept Jermichael Finley.

There is no tight end on the free agent market right now better than Jermichael Finley. Tyler Eifert would be an upgrade but he will not fall to the Packers while Zack Ertz will probably not be an immediate upgrade.

Jermichael Finley played better near the end of the season and even though he struggled in the playoffs, Finley showed that he deserves a second chance for the Packers this upcoming season. The Packers also have plenty of cap room to improve the roster right now and Finley will be a free agent next offseason anyway.

Dec 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 42-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Packers will still have the cap space to make some moves which should include cutting Cedric Benson and replacing him with Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw is still not that old at age 27 while Benson is a risk to be injured again and no longer needed, especially if Bradshaw becomes a Packer. Brian Urlacher could be a possibility to provide some depth at inside linebacker. His leadership would also be a big boost to the locker room but it seems unlikely that Urlacher would come to Green Bay.

The Packers can now focus on a tight end later in the draft instead of the first round. So just what are the Packers draft options at tight end?

Dec 20, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs tight end Gavin Escobar (88) runs for a first down after making a catch during the second quarter as Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Jordan Johnson (6) defends at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

In the second round, the Packers could look at drafting San Diego State TE Gavin Escobar. Escobar isn’t too far behind Zack Ertz on a lot of people’s draft boards and his ceiling is extremely high. Escobar has good speed and jumping ability for a tight end but I’m still not completely sold on Escobar.

Florida’s Jordan Reed is another potential fit in the second or third round and would be a good pick for Green Bay. Reed is fast for a tight end but he isn’t really much a blocker. If there is one player he reminds me of, it would be former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark. Clark and Reed are both not as big as an average tight end but have great speed and can work out of the slot. The Packers do already have D.J. Williams so Reed might not be much of a fit.

December 27, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Joseph Fauria (8) celebrates after scoring during the second quarter against the Baylor Bears in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

A late round possibility is UCLA tight end Joseph Fauria who has the best ceiling of any in this draft. Fauria is 6-7′ and has so much room to grow and become an elite tight end. Fauria isn’t the fastest tight end but he can get up and get the ball due to his impressive ball skills and great arm length. Fauria might not be the fastest, but his speed makes him a big play threat.

Fauria also has one of the highest ceilings of any player in the draft and could be a big time tight end by 2014. Remember, Jimmy Graham was not a starter from day 1 in New Orleans. Instead, Graham developed behind veteran Jeremy Shockey before starting in New Orleans and becoming arguably the best tight end in the NFL.

Jermichael Finley could play the Jeremy Shockey with Fauria being the next Jimmy Graham.

Jermichael Finley will continue to be a target for Aaron Rodgers for at least one more season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley made the announcement via Twitter this afternoon:

Ecstatic 2 b back w @packers. Best place on earth. Thank u 2 my agents & family @blakebaratz @jhart5266. I appreciate all that u do. #pack

— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) March 25, 2013

Yup, the Packers ponied up the $3 million he was due to ensure that he stays a member of the team. That money will go toward the more than $8 million the talented and controversial player is due this season. It will also complete the second year of a two-year extension he signed with the team in 2011.

Finley, who had a strong finish to his season last year – a campaign where he caught 61 balls for 667 yards. Head coach Mike McCarthy was so impressed with Finley’s performance last year that he called him out in his season-ending press conference, saying in essence that he was hoping Finley would be back this year with the team.

But just what is the future of Finley? Will the team pursue a long-term contract that would reduce his impact on the salary cap or do they simply let him play out his contract and test the free agent market next spring? Much will depend on his level of play in 2013. In addition, the Packers have to sign Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews to mega-contracts within the year and they may also consider extending the contract of defensive lineman B.J. Raji.

The contract to Rodgers is probably being worked on as we write this. Packers President Mark Murphy called the deal a “priority,” and many are saying that Rodgers will be rewarded prior to the NFL Draft in April.

So, looking to the future, how much would be left for extending Finley’s contract is still up in the air.

But one thing’s for sure, Finley will be around one more year for fans to kick around

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) is unable to make a catch in the end zone while being defended by Minnesota Vikings defender in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Has anyone else noticed that the journey Jermichael Finley has taken since being drafted by the Packers in 2008 has been almost Shakespearean in its ups and downs, and twists and turns?

The question is, how will this tale end? Will the athletic tight end emerge triumphant, a hero who saves the day, or will he die on his own self-serving sword?

The Packers owe Finley a $3 million roster bonus on Tuesday, March 26, so another dramatic milestone is upon us. Will the Packers follow through with their million-dollar anti-hero? Even as recently as this morning, news outlets were reporting that the Packers have expressed to Jermichael Finley’s agent that they’re “uncomfortable” with his $8.25 million salary.

Finley’s dramatic arc began to rise in 2009, when he caught six balls for 128 yards and a touch in an October ’09 tilt against the Vikings. And following a three-touchdown outburst against the Bears in 2011, it appeared Finley’s stock was set to blast into outer space, especially after he finished the season with nearly 800 yards and 8 scores.

Armed to the hilt with a new two-year contract, Finley went into 2012 as a highly-anticipated breakout candidate – and he promptly fell from flight with a resounding thud. Drops became his calling card; quarterback Aaron Rodgers appeared to lose confidence in his once-mighty target. In response to this adversity, Finley began to run his mouth and point fingers, and his camp at one point even called out Rodgers’ leadership abilities (which, in Green Bay, is akin to claiming Caesar was a lame general).

Alas, the first half of 2012 appeared to out Finley as a bust. Even though he rebounded to finish out the season, post-bye, looking more poised and consistent than perhaps he ever had, pundits and naysayers predicted he’d be run out of Green Bay like a monster stalked by torch-carrying, cheesehead-wearing villagers. But strangely, following the season’s conclusion, head coach Mike McCarthy was complimentary of Finley’s progress, saying at the NFL Combine, “I was very pleased with the way Jermichael played there in the second half and he improved a number of different areas of his game.”

Hark. Is that the smell of redemption?

But the off-season was strangely quiet, apart from various news outlets, bloggers and fans calling for Finley’s head. Even foremost Packers authority the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel predicted Finley’s demise. Were the Packers and Finley even communicating? What would become of him? Would his tale simply fade to black with his outright release?

Then, in late February, Finley stated he would not take a pay cut to stay in Green Bay – that he would “walk” if the team asked him to. At this point it seemed inevitable his Packers story would come to an end. Clearly not a team player, the anti-hero appeared doomed to a tragic end to his Packers career.

Consider: Charles Woodson, warrior of warriors, has been released; Donald Driver, the consummate Packer legend, is obviously no longer welcome on the field of battle, and yet Sir-Drops-a-Lot – the third-highest paid player on the team behind Rodgers and Tramon Williams – still has a place in the kingdom? Surely he would be turned away so that the team would have cap space to sign running back Steven Jackson, or possibly even an edge pass-rusher – a new hero for our story.

Silence. Nothing happened. Calm before the storm? Or just … calm?

“When you look at Jermichael,” McCarthy said at the combine, “and you go on the other side of the ball or you talk to any of the defensive guys that played against him, he’s a matchup challenge for defenses. I think his best routes are when we’re attacking the middle of the field with him. I think he’s unique that way. Big target, excellent in the red zone. I thought he played much better with the ball in his hand after the catch.”

Here’s betting that the Packers pony up the $3 million on Wednesday, and Finley rides back into town, if not on a white horse, to take another run at showing he’s worth the $8 million he’ll count against the relatively tight Green Bay salary cap this season.

Did the departures of Greg Jennings and (to a lesser extent) tight end Tom Crabtree open the door for a triumphant, heroic return? Can Finley redeem himself and rise to legendary new heights in the Packers’ forthcoming quest for another Super Bowl? Another page in this dramatic story turns on March 26.

What do you think will be Finley’s fate? Post your predictions below.

The Packers are expected to pay Jermichael Finley’s $3 million signing bonus Tuesday to ensure he will be with the team for one more season.

For months, Green Bay Packers bloggers, writers and followers of the team have had Tuesday, March 26, circled on their calendars – that’s the day when the Packers either have to tell tight end Jermichael Finley to hit the road or pay him his roster bonus – about $3 million. By doing so, the Packers will commit to keeping the talented, but mercurial player in the fold for at least one more season.

That is unless they release or trade him by the end of today – a scenario at this point that most likely will not occur.

When interviewed about a month ago on whether he felt comfortable with taking a pay cut to stay with the team, Finley said he would walk rather than take a pay cut.

The Packers are expected to make Aaron Rodgers the highest-paid player in the NFL sometime soon.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

But that was before the free agency period during which the Packers held on to its $18 million under the salary cap to ensure the team could pay for its restricted free agents, its draft choices, and Finley, while also having some in the bank to apply to the mega-contracts that are sure to be offered to quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews.

Packers President Mark Murphy called the re-signing of Rodgers a “priority,” which means that the Packers may hold off a bit on the re-signing of Matthews and defensive lineman B.J. Raji.

The bottom line, however, for Finley is the roster bonus he will be due Tuesday.

With the Packers letting backup tight end Tom Crabtree sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and because they let wide receiver Greg Jennings defect to Minnesota, it pretty much cements Finley’s place on the team.

With just a single year remaining on the two-year extension he signed in 2011, Finley is sure to play the year and then test the free agent market come next spring. The Packers are playing the odds that Finley will continue to improve his game and contribute to a Packers offense that benefits by his presence.

Last season, Finley, who battled through drops and curious off-the-field comments, had the best season ever for a Packers tight end. He caught 61 passes for 667 yards.

Though they will only get one more season out of him, the Packers are hoping it’s good enough to help the team to the playoffs and a possible Super Bowl.

That’s the $3 million risk they are most likely prepping to take.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert might be a target for the Green Bay Packers.

The Green Bay Packers enter the NFL Draft with many needs, many holes and many questions.

Today, we’ll start with one question, and some possible answers – if you agree, and if you disagree, let me know. I write these draft alerts as a conversation and hope you, the reader, will respond with your own questions and answers.

Jermichael Finley is due nearly $4.5 million tomorrow, Sunday, March 27. So far today, March 26, there’s been no discussion, no blog posts and most importantly, no word from the Packers’ or Finley’s camps about the status of that big wad of money projected to land in his bank account.

That’s probably a good thing for Finley. Most likely, the talented, but mercurial tight end will be locked up to fulfill the final season of a two-year contract with the Packers.

But today’s questions are whether the Packers have any intention of inking Finley to another extension – this one being a long-term contract that would keep him in Green Bay for at least 3-5 more years. So, will the Packers commit to Finley and more importantly, will they utilize either their first or second round draft picks on a tight end?

With the defection of Greg Jennings to the Minnesota Vikings and the fact that the Packers have been nonexistent in free agency, I feel that Finley will be retained. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has been too high on the young tight end the past couple of months and General Manager Ted Thompson hasn’t said anything to make one think that they will eject Finley.

Though Bob McGinn wrote months ago that that Packers were going to part ways with Finley, to date it hasn’t happened and with time running tight on the deadline, it appears they won’t pull the trigger on a release or trade.

So, if the Packers keep Finley for one more season, what are their options for the future? They allowed back Tom Crabtree to sign with Tampa Bay and it doesn’t seem McCarthy is sky high about any of the other backups – Andrew Quarless, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor – so do the Packers look to this year’s draft for tight end? And if so, do they look to the first couple of rounds for a top-notch candidate?

San Diego State Aztecs tight end Gavin Escobar
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

If they do, two pop to the forefront: Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert and Stanford’s Zach Ertz.

Both are superb athletes who would fit will into the Packers system, though Eifert, athletically, took the lead in draft position by his performance at the Combine.

Depending upon how much stock you put into the Combine numbers, Eifert does seem to be the top choice, but there are plenty of other tight end-hungry teams that may snatch him up before the Packers’ pick at #26. Would they trade up for Eifert? That’s doubtful. In fact, I am doubtful the Packers would draft a tight end with their first pick. They are most likely to go offensive or defensive line or possibly even a safety.

So if we’re looking into the second or third rounds for a tight end, then Ertz becomes a possibility, but so do players such as Jordan Reed of Florida, Gavin Escobar of San Diego State, Travis Kelce of Cincinnati or even Ryan Otten of San Jose State.

If the Packers do indeed have a tight end in their sights for a first round pick, the safe selection would be Eifert. He’s the whole package. However, if the Packers wait until the second or third round to address the position, then they most likely will be choosing from among the likes of Escobar, Kelce, and Otten.

Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Travis Kelce
Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

If I were general manager, I would hold on a tight end into the second or third round and would target either Escobar or Kelce. Escobar is the more polished receiver, but is a project when it comes to run blocking, while Kelce is the opposite – he’s a fierce blocker, but a project in developing as a pass-catching tight end. If the Packers want a tight end who catches the ball well, but need work in blocking, then they go with someone like Escobar.

Or they just roll the dice and go first round and hope that either Eifert or Ertz are available.

Either way, in my opinion, Finley will be gone after 2013, so the Packers need to draft a tight end replacement if they want their offense to continue to click as seemlessly as it has in the past.

Your thoughts?

Leave a comment below, on our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.

Jermichael Finley is due a $4.45 million roster bonus March 27.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

This has been a tumultuous and game-changing week for the Green Bay Packers, even though they haven’t made a single move to acquire a free agent player.

The Packers lost linebacker Erik Walden to the Indianapolis Colts, they lost wide receiver Greg Jennings to the Minnesota Vikings and they lost tight end Tom Crabtree to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Restricted free agents Sam Shields and Evan Dietrich-Smith were tendered contracts and Robert Francois re-signed with the team – all on the cheap. In addition, linebacker A.J. Hawk restructured his contract so he could stay with the team.

What does that mean for the Packers as they inch closer to the NFL Draft?

Jermichael Finley had 37 catches for 441 yards the final nine games of last season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, nobody’s absolutely sure as free agent deals still could come about (Ahmad Bradshaw?) and, most importantly, the Packers still have to decide what to do with Jermichael Finley who is due a $4.45 million roster bonus March 27. There have been no negotiations with Finley and he was most recently quoted a few weeks ago saying he wasn’t interested in taking a pay cut.

With the Packers allowing Crabtree to walk, one would think that Finley is probably safe.

However, the lack of communication between the two camps makes one wonder what’s going through Ted Thompson’s head. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy really likes Finley as a player and said so at his season-ending press conference. Finley came alive in the second half of last season, but one wonders if that’s enough to convince everyone at 1265 Lombardi Avenue to keep Finley around for at least another year.

Finley is going on the final year of a two-year contract that will count $8.75 million against the salary cap. Is that too much for Ted Thompson’s taste? On the surface, one would have to say yes, mostly because that in addition to the dollars mentioned above there buried beneath all of that ia the history and baggage Finley brings with him. He’s been critical of his quarterback; his agent has been critical of his quarterback; Finley has said he will walk if told he needs to take a pay cut; his agent said Finley won’t walk and that negotiations over the issue would be taken seriously.

But with all that drama in the past, one also wonders if the Packers want to keep a player who is in the final year of his contract and will most likely walk unless the team offers some kind of restructuring deal that could include an extension.

On the field, is he valuable enough to expend that amount? Most say yes. He’s a huge talent who pulls a lot of defensive attention his way and opens the field for other receivers. This is true. In all, last year Finley caught 61 passes for 667 yards. He scored two touchdowns.

Jermichael Finley scored two touchdowns last season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

However, in the second half of the season, he was consistent – though he dropped off the map in the playoffs.

Here was his production the final nine games, including playoffs:

Nov. 18: 3 catches for 66 yards

Nov. 25: 3 catches for 51 yards

Dec. 2: 6 catches for 60 yards

Dec. 9: 2 catches for 16 yards

Dec. 16: 5 catches for 61 yards

Dec, 23: 5 catches for 70 yards

Dec. 30: 8 catches for 72 yards

Playoffs: Versus Minnesota he had 1 catch for 10 yards; versus San Francisco he had four catches for 35 yards.

In total, that’s 37 receptions for 441 yards.

The question everyone needs to ask – is whether that production is worthy of nearly $9 million per year?

Ted Thompson will have final say in this matter and the decision will come soon.

Jordy Nelson has been the biggest hit among those selected in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Packers.
Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

The 2008 Green Bay Packer Draft class was quite honestly hit or miss.

Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers did not have a first round pick as a result of a two-for-one swap with the New York Jets. The Jets received the thirtieth pick in the first round from the Packers and dealt Green Bay a second round pick, number 36 overall, and a fourth round pick, number 113 overall. After selecting Jordy Nelson with the pick acquired from the Jets, Ted Thompson seemed to be boom or bust with every other selection throughout the 2008 draft.

As Packers fans know Jordy Nelson has developed into a pass catcher that provides quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a deep threat on the outside. Nelson’s biggest season thus far was 2011 when he caught 68 passes for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns. He played a big role down the stretch for the Packers 2010 Super Bowl team and may have been Super Bowl XLV MVP had it not been for a number of drops. Hampered by injury in 2012 his numbers declined. It would be expected he will continue to rise in 2013 with the assumed departure of Greg Jennings.

Overall, the Packers had three second round picks. With the other two the Packers selected quarterback Brian Brohm from Louisville. Brohm came with a big arm, but was beat out in camp by seventh round selection Matt Flynn from LSU. With their third second round pick they selected Pat Lee a defensive back from Auburn. Lee played with the Packers from 2008-11. He never developed into the player the Packers thought he would become. After signing as a free-agent with the Raiders he was waived in November of last year. He then signed with the Lions.

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

In the third round the Packers selected a tight end from Texas with a freakish combination of size and speed, Jermichael Finley. Some players get labeled with the dreaded “P” word – potential. A blessing and a curse and Finley most certainly shoulders the burden. His numbers have been solid. In fact, if Tom Crabtree put up Finley’s stats it would certainly turn heads. But some might consider Finely a disappointment. But his potential has positioned Finley to make a very healthy salary in the near future. Because of this, many, including Raymond Rivard, believe soon there will be a “Where are They Now” post about Jermichael Finley.

The fourth round produced a defensive end from Wake Forest, Jeremy Thompson. Thompson’s NFL career never really got off the ground. A neck injury forced him to the sidelines in December 2009. He retired in April of 2010 due to an undisclosed injury.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay also held two selections in the fourth round. With their second fourth round pick they snagged their now anchor of the offensive line, Josh Sitton. Recently Bleacher Report rated Sitton the third best guard in the NFL. Sitton, a 2012 Pro Bowl selection looks to have another stellar 2013 campaign.

To round out the draft the Packers took Breno Giacomini with their fifth round pick. Matt Flynn with their first of two seventh round picks.  To complete the 2008 draft the Packers picked Brett Swain, a receiver out of San Diego State.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Giacomini is now in Seattle, where he started all 16 games for the Seahawks in 2012. Matt Flynn is also in Seattle. He landed a big pay day, but hasn’t netted much playing time due to the emergence of Russell Wilson. Swain latched on with the Packers long enough to earn a Super Bowl ring. He played with the 49ers in 2011 after being released in training camp that same year by the Packers.

The 2008 draft did not yield a bounty of talent, but the guys that did produce did so in a big way. The second round was especially disappointing only hitting on one of three picks. But as the norm, Thompson still came away with a better than average draft class.

Jermichael Finley is a huge talent whose time in Green Bay without a long-term contract is coming to an end.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I like Jermichael Finley – I really do. I think he’s a huge talent who adds an element to the Green Bay Packers’ offensive machine that has been an immeasurably intangible piece to the entire team’s success.

But I still think, as I’ve written before, that it’s time for him to pack his bags and move on.

Yes, Finley has played well in spots, but he’s had some god-awful games, as well. What it comes down to in the NFL is production and value. Nobody knows this better than Ted Thompson who runs the tightest ship in the league.

Jermichael Finley is the type of player who can be placed inside or out and have an impact.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Finley caught 61 passes for 667 yards last year, with most of his production coming in the final half of the season. The question is whether those 667 yards is worth $8.25 million – the amount Finley is expected to make next season, the final year of a two-year contract. Will the Packers try to get him to do what he said he wouldn’t do – take a pay cut? Will they try to extend his contract and make him one of, if not THE highest paid tight end in the league? Will they cut him loose or might they even try to trade him away?

These are all questions that have been debated across the sports world the past couple of months and questions that will linger until the end of this month when his D-Day (departure day?) comes around.

Today, Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel posted a blog post with numerous quotes from an ever-endearing Blake Baratz – Finley’s agent. His attempt to soften the words of Finley last week when he said he would walk instead of taking a pay cut ring hollow. But at least he tries. Baratz, who himself has used some stinging words against Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, makes Finley out to be the misunderstood child.

I’m not buying it.

To me, Finley comes off as the spoiled child who thinks the world revolves around him.

Again, I’ll say it – I like Finley. But he’s not the Packer type; he struggles with personal relations among teammates (especially the most important, Rodgers), and his arrogance comes across with his antics on the field and his inability to dislodge his foot from his mouth.

Has Jermichael Finley played his final down in Lambeau Field?

The Packers can do better. We know he won’t take a pay cut and if Ted Thompson keeps him around for another year, we all know it’s simply a rent-a-player situation where he will play out his contract and leave. Is it worth the $8.25 million to the team to allow this to happen? Is it worth the $8.25 million to keep the locker room distraction around? Is the 667 yards worth $8.25 million?

I don’t think so.

The Packers can use the draft – heck, they could even use free agency if they wanted to target a player like a Dustin Keller or a even a Fred Davis they might be just as better off in the long run.

Sometimes a change is best for everyone. I think this is the case. Either cut Finley and let him walk, but better yet, trade him and get something now for him.

That way, the Packers could keep A.J. Hawk around – at least he’s affordable, is a standup guy and doesn’t say bad things about his quarterback.

It’s time. It’s D-Day for Jermichael Finley.

Let me know what you think. Leave a comment below, like lombardiave.com on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Clay Matthews celebrates a sack against the Lions in 2010.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Former Green Bay Packers front office man Andrew Brandt and others have come out tonight to say that it’s expected the National Football League’s salary cap will go up by as much as $3.3 million for this year … that’s good news for all 32 teams, including the Packers.

Jermichael Finley may be a casualty of the salary cap and the need to pay other players.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

While that extra money will place the Packers in excellent position to pay its 2013 draft choices and tender their restricted free agents, one thing is for certain – they won’t be using much of the salary cap increase for signing free agents. Sure, Packers’ GM Ted Thompson may go after one or two bargain basement players on the market, but he’s going to use the extra funds to pay Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews.

As it stands, the Packers are around $22 million under the cap with the addition of the 2013 numbers. Not only do the Packers sit nicely under the cap, but figuring out ways to pay Rodgers (who will probably get $20 million-plus per year) and Matthews (who will command around $10 or $11 million per season) becomes a bit easier.

Another thing is for certain – I don’t envy Ted Thompson for what stands in front of him in making this all work, but I also don’t envy him in how he might have to do to get there. To make it all work, it may be necessary for Thompson to part ways with either A.J. Hawk or Jermichael Finley – maybe even both. Eliminating one or both of those players from the mix would certainly make the signing of Rodgers, Matthews – and B.J. Raji as well – much simpler. But it also places the team in jeopardy of losing veteran leadership. The Packers have already lost Donald Driver and Jeff Saturday to retirement, have released Charles Woodson, and will most likely lose WR Greg Jennings to free agency.

However, it’s become ever more apparent that Hawk and Finley must go.

A.J. Hawk may be a victim of the salary cap.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I’ve posted the past few days that the Packers should part ways with either A.J. Hawk or Jermichael Finley – probably both. Eliminating both salaries would bring the Packers about $13 million that could be used toward the signing of the big three.

The two veterans should be let go not only because of salary cap concerns, but because of other on- and off-field intangibles that are a detriment to the team. Sometimes in order to save the many, it’s time to sacrifice the few. In this case, Hawk and Finley should be either released or traded. It will make all of the necessary signings less painful and allow the Packers to throw more money toward the paying of the big three on the front end of their contracts. By allocating as much as they can early in the contracts, the Packers won’t  fall into the same traps other teams have on the back ends of their stars’ contracts. What happens is that in order to stay under the cap and continue to pay the high salaries of their stars, they have to clean house.

Yes, the addition of the 2013 salary cap money will help the Packers carry out those contracts, but it won’t be enough to do all that the Packers would like. That will take the sacrifice of Hawk and Finley.

Only then will the Packers have the flexibility to move on comfortably.

Will Jermichael Finley be trying to continue to establish a chemistry with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in 2013. We hope not.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Remember about a month or so ago when Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley said his chances of re-signing with his team sat at about 50/50?

Well, those chances seem to be dropping with each passing hour, day and week.

In an interview today with ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Finley was sounding pretty cold about the Packers, saying that they were doing in the “Packer way.” Just what that is, I’m not sure, but Finley seems to know – if you read between the lines, Finley is packing his bags and seems poised to hit the free agent market running.

“The Packers are barely talking to me right now,” Finley said. “I know they’re just doing it the Packer way and playing it close to the vest. I haven’t got a call. I haven’t got a text asking me to take a pay cut or to restructure my deal at this point–not at all.”

Will Jermichael Finley be back with the Packers? The chances seem to be slipping.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

But when asked about the possibility of taking a pay cut, Finley wasn’t about to do his best impersonation of Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger: 

“I’d have to walk for sure, meaning I couldn’t take a pay cut. Maybe I’d restructure if it’s a deal that I like and it makes sense, but I’m not the guy that’s just going to sign anything and let anything pass. I’m not that guy. Other than that, taking a pay cut or restructuring doesn’t sound good to me at this time. I like my deal. I start training in Minneapolis tomorrow and I’m more inspired than ever to start next season off right and be the tight end I know I can be. It’s all business at the end of the day. I just love what I do.”

We wrote here this past weekend that it was time for the Packers to part ways with Finley, and his attitude was just one of the reasons. The other was his salary and the fact that he would be a hired hand for a single season. Yes, he’s a talent, but the Green Bay Packers will be better off without his mouth and his dropped passes.

Time to move on, Ted Thompson. Start eyeing up the tight end talent in the draft.

Jermichael Finley (left) has lined up for five seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Will be be brought back for another?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The more I think about it, the more I look at their salaries and upside, the more I watch the young kids breaking their butts at the NFL Combine, the more I feel it’s time the Green Bay Packers cut ties with A.J. Hawk and Jermichael Finley.

A.J. Hawk has been a solid contributor for the Packers since being the number one draft pick for the team in 2006.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Don’t get me wrong, I am huge a fan of both Hawk and Finley. Both have produced for years with the Packers. Both probably have quite a bit left in their tanks.

But this is professional football. Number one, it’s a young man’s game and I think that of all his attributes, General Manager Ted Thompson gets it. That’s why he has perfected the draft and develop scheme that has produced three division championships and a Super Bowl championship since 2005.

Hawk, who has spent seven years with the Packers after having been selected as the team’s first round pick (number 5 overall) in 2006, has been a battler. Remember back in 2010 when he didn’t play a single down in the team’s opener at Philadelphia and then was thrown onto the field when injuries hit the team? Not only did he rise to the occasion, but he became an integral part in the team’s Super Bowl run that year. In that season, he made 71 tackles and had 39 assists, his third best season up to that point in his career. He also had three interceptions. In his first season he had 84 tackles and 37 assists and in 2007 he had 78 tackles and 27 assists.

A.J. Hawk
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

However, Hawk had a significant downslide in 2011 (57 tackles, 29 assists) before rebounding with a solid year in 2012 (81 tackles, 39 assists). Those look like good numbers on the surface, but if you look at where those tackles were made, more of them than not were well beyond the line of scrimmage. Hawk is around the ball much of the time, but many times after 3, 4, 5 or even more yards have been gained. And we won’t go anywhere near his drop back and pass coverage skills.

Yes, Hawk has contributed, but for most, he’s just one of the guys. He’s not a standout player who slices into the backfield to break up running plays, he rarely gets to the quarterback and doesn’t strike fear into the eyes of an offense.

With D.J. Smith and Desmond Bishop expected back from injuries suffered in 2012, the odd man out, at least in my eyes, is Hawk. And if we consider the dollars that a player of his age (29) is due, more than $5 million, it’s time to consider moving on.

Here are Hawk’s career statistics:

Jermichael Finley

Jermichael Finley is a tight end who attracts a great deal of attention from opposing defenses.
Raymond T. Rivard

I feel much the same about Jermichael Finley. He’s a huge talent. He has contributed to a prolific offense that has, for the most part, been the standard of the industry. He had one of his best seasons in 2012 – most of which came in the second half of the campaign – and he’s toned down his comments in the media.

In his five-year career, Finley has had 198 catches for 2,485 yards (12.6 yard average), and 17 touchdowns. That includes 2010 when he played in only five games.

Those are impressive statistics, and yes, he is a talent. But he is also heading into the final year of a two-year contract which has an upside and a downside. Should the Packers keep him, he will have huge incentive to have a big year and will most likely leave it all on the field. On the flip side, if he does have that big year he will most likely walk in free agency and the Packers would lose him anyway.

So, what to do with the mercurial player? Do the Packers try to trade him? Do they keep him? Or do they cut him, cut their losses and look to the draft for someone who could be an heir apparent? The team does have tight ends who would be serviceable (Tom Crabtree, if they re-sign him; Andrew Quarless, who is coming off a missed season due to a horrendous knee injury; D.J. Williams, who is an unknown; and Ryan Taylor, who has been a special teams contributor), but they need the type of player who can stretch the field and attract attention over the middle. Finley has provided that threat.

So, why shouldn’t the Packers keep him? Well, let’s start with the head games and the drops. He has spouted off in the media about a lack of chemistry with his quarterback, his agent has joined in the discussion. He has been a disruption in the locker room and his dropped passes have caused consternation across the franchise and especially among the fan base.

Here are Jermichael Finley’s career statistics:

Where to go?

The bottom line is that should the Packers cut ties with Finley and Hawk, they will save several million against the salary cap – money that could be freed up to be apportioned across new contracts that will come due in the coming year for Aaron Rodgers, B.J. Raji, and Clay Matthews.

The Packers got the ball rolling early in adding to their available funds this offseason when Donald Driver and Jeff Saturday retired. Then they cut the $10 million that would have been due Charles Woodson, and with the impending loss of Greg Jennings to free agency, the Packers are in very good financial shape as they head into thick of the offseason. They should have plenty to sign their draft choices and to begin negotiations with Matthews and Raji. More than likely, they will wait until 2014 to sign Rodgers – his contract will be a whole different animal as he is likely to get at least an eight-year deal worth at least $20 million per year.

I say the Packers move on by cutting ties with Finley and Hawk. They go with the players they have in-house and use their draft and develop philosophy in adding new talent to the mix.

What do you think?

Leave us a comment below, go to our Facebook page (and like us), or send us a tweet on Twitter.

Jermichael Finley
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Si.com recently paid a visit to and received a personal tour of Jermichael Finley’s home – a tour that was guided by the one and only J-Mike. The videos presented below are part of Sports Illustrated’s “At Home With …” series.

In the first video below, Jermichael guides si.com’s cameras through the dining room, his office, the kitchen and what seems to be the basement man cave, complete with the extra large flat screen televisions that one would expect.

What we see is a home that is functional, but not overly gaudy. Yes, the home has all those extra big screens that one would expect in a football player’s home, but it was the kitchen that seemed the most equipped, though Jermichael said he rarely enters that part of the home.

In addition, si.com takes a few minutes to sit down with Jermichael, who talks about his pleasure in playing for the Green Bay Packers, the quiet neighborhood in which he lives and his happiness in coming home to his castle after practices and games. He says he and his family truly love the home where they live.

With J-Mike’s contract expiring next year, he’s admitted that there is a 50-50 chance that he may be gone to another team this season. Should he have to move on, his home, like Greg Jennings may be for sale.

To see the videos, scroll down.

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.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The divisional-round edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and while we at LombardiAve.com have the end of the regular season and playoffs to worry about, it’s just about the start of draft season for most teams. We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

Draft positions will shuffle some the remainder of the season. Unfortunately, following the loss in San Francisco, the Packers are locked into a 26^th pick.

Jan 1, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal tight end Zach Ertz (86) catches a pass over Wisconsin Badgers defensive back Dezmen Southward (12) in the first half during the 2013 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Zach Ertz, Tight End, Stanford

Analysis: Reports have indicated that the Packers are ready to move on from tight end Jermichael Finley, so they would need to find a replacement. Ertz is one of two tight ends that will grade out as first-round prospects. While Eifert may be the more dynamic passing threat, Ertz is the more well-rounded of the two prospects.

I’ve written for weeks about why the Packers won’t be investing valuable resources into the tight end position this offseason. For starters, it’s my prediction that despite rumors to the contrary, Jermichael Finley will be kept for the 2013 season. Even if Finley is out of the picture, Zach Ertz isn’t likely to end up in the Green and Gold. Ted Thompson has demonstrated time and time again that he will not reach in the draft just to pick a particular player or position. Ertz would indeed be such a reach.

Ertz’s greatest asset is his size. At 6-6 and 252, Ertz is a great red zone target as well as a decently developed blocker. However, he does not have Rob Gronkowski size, nor does he have Jimmy Graham speed. While Ertz is probably already a better blocker than Finley, it’s unlikely he’ll ever become Finley’s equal in the passing game. With Andrew Quarless coming back from the IR in 2013, the blocking Ertz could provide should already be there.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Barrett Jones (75) in action against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

As anyone who’s read this column knows, I am a major proponent of Alabama’s Barrett Jones. Neither Evan Dietrich-Smith or Jeff Saturday were ample replacements for the departed Scott Wells, and not even Wells possessed the size and power of Jones. For those clamoring for the Packers to draft a running back, drafting a player like Jones would address the running game as much or more than a new running back, not to mention help Aaron Rodgers stay upright. Jones can also play all five positions on the offensive line, meaning that if he practices well Jones could be fit in anywhere. Fansided had Jones still on the board when the Packers pick at 26.

Nov 23, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers safety Eric Reid (1) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Another possibility we haven’t discussed is safety. Charles Woodson will be 37 next year, and at $10 million is likely to be asked to take a pay cut. While I suspect he’ll accept, Woodson could refuse and force the Packers’ hand. If that happens, the Packers could consider drafting a safety if the right one falls to them. I want to emphasis that last part again, because with the early success of Jerron McMillian and M.D. Jennings there isn’t a pressing need to draft a safety high. However, Fansided has LSU’s Eric Reid still on the board when the Packers draft. Over the past two years the biggest loss the Packers have endured, whether it be to free agency or injury, was Nick Collins. Collins provided both ball-hawking ability and a linebacker’s mentality as a tackler. Only Charles Woodson has that kind of ability and he won’t play for much longer. Reid could be the long-term answer at the position.

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.

We all remember the magic performed by none other than Packers QB Don Majkowski. Well, author Jerry Bulone takes us through the list below of current Packers who perform their own forms of magic. Photograph courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

You cannot mention magic in Green Bay and not be reminded of Don Majikowski and that magical year in 1989. It had me believing in magic and much of Packers Nation as well.

But the magic did not stop there …

There are several members of this Packers team who perform magic on a regular basis, but it goes largely unnoticed … until now that is

Jermichael Finley.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

1. Jermicheal Finley - The disappearing act

Jermicheal Finley has a combination of size and speed that is rarely seen in the NFL. He flashed his potential in the 2009 playoffs against Arizona. He had 6 catches for 159 yards in what seemed to be the birth of a star, or at the very least a preview of things to come.

However that was not the case and as a result he turned to magic. The last five games he has performed a disappearing act like no other.

So how can someone with so much talent completely disappear in games? A true magician never reveals his secrets.

Tom Crabtree.
Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

2. Tom Crabtree – Pulling a rabbit out of his hat

Tom Crabtree has only caught 6 passes this year, but he has made them count. He has the two longest touchdowns for the Packers this season and averages 30.5 yards per catch.

It seems like whenever the packers need a boost, Tom is there when you least expect it. Whether it be during a punt, a 3rd and long, or a busted play, it doesn’t matter.

B.J. Raji
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

3. B.J. Raji - the old cutting a woman in half trick

B.J. is a great defensive lineman, thus naturally he thought he would be a great magician as well.

However a magician is only as good as the props he works with. Since there was no lady available, Raji decided to cut his stats in half. In 2010 he had 41 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Then in 2011 he only had 22 tackles and 3 sacks.

The only problem is, in order to complete the trick you are supposed to return the prop back to its original state and Raji’s stats are actually worse this year than last. This act is still a work in progress.

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

4. Clay Matthews – The great escape

Not since Harry Houdini has there been someone who has had such sensational escape acts.

However his acts do not involve handcuffs, water torture devices, or milk cans, they involve 300-pound linemen, constant double teams, and illegal holding.

Yet, Clay still manages to find a way to escape every game and have an impact. He is among the leaders in tackles for a loss, QB pressures, and sacks.

Aaron Rodgers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

5. Aaron Rodgers – Pick a card, any card

Nobody is better against the blitz than Aaron Rodgers. It often seems like he knows what the opposing defense is going to do before they do it.

The same would be true for his card trick. He would study your habits of picking cards, watch any film he could on you, then tell you to simply pick a card, any card.

While you were picking that card, he would instantly fire a rocket pass to Jordy Nelson for a touchdown, then proceed to tell you the card in your hand, which was…

The ace of spades!