Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson may have as many as four suitors as of today.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, we here at lombardiave.com reported that Charles Woodson may have been getting interest from Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys.

In this age of Internet news, that may be so, it may be wrong – that’s because today’s information indicates that there are at least four teams that have joined the Woodson band and are seeking the services of the former Green Bay Packer.

Tomorrow there may be more – or less.

But just for the sake of staying current we’ll focus on those who have been mentioned today. There have been several news sources, including the the bigblueview that have posted today the New York Giants have joined the fray that is also occupied by the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins.

There has been no mention today of the Cowboys.

One thing is for certain – it appears that if these rumors turn out to be true the former Raider and Packer will have plenty of offers from the field in which to consider. How fast things move along in an actual signing also remains to be seen.

If Woodson stays true to his word that he wanted to join a “contender,” then that may narrow the selection process. I’m not sure he would consider the Jets or the Dolphins contenders at this point, but who am I to say? Should he indeed choose one of those two teams to hammer out an agreement, he might know more than we do.

As for the Giants and Seahawks – well, he would have a good argument for signing with either of those two teams.

Again, these are simply rumors that are flying across the Internet today, so take them with a grain of salt. They may die by the time the next news cycle comes around.

Stay tuned …

Greg Jennings will be missed.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Unless there is some sort of shift in the time and space continuum over the next couple of weeks, Green Bay Packers fans will see another of their longtime players leave town – Greg Jennings.

The wide receiver who has provided seven seasons of highlight reel after highlight reel – film that we should dial up on YouTube as often as we can. Given that the Packers bid adieu to Donald Driver through a royal going away party at Lambeau Field and released 15-year veteran Charles Woodson, Packers fans should be ready for the next shakeup in town. Jennings is expected to hit the free agency road and has been tabbed as the number one wide receiver in the free agent market. While the Packers could join the signing frenzy and bring Jennings back, that might happen if indeed the time and space continuum is disrupted. Short of that, Jennings is gone – most likely to a destination such as Miami or even Minnesota.

Last week, Jennings said he “wouldn’t mind” going to Miami and hasn’t ruled out Minnesota.

But not only will we miss Jennings’ abilities on the field, we’re going to miss the man. In the video below, the character of the man comes through strongly – as does his acting skills.

Maybe you’ve seen this, maybe not. But if you haven’t, check it out.

I know I was impressed.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings ended his season with a good run toward free agency. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Jennings, the soon-to-be-departed wide receiver of the Green Bay Packers, didn’t come right out and say it, but it sounds very much like he is leaning toward a move to the Miami Dolphins.

His comment about joining the Dolphins, ”I wouldn’t mind that at all. The weather’s definitely nice. They have an up and coming quarterback,” sure sounds like a very strong interest. In fact, on this Valentine’s Day, one might even think Jennings is infatuated with the idea. If it’s puppy love now, you can bet that within the next few weeks with the start of the free agency period, it will blossom into a full love affair and finally marriage.

Whether that marriage will then lead to a baby carriage with the birth of a Lombardi Trophy is yet to be seen.

But all kidding aside, Jennings is clearly leaning toward South Beach … but don’t count out the Vikings either. They play in a dome – in fact, a brand new dome in a couple of years or so. However, their quarterback is certainly not up-and-coming, nor do they have an offensive-minded coach and one with which Jennings is very familiar. Jennings would be able to jump into Joe Philbin’s system in a heartbeat and would give that team the go-to guy they need.

Not only that, but as a Packers fan myself, I certainly don’t want to see Jennings go to a division rival – especially the Vikings.

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Ryan Grant is most likely moving on to another team, but has yet to be signed. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Ryan Grant, the former number one running back with the Green Bay Packers, has fallen off not only the Packers’ radar, but everyone else’s – or so it seems.

But in an interview recently with the National Football Post, Grant’s agent, Alan Herman, said. In fact, that Grant will be playing for a National Football League team before it’s said and done – but it most likely won’t be for the Packers.

The Packers’ leading rusher before his season-ending injury in 2010, Grant made a comeback last year and played side-by-side with fellow running back James Starks. In fact, running as a tandem for the team, Starks and Grant put up nearly identical numbers – Grant had 559 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 134 carries, while Starks had 578 and two touchdowns on one less rushing attempt before ending his year with a knee injury against Tampa Bay.

The Packers also lost last year’s rookie Alex Green midway through the year to a knee injury and ended the year playing Grant and rookie Brandon Saine.

Considered the best free agent running back available, Grant’s agent has said there have been some offers, but they haven’t been attractive enough for him. One of the teams interested is the Detroit Lions, but others mentioned have been the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and even his former team, the New York Giants.

Whomever takes a chance on Grant will get a 29-year-old running back who doesn’t have a lot of mileage on his legs. In my estimation, Grant has at least a couple more seasons in the tank. He can be a value to both the running game and the passing attack.

However, for the Packers, they must feel confident in moving ahead with Starks and Green, with Saine also in the mix – and because the role of the running back is becoming somewhat diminished in today’s pass-first offenses, re-signing a premier running back hasn’t become a priority for many teams.

But for Grant and his agent, they aren’t worried.

“He’s not upset. He’s not nervous,” Herman said. “We’re going to be patient and wait for the right opportunity.”

Ted Hendricks as a Packer in 1974

Ted Hendricks – his time in Green Bay is a simple blip on his Hall of Fame career. After spending the 1974 with the Packers, Hendricks decided to look elsewhere for employment – a fact that is highlighted in today’s Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame “Today in Packers History.”

After blocking seven kicks for the Packers in 1974, Hendricks was one of those itinerant players in the 1970s who considered Green Bay the last outpost in the National Football League. He may have seen the writing on the wall and wanted out. Those were disturbing times for Packers fans as the franchise really struggled on and off the field. It’s good to be able to look back on those dark days with the past 20 years of success in hand.

Anyway, here’s what the Packers Hall of Fame wrote about Hendricks:

Ted Hendricks Looking Elsewhere

June 13, 1975 – The business agent for Ted Hendricks, the towering, 6-foot-7 inch linebacker who blocked seven kicks for the Green Bay Packers in 1974, acknowledges he is looking at other teams to employ his client in 1975. “I talked to the Dolphins last Tuesday,” Miami businessman Tony Roberts says. “But we’re actually further along in our negotiations with some other teams. Three other NFL clubs and one in the WFL (World Football League) have entered pretty seriously into the picture.” Hendricks eventually signs with Oakland where he enjoys a nine-year career with the Raiders. In 1990, Hendricks is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

OLB Erik Walden was re-signed Monday by the Packers. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

In somewhat of a surprise move, the Green Bay Packers announced Monday the re-signing of OLB Erik Walden.

It’s surprising for a couple of reasons: First, Walden’s play on the field started at an even keel the first half of last season and then nosedived after the incident with his girlfriend in their apartment last Thanksgiving eve. He was arrested, spent the weekend in jail and was eventually sentenced to complete a number of community service hours.

While the public perception of Walden sunk after the incident, it was his play on the field that was most disconcerting last year. After showing great promise at the end of 2010 in helping to solidify the position as the Packers made the run to the Super Bowl championship, Walden seemed to plateau and then pretty much disappeared from the landscape as the 2011 season wore on. Clearly, his play on the field was tied to his personal troubles.

But another thing is clear: The Packers like the guy and are willing to give him another chance.

I like that …

Walden now gets his chance to compete for a spot on the team.

Here is the press release issued by the Packers’ PR department announcing Walden’s re-signing:

PACKERS RE-SIGN LB WALDEN

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed LB Erik Walden. The signing was announced Monday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

 In 2011, Walden appeared in all 16 contests and made a career-high 15 starts. He finished fifth on the defense with a career-best 86 tackles (50 solo), along with three sacks, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. Walden originally signed with the Packers as a free agent in October 2010 and went on to play in nine contests with two starts that season, along with another three starts in the postseason.

Walden was drafted by Dallas in the sixth round (No. 167 overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Middle Tennessee State. After being waived by the Cowboys in the final roster reduction, he was claimed by Kansas City and played in nine contests for the Chiefs in ’08. He also appeared in 19 games for Miami from 2008-10. For his career, Walden has played in 53 games with 17 starts and has recorded 117 tackles (69 solo), six sacks, two passes defensed, a fumble recovery, and 28 tackles on special teams.

Jeff Saturday could be snapping for the Packers next season. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Ok, so the Denver Broncos, because of their Reggie White-sized signing of Peyton Manning, get an A for their grade in free Agency.

The Miami Dolphins – well, they have just flopped and failed, so yeah they get an F

The San Francisco 49ers have landed some big names – Manningham, Moss and possibly Mike Wallace, but their handling of quarterback Alex Smith has this team in purgatory. Yeah they get an incomplete until the Smith situation is resolved. If he comes back to the team, they get a B-minus; if he goes somewhere else, we may have to throw them the big F. Placing all their eggs into the Manning basket was a bad move, pissed off their QB and have so far left them without a starting quarterback. Do you think Jim Harbaugh has placed a call to the Broncos for Tim Tebow?

But let’s get to what we all like to talk about – the Packers.

Free Agency? Free Agency? Did you say Free Agency? Ted Thompson where are you?

Yes, it seems there may be have been some phone calls made, but so far nobody on the other end has been listening.

At least until now … it seems that with the loss of center Scott Wells, the Packers have made an overture to Indianapolis Colts longtime center Jeff Saturday. Though the chances of him signing with Green Bay at this point is remote, but hey, stranger things have happened.

According to some sources, the Packers have a visit set up with Saturday, but nobody seems to know when that will take place. Saturday has also been wooed by the Titans and of course, the Broncos. The beauty of rejoining the battery tandem of Saturday and Manning is appealing, but the Broncos already have a solid offensive line anchored by a talented young center, J.D. Walton.

So, could Saturday be the big fish in the shrinking pond of available free agents that may be hooked onto Ted Thompson’s line?

I hope so. Here is a durable, smart, and passionate player who would not only be a fine addition to the Packers locker room, but a solid fill-in for Wells. If there’s one player that Thompson should focus on before the conclusion of this free agency period, it’s Saturday. Landing an immediate starter through the draft is problematic and filling this hole in the Packers offensive line is one that will require immediate attention.

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Matt Flynn will join the Seattle Seahawks after agreeing to terms today with the team.Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The news that former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn signed with the Seattle Seahawks came as somewhat of a surprise, given that he had also visited the Miami Dolphins.

Jan 22, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass during the 2011 NFC Championship game against the New York Giants at Candlestick Park. The Giants won 20-17 in overtime. Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

With the news breaking yesterday that the Peyton tour had stopped in San Francisco for a visit, it was no surprise when it was announced today that 49ers QB Alex Smith was making a visit to Miami and scheduling a stop in Seattle. Clearly he wasn’t waiting around for the 49ers to float an offer his way, especially in light that the team is wooing and ogling over Manning.

Two can play this game and illustrates how quickly things can change in the free agency shuffle.

In fact, yesterday I tweeted that with Manning working out for the Niners, Smith’s reaction must have been “WTF?”

Yes, the NFL is a cutthroat business and Smith knows this. Obviously, he is smart enough to understand that the 49ers aren’t real comfortable moving into the future on his arm – and I guess you can’t blame the Niners’ brass for swooning over Manning if he indeed is serious about the potential for joining the team.

But you have to credit Smith for looking out for himself. While it’s a slap in the face to a man who took the team to within a fumble in overtime  of the Super Bowl, I say good for him in taking things into his own hands.

Though he will be competing against the likes of Matt Flynn in trying to convince either the Dolphins or Seahawks to sign him, both of those teams will be better off with either of those two quarterbacks.

And so where would that leave the 49ers if Manning turns a cold shoulder?

Most likely without a starting quarterback … yes, it is indeed a cutthroat business.

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Quarterback Matt Flynn may be getting set to throw passes for either the Seattle Seahawks or the Miami Dolphins. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Playing the free agent game in Peyton Manning’s shadow, Matt Flynn, the Green Bay Packers backup quarterback the past four years and the best free agent quarterback not named Peyton on the market, is in Florida today getting the red carpet treatment from the Miami Dolphins.

He visited the Seattle Seahawks‘ facility late this week and though Dolphins brass were afraid he may not make it out of the Pacific Northwest without a contract, Flynn’s father, Alvin, told the Palm Beach Post, that Matt had all along planned to make at least a couple of visits before making a decision on where to continue his future.

According to profootballtalk.com, the elder Flynn was quoted in the Post as saying, “He said it [Seattle] was a really nice place, and he enjoyed it. But he wanted to look at both of them. That was the way he felt going in.”

And in speaking for himself with his son in his best interests, Alvin said, “Logic would tell me he would do something this weekend or thereabouts. He doesn’t want to drag this out.”

It’s good to see Flynn going about business as he sees fit and not waiting around for Peyton Manning to rule the day. Flynn is a deserving athlete, no matter where he signs.

Is he as deserving as much as Peyton Manning?

Take the poll

Miami defensive end Kendall Langford (70) could be pointing his way toward Green Bay. Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Hold on to your cheeseheads, Packers fans … reports coming out of Green Bay late today indicate that Ted Thompson may have awoken from his free agency nap and decided to try to catch up with the action … maybe.

In a published report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a phone call from the Packers was confirmed by the agent of Kendall Langford, Miami Dolphins defensive end.

According to Langford’s agent, Adisa Bakari, a visit is a possibility.

Published reports have said Langford has visited Cincinnati and was headed for St. Louis.

The Journal Sentinel report described Langford as a 6-foot-5½, 295-pounder considered a classic 3-4 end whose main strength is playing the run. Last season, he played in all 16 games with 12 starts and had no sacks and just one quarterback hit.

He finished with just 25 total tackles in the Dolphins’ 3-4 scheme, but claimed the low output was because teams ran away from him. The Dolphins ranked No. 3 against the run under coordinator Mike Nolan, who has since moved on to the Atlanta Falcons.

Mar 7, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning speaks at a press conference announcing his departure from the team at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Peyton Manning’s emotional goodbye to his boss Jim Irsay and the fans of the Indianapolis Colts was nice to watch, but the tears dried as soon as the cameras stopped rolling and Manning was on his flight home to Florida.

Another thing that was certain after the press conference in Indiana was that Manning would be working someplace else this coming season.

But where? The speculation began and the teams began lining up with offers.

Talk about a mad rush …

So, just where will Manning land?

You be the judge and tell us.

One of the major needs the Packers need to address this offseason is finding a complement to Clay Matthews on the defensive side of the football. Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The Super Bowl on Sunday was a tremendous game that will definitely take its place as one of the more memorable games – ever. Watching the game as a Packers fan, however, got me to thinking about what we should expect for the Packers future and how we will get back to the big game next year.

Unlike last year, where we really did not need to make any immediate changes to the starting line-up, we will need to make changes on all sides of the ball. Of course, the main focus will be on the defensive side, but there will be some changes on the offensive side as well.

Let’s start on the easier side – the offense.

The Packers offensively last year was one of the most efficient offenses in NFL history. Aaron Rodgers won MVP and the Packers receiving corps was on top of its game. The running game was subpar but it could have been worse. Then finally, the o-line, despite the many injuries, was fairly consistent throughout the season giving Rodgers enough time to find the open receivers.

So what changes do we need?

The running game could be improved so adding another running back in the draft would never be a bad thing. Ryan Grant’s contract is expired and will most likely be gone, so adding depth could be a benefit to the Pack when considering James Starks’ injury history.

More after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The receiving group is deeper than ever but this could result in a departure of Packer’s all-time leading receiver in Donald Driver. Randall Cobb showed his potential this year in many different games and now it seems more likely than ever that Driver could be heading out.

Matt Flynn showed tremendous potential in his one game vs. the Detroit Lions where he broke single-game records in yards and touchdowns. With his contract up this year, it guarantees his departure to a team like Miami or Washington – teams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. This could mean the Packers going after another late round quarterback or even an undrafted one like they did with Graham Harrell. If the Packers do add another quarterback, it will probably just be a practice squad addition until the Packers groom him to where they feel comfortable to add him to the active roster.

The tight end situation is a little iffy as to what the Packers may do with Jermichael Finley. Finley was expected to be thrown the franchise tag during this offseason because of how big of an asset he is to the Packers organization. The thing is though, this year was quite disappointing. This was supposed to be the year Finley broke out and had a season over a thousand yards and became one of the NFL’s elite player at the position. Finley could have done this but he had a major case of the drops this season and put the Packers into a much tougher situation than they were in before. Should they pay a player that has the potential to be great the money of a great? Or should they just do the unthinkable and let him walk?

Then finally, the o-line for the Pack. Scott Wells is a free agent and needs to be a primary target for the Packer organization to get this guy back on the roster as he probably outperformed everyone else on the Packer o-line this season. Chad Clifton seems to be nearing the end of his career and could be another axe by the Packers this off-season. This would put T.J.Lang and Derek Sherrod in a position to battle for the left tackle position this training camp. Adding o-linemen in the draft is never a bad pick-up but I would not expect the Pack to use an early pick on one as they have much bigger issues to worry about…

Like the defense.

When the NFL Draft comes around in April, the Packers will surely be looking at prospects to help fill needs on the defense. I expect the Pack to use their first round pick on a linebacker to play opposite of Clay Matthews. With the end of Erik Walden’s time in Green Bay nearing, this issue becomes an even more of a priority. This will solve some problems but surely not all of them.

When we look at AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop commanding the middle, we think we are pretty set at that position. Some would think so, but others would argue that one of the big reasons why the Packer’s defense took a turn for the worse this year was because of the lack of a true leader like we once had in Nick Barnett. Desmond Bishop had a great year but AJ Hawk seemed, almost at times, non-existent. What I mean by that is how it seemed he just did not make enough plays this year. I give him credit for being a sure tackler but it just seemed he was not around the ball-carrier to make the tackles. I don’t expect the Packers to make any significant changes at this position but I think something has to be at least considered involving this position. Maybe give the next guy up some more playing time in DJ Smith who actually played very well when he filled in at times this year.

Besides the Packers #1 priority in the linebacker unit, the Packers will surely be focused on the defensive line as well. It became well known early in the season, that the Packers were greatly missing Cullen Jenkins and his ability to not only stop the run but get some needed pressure on the quarterback. Many players tried to fill this role but none were truly successful in doing so and, therefore, should be a position the Packers will look to upgrade on in the coming off-season.

When the draft and free agency rolls around this year, if there was one position the Packers should try and stock up on it would be the defensive back unit. There is no immediate need for an upgrade in this unit except for the issue with Nick Collins and the possibility of his career actually being over. Hopefully the Packers will be able to know the status of Collins before the beginning of the off-season so they can plan accordingly.

Regardless, we still have Morgan Burnett and Charlie Peprah that can help preserve the depth at safety. Woodson is getting up in age so adding depth at cornerback is always a smart pick for the Packers. The future seems to be Tramon Williams and Sam Shields but there really is no third guy that can be counted on. Although it may not be the first round or two, the Packers will surely be looking to adding depth at the defensive back position to prepare for the future.

Many changes are expected this off-season but Ted Thompson can surely be counted on to help bring the Packers back to where they should have been on Sunday.

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Well known for promoting from within, the Packers announced today that Tom Clements, the former Packers quarterbacks coach, will now take the reins of offensive coordinator under head coach Mike McCarthy and taking over for Joe Philbin who was recently hired as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach.

The Packers made the official announcement late this afternoon.

It was pretty much a foregone conclusion that Clements would get the job if he wasn’t hired away from the Packers organization by another team.

The story on the Packers official team website can be found here …

The team’s official press release can be found after the jump.

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Mike Sherman will get a second interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a new head coach to take over for Raheem Morris, who was fired after a disappointing 2011 campaign.

After Oregon coach Chip Kelly decided he wasn’t interested in the job, the Bucs have amped up the search with a second round of interviews – at the top of their list is former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman.

According to profootballtalk.com, Sherman, with his second interview, is being considered a finalist for the job. There has also been talk that should Sherman not earn the job in Tampa Bay, new Miami Dolphins head coach and former Packers offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin, may consider Sherman for a job as a member of his staff – possibly as his offensive coordinator.

Sherman, who is the head coach at Texas A&M, was one of the first candidates to interview with the Buccaneers who hope to make a selection sometime soon.

Clements is being bantered about as a possible replacement to Raheem Morris as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but if he doesn’t land there or take another coordinator’s position outside of Green Bay, speculation is that he will be promoted to the position by Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today that because of their penchant to promote from within, Clements will take over the position vacated by Philbin who was named head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

“Your first intent is to look within,” McCarthy is quoted by the newspaper. “That’s where you start. But I don’t want to talk about that now. This is Joe’s moment. He deserves all the attention. You don’t replace people like Joe. I’m going to miss him personally a whole lot, forget as a professional. He’s someone I enjoy being around. He’s a great guy. This is a very good opportunity for him.”

But if McCarthy is going to keep Clements around, he most likely will have to act fast – that is unless Clements is offered the head coaching job in Tampa.

Joe Philbin is now the former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, having accepted the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With the announcement last night that Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin will be taking the helm as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, huge decisions now face Packers coach Mike McCarthy about how to fill the vacancy and what other coaches and players may follow.

The announcement isn’t a shocker for the Packers given the fact that Philbin interviewed twice with the Dolphins and has certainly earned the right to become a head coach – helping to build and develop the Packers’ vaunted offense behind the play of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Philbin is ready to make the move. He’s been with the Packers for nearly 10 years and has earned his stripes. And without question, his move comes at the right time. Surely he enjoyed his time in Green Bay, but the loss of his son to drowning two weeks ago probably gives him good reason for a new venue for himself and his family. There’s something to say about getting a fresh start in a new situation.

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Kevin "It is Time" Greene has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here he encourages linebackers Clay Matthews and Frank Zombo. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Mike Spofford of Packers.com posted the story below about Kevin Greene and the fact that for the first time he has made the cut as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Green Bay Packers’ linebackers coach who has brought enthusiasm and a player’s attitude to the coaching ranks for the Packers, has been in Green Bay for the past three years and is probably most well known among the general public for his comments in last year’s Super Bowl that were caught on tape when he told linebacker Clay Matthews that “It is time…” Matthews consequently went out and forced the game-changing fumble by the Steelers’ Rashard Mendenhall.

Spofford’s story spells out the full field of finalists and gives us a look at the personal bio of Greene’s.

Greene named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

Posted by Mike Spofford on January 7, 2012 – 3:27 pm 

A semifinalist three times previously, Packers Outside Linebackers Coach Kevin Greene for the first time has advanced to the finalist stage for potential induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

See more after the jump, like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Ready yourself for a different look at football from a guy who is part of a site that really likes to have fun.

Enjoy the ride and the laughs after the jump … and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Could Jared Allen and the Minnesota Vikings be eyeing a move west?

On the same week that the Green Bay Packers announced the details of a stock sale to raise funds for a major stadium improvement, the Minnesota Vikings suffered a setback in their attempt to build a replacement for the Metrodome.

The Vikings were unable to persuade the state government to vote on funding/plans for a new stadium during a special session of the Legislature.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles, thought to be where the Chargers will end up, is back in the picture for the Vikings.

As a Packers fan, I don’t care much about the Vikings. But I do care about how a Vikings move would affect the Packers.

Let’s examine the ways:

1. Would a Vikings move to LA force the NFL to realign the NFC Divisions?

Yes, I believe that the Vikings would no longer be part of the NFC North. The Packers would lose a passion-filled rivalry that has only intensified in recent years (see B. Favre). It doesn’t make sense for the Vikings to fly six-plus hours to play a divisional game. The most logical move would be to swap the St. Louis Rams from the NFC West and Vikings. I wouldn’t call St. Louis “North” but that’s the simplest change.

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