Sedderick Cunningham was signed by the Green Bay Packers Monday.

The Green Bay Packers dove feet first once again into the free agency foray – for the fourth time signing a player who had been without a team at the end of last season.

On Monday evening, it was announced that the Packers signed Sederrick Cunningham, a former Furman University player with few credentials. The other three free agents signed by the Packers are tight end Matthew Mulligan (who has spent time with the Jets and Rams), cornerback Loyce Means and kicker Giorgio Tavecchio.

Cunningham had sat out football last year after having gone undrafted and unsigned. As a senior at Furman, he caught just 17 passes for 340 yards and for his entire collegiate career he caugh 95 passes for 1.196 yards. He did have 66 kickoff returns for 1,549 yards and a touchdown.

Packers fans know how Packers General Manager Ted Thompson laughs in the face of free agency and how these signings are few and far between. We also wonder just how important any of these players will be in the long run … will any of them stick to the roster?

That’s anyone’s guess, but the Packers must have seen enough in Cunningham and the others to bring them in. Who knows? Maybe Cunningham turns into the next greatest return man in Packers history … maybe Mulligan is the next special teams ace that sticks with the team for the next 10 years … maybe Means comes off the bench to snare the game-sealing interception in the NFC Championship game … and maybe Tavecchio beats out Mason Crosby and goes on to be the Packers’ all-time leading scorer …

Ok, wake me up.

Packers President Mark Murphy
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

We all know about the Green Bay Packers way – draft, develop, and take care of your core players with contract extensions that keep them in Green and Gold for as long as the system will allow.

The debate rages, especially this particular offseason as the Packers make ovations, but walk away from the negotiating table when things get deep.

As a result, the Packers stand idly by – with the exception of Brad Jones and one Mulligan – while the rest of the league seems in a frenzy as quarterbacks play musical chairs and teams go after high-priced veterans. Though this offseason has been mild in comparison to others, keeping up with all the rumors and signings has been a chore.

Yesterday, an interview with Packers President Mark Murphy was published in the Racine Journal Times – a Q&A where Murphy touched on a variety of topics.

However, most notable was Murphy’s affirmation of the team’s draft and develop policy, saying that it was by far the most reliable way of doing business in today’s financial environment. He also said that though the Packers seemed a step behind the San Francisco 49ers on the playing field, those types of gaps between teams are made up through sound money management and drafting.

There are many who feel that championships are won in March, but Murphy, GM Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy are of the school that free agency wins nothing, but that the moves in the April NFL Draft and using cap money to sign their own is the way to build a team.

The best free agent signing by Ted Thompson.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Many feel that something in between might be the best mode of operation. And while Thompson has been successful in free agency (namely Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett several years ago) his forays into the market has been so few and far between that it’s difficult to come to any conclusion as to whether it could be deemed a success. Clearly, it’s been the Draft and the signing of undrafted free agents that have been utilized and thus have benefitted the Packers most.

So, while the Packers walked away from signing Steven Jackson and their own wide receiver Greg Jennings in favor of saving their dollars for contract extensions to Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews, the 49ers traded for Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin and brought in Nnamdi Asomugha.

In the meantime, the Packers signed linebacker Brad Jones and and Matthew Mulligan, tight end from St. Louis – not headline news anywhere.

But don’t tell Murphy the Packers path is wrong … he will disagree vehemently.

Here’s what he told the Journal Times:

“Look at the teams who have done that [spent in free agency]. Two years ago, the Philadelphia Eagles were anointed the Dream Team and NFL champions. It’s not that we can’t afford it. It’s really just that we think the best way to spend money is to identify your core players and reach long-term extensions with them rather than taking other people’s players.”

Signing their own players is key for the Packers’ success.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Sounds good on paper, and it seems the Packers believe in their system because it’s been working. Though they have spent little over the course of the Ted/Mike/Mark regime, the team is year-in and year-out in the hunt for a ring. While having Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers at the helm during this time span has helped, so has managing the money and drafting smartly.

Murphy again:

“First all, setting Ted aside, there’s no question that when you look over the history of the league, the successful franchises who have sustained success over time do it through drafting players, developing them and then extending their key players. Now, teams will fill in with free agency and do a little bit here and there like we have, but I think the core has to be your draft. And I have tremendous confidence in Ted. I don’t think there’s a harder-working general manager in the league. When we draft somebody, he has spent time meeting with that player, watching him on tape, talking to his coaches, talking to his trainers … he makes an informed decision when he makes a draft pick. And the other thing that I think sets us apart is the amount of time and effort we put into undrafted free agents. It’s a combination of all those things and then Ted and his staff doing an outstanding job.”

But will it be enough in the coming few years as the Packers continue in their attempt to be competitive on the field and on the business side of football? Murphy believes they are on the right track and will continue to do what works for them.

In catching up to the 49ers on the field, here’s what Murphy said:

“We played them two times last year, the first game of the year and the last game of the year, and they beat us pretty soundly both times. But I’ve been around the league long enough to know that can change pretty quickly. And I think we’ll be better this year. I think getting back a number of injured players will make a huge difference. I think in the draft, we’ll be able to address some areas of concern and we have a great core of young players who are only going to get better.”

It’s Mike’s way or the highway.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Part of that equation will be the signing of Rodgers and Matthews, as well as possibly taking care of defensive lineman B.J. Raji – again, their core players as designated this offseason.

Keeping those players in Green and Gold and having the monetary flexibility to keep and sign other players to keep the team competitive will continue to be the issue. There is the element of fandom that wants the Packers to sign every big name free agent that comes along. That simply isn’t going to happen. The triumvirate of Murphy/Thompson/McCarthy believe in one another and continue to build the team the only way they think is prudent.

So, is the Packers way the right way?

Well, over the course of the last eight years, it seems to have worked well. The Packers have won a Super Bowl, the team has won two straight division titles and continue to be competitive. Until someone comes along and either changes that system for the Packers or proves that their way of doing things is wrong, expect them to continue to take their time in drafting, developing, and building a championship football team.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson may look and act like a cheapskate, but his strategy is sound. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson stood by and watched the shopping and spending sprees.  All that is left are a few expired names looking for one last gasp (Brian Urlacher).  Yet through it all, I have seen, heard and read post after post about how Ted Thompson once again failed to capitalize on what was available in the Free Agent market in order to strengthen the Green Bay Packers.

Well to all those who want to throw Ted under the bus, I suggest you break open you old high school economics book and do some reading.  Ted was prudent, conservative and wise with the money he had.  He clearly understands the basic principles of economics and has found a way to apply those theories to the free agent market.

First of all, there has to be supply and demand.  Did the Packers have “demands” that needed to be met?  Yes, they did.  Was there a significant supply of products that would have allowed the Packers to improve?  I would say the answer was no.  Supply did exist to complete the general equation, however, the resulting answers based on the availability of the supplies was such that the profitability was not worth the financial risk.

That is what the Free Agent market is all about, cost versus risk.  Is it a good idea to spend money on something that someone else does not want?  How often do the free spending teams see a substantial reward for the money they have spent?  In my opinion, based on being a fan, I see more times then not when spending big money has not brought about the desired results.  Even spending moderate money does not equate to the substantial growth that was hoped for.

In more basic terms, think of your own family budget.  You have $10,000 to buy a car.  The day comes for you to go shopping and up pulls a blazing red sports car.  Glistening and shining in the sun, new tires, a fresh wash job and it looks as beautiful as the day it rolled off the dealership’s lot.  It looks good and you know based on past performances that this ride can move.  Yeah it may have had a few issues (exploding gas tanks or rapid uncontrolled acceleration) that forced it into the shop but how often does something like this come along?

The problem is that the car is worth at most $8,000 and the price tag says $15,000.  So do you overspend for something fast and shiny? If you do, how are you going to afford the repairs when those issues start to pop up.  What are you going to drive when the car is spending more time in the shop for repairs than getting you from point A to B?  If you overspend, then you leave yourself vulnerable to the risks associated with paying more for something than it is really worth.

On the other hand you could take your $10,000 and sit on it.  Let it work for you and grow.  Maybe find a less expensive model.  It may not be fast or tricked out, but it is reliable and will meet your needs.  The quality is there for the right price.  That deal makes sense.  Spend less, save and use the savings down the road for other necessities.

The Green Bay Packers triumvirate: head coach Mike McCarthy (left), president Mark Murphy (center) and general manager Ted Thompson. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Ted was really no different than most of us.  He looked at what was available, heck he even kicked the tires on a few models, but in the end, the guys he looked at were not worth the money they were asking.  Yes that includes Greg Jennings and Charles Woodson.  By bypassing these two guys that had more wear, tear and issues, Ted can take that extra money and use it to develop younger players who are just as good now with a greater upside.

Initially those players may not net you the type of results you truly want, but over the long haul the chances of getting more for your dollar outweighs the cost of throwing money into something definitely not worth being fixed.  Plus why pay extra money for something that is going to sit on the shelf and can’t be used?

We (the Packers Nation) do not need to compete with the Lions and Vikings to see who can spend the most money in the offseason.  The only thing that matters is who is on top of the division at the end of the season and I don’t see either of those two teams making enough strides to overtake us.

You can spend all the money you want to fix up an old beater with 200,000 miles to make it look pretty and new, the only problem is, what is under the hood and how long will that look last?

I will stick with Ted and is “tightwad” ways.  So far all it has done is brought us a Super Bowl title.  How many titles have the Lions, Vikings and Bears won with the money they have thrown around?

In Ted We Trust!

Will it be Aaron Rodgers handing off to Steven Jackson in Green Bay next season? Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

It’s day two of the NFL Free Agency period and Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson has stood by like he does every year doing nothing – but despite that, one senses the fevered pitch with which Packers Nation is responding.

I’m not kidding.

Ted Thompson
Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

That’s because though it seems that Thompson has done nothing, he’s really been busy – we’ll explain below.

All the while the Miami Dolphins go on an amazing spending spree; the Vikings trade away their best receiver, cut a couple of guys and then sign a couple of more; the Lions push hard to sign Reggie Bush; and the Bears get their tight end and offensive lineman.

The Packers? Well, they provide low ball offers to two restricted free agents, let three RFS’s walk, and watch as OLB Erik Walden signs for $16 million over four years with Indianapolis. They also stand by as former Packer Cullen Jenkins signs with the New York Giants and former New York Giant Chris Canty (who Green Bay had in for a visit) signs with the Ravens. Former Packer Charles Woodson also schedules a visit to rival San Francisco.

The Packers? Well, they bring in Peyton Hillis (yeah, the guy who had one good year in Cleveland and has been nothing since being on the Madden cover).

Evan Dietrich-Smith
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

But that’s not the important stuff. Thompson knew all along he wasn’t going to sign either Jenkins or Canty. He figures he can address the D-line issue in the draft with less expensive and more talent. And he surely wasn’t going to sign Walden. Letting him walk was the right thing. As for the RFA’s – Thompson did that right, too. Sam Shields was his top player in that category and he didn’t overpay; same with Evan Dietrich-Smith. They are players they want back, but they’ll get them back at their price.

But the really important stuff – the need to shore up the running game and keep the receiving corps strong – came at the end of the day when information about the Packers’ interest in St. Louis running back Steven Jackson hit the wires. Coupled with that was the story that the Packers were leaning hard on getting wide receiver Greg Jennings back. Though neither of those moves have transpired as yet, the longer the period extends, the better the Packers’ chances.

Don’t worry about Thompson – he understands the waiting game and he understands value. He also understands that the fans want what’s best for the team – so does he.

Greg Jennings
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The fact that the Packers have the most money available under the cap among teams in the NFC North speaks volumes as to why Thompson is so good at what he does. There are times when he swings and misses, but in the end, he usually gets his guys.

So, let’s keep the excitement at a fevered pitch because the next few days will be interesting. With the Packers at the top of the lists for both Jackson and Jennings, it looks like the Packers will indeed get their guys.

It will also signal the start for the signing period of free agent players. Team

The NFL season officially starts today.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

s will change complexions, players will be renting U-Hauls and the scribes will all be telling us why these changes are either great or disastrous.

It’s certainly a fun time of year and a time when fans get an earful … so be ready.

To kick off the new year, here are some key dates to keep in mind as we move forward:

For Restricted Free Agents, from March 12 to April 19.

For Unrestricted Free Agents who have received the June 1 tender from their prior club, from March 12 to July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later).

For Franchise Players, from March 12 until the Tuesday following the tenth week of the regular season, Nov. 12. If a Franchise Player does not sign by Nov. 12, he must sit out the season. There are no Transition Player designations this year.

Here is a breakdown of the schedule for the new league year in simpler terms:

• March 12, 3 p.m. CDT: New league year begins, free agency opens
• April 19: Restricted free agents signing period ends
• March 12 through June 1 [prior club tender], July 22: First training camp to sign UFAs
• March 12 through November 12: Window to sign franchise players

Though it’s expected to be a snoozer for the Packers and their fans during free agency, other teams jump in with both feet and many of the changes that occur during this time have ripple effects across the league and affect the Packers just as much as the teams directly affected.

Either way, it’s always a wild ride, so strap it up, get ready for this afternoon and watch the players and teams rejoice – or cry foul, depending on which side of the fence they sit. Will teams improve or degrade? You be the judge.

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You can stay up to date with all of the signings with Fansided’s official free agency tracker HERE.

Ted Thompson is inclined to do all he can to improve his team and improving the defense is a huge need for the Green Bay Packers – that’s a given.

Thompson has already done something out of the ordinary – last week, he brought in a free agent for a visit. That occurs about as often as the Easter Bunny visits Santa Claus. However, when he brought in former New York Giant Chris Canty, Thompson indicated that he was at least trying to make improvements to his team’s defensive line. How much Canty will command on the open market isn’t clear at this point, but he is said to already have a contract offer in hand from the Tennessee Titans. Canty has also spent time visiting the Kansas City Chiefs as well.

We all know that Cullen Jenkins signed a three-year deal with the New York Giants for $8 million. However, there are plenty of other quality defensive linemen still out there on the market waiting for their best deal and with the Free Agency period set to kick off tomorrow afternoon, the bidding should start to amp up.

Here’s a list of some of the defensive linemen still looking for a home: John Abraham, Dwight Freeney, Cliff Avril, Osi Umenyiora, or Elvis Dumervil, who won’t take a pay cut and might be released by the Denver Broncos.

 Considering that these guys have been on the market for some time without any interest by Thompson, one might think he has no interest. However, there are many who feel that teams, the Packers included, have been waiting through the weekend to see if some numbers emerged. Teams have been said to be holding off because they don’t want to set the salary bar too high. With Jenkins’ signing, at least some numbers are out there and with the signing period right around the corner, we should see some action.

Whether Thompson shows interest in any of these players remains to be seen. He’s been known to go after players in free agency that he really likes (remember Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett?)  … whether he likes any of the players listed above or thinks he can get them for his price remains to be seen. The next 24-48 hours should set the stage.

Stay tuned …

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Dec 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) and linebacker James Harrison (92) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Bengals won the game, 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

So the first day to the “unofficial” start of the NFL Free Agency period has passed and there isn’t much to report on – at least for Green Bay Packers fans.

But we expected that, didn’t we? In fact, as we inch toward the start of the “official” Free Agency period Tuesday, March 12, 3 p.m. CDT, what do we know so far?

Well, we know that there have been bunches of players released from their teams (led by Steelers LB James Harrison) and at least one who is still with his team but surely doesn’t want to be (Vikings receiver Percy Harvin). We’ve learned that the teams interested in Miami RB Reggie Bush seems to change as quickly as mates for the Kardashians, and we’ve also come to expect that Jermichael Finley isn’t the only player who has a 50-50 chance of staying with his team (Anquan Boldin).

Nov 4, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Baltimore won 25-15. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Lots of rumors have been circulated over the past 24 hours, with lots of speculation, as well. For instance, which team will Lions DL Cliff Avril settle on? Who will land Cleveland kick returner/receiver Josh Cribbs? And who is this Andy Levitre guy? Well there are at least three teams who seem to think he’s the answer to their offensive line woes.

But what about those former or soon-to-be former Packers? What about Charles Woodson? What about Greg Jennings? We don’t know, but we do know that there are at least three teams seeking the services of Sir Charles.

But What about Ryan Grant or Erik Walden? Let’s just say they probably aren’t at the top of any team’s board.

And why is it, I ask, that any time a player’s name is written about, it seems either the San Francisco 49ers or New England Patriots are the teams that are showing the most interest? Don’t they already have 53 players on their rosters?

So, as we head into the second day of the unofficial Free Agency period, we will surely be hit with more rumors and more questions about which teams are most interested. Maybe as we get closer to the official start Tuesday we’ll start hearing more about actual deals being made (is that legal, NFL?) and we can start figuring out just what players will make up each team’s roster.

Yes, this will be an interesting week or so – one that will provide us with something to write about as we look toward the April draft.

Stay tuned.

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Dec. 23, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quartet against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Our pal Zac Snyder, the editor over at our Detroit Lions Fansided sister site , sidelionreport, is pulling for Reggie Bush … and for good reason. There has been talk for some time now that the former New Orleans Saints and soon-to-be former Miami Dolphin could be headed to the Motor City.

That was until recently when reports have noted that there are three teams, which might include the Lions, who may be talking serious money (can they do that, NFL?) in an effort to sign Bush.

While Bush would be a good fit in Detroit – a team that has struggled like many others in keeping a healthy running back on the field – there are other teams who are feeling the same way. The 27-year-old seven-year veteran averaged 4.3 yards per carry with the ‘phins last year, while falling just short of 1,000 yards (986) on 227 carries. He scored six times last year.

The Lions ranked twenty-third in rushing as a team in 2012 with 1,613 yards on 391 carries (4.1-yard average). They averaged 100.8 yards per game last year, but are looking to improve those stats to balance their attack and take some of the offensive pressure off quarterback Matthew Stafford and the passing game.

According to Snyder’s report today about the interest in Bush, he noted this from The Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero [who has] been able to get some vague details on Bush’s situation in this early contact period:

A source very close to Bush tells me three teams have been talking to Bush agent Joel Segal and that money involved in those talks is significant. The source would provide no details of the money or name the teams but it is clear the interest in Bush isn’t just of the making-a-call variety.

The source is, however, telling me the Dolphins are not one of those teams.

Snyder went on to say:

The report doesn’t name the Lions but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they are one of the three. While that will likely excite many Lions fans, the categorization of the money being “significant” likely wont.

As with everything between now and the officially opening of free agency, all we can do is stay tuned.

We all know it comes down to the showing of the money … we’ll be watching closely here at lombardiave.com, too.

Packers cornerback Sam Shields will most likely receive a nice boost in his salary this spring.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By Tuesday, March 12, 3 p.m., the Green Bay Bay Packers will face a decision on how to proceed with the five restricted free agents among their ranks.

What will be their direction and what can they afford at this point?

Of the five – Sam Shields, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Tom Crabtree, Frank Zombo and Robert Francois – it will be Shields and Dietrich-Smith who will command at least a bit more than the veteran minimum. Published reports today are saying that those two, who were starters for portions of last season, will be offered about a combined $4 million and some change.

Throw in Crabtree, who will be offered just more than another million and you’ve got three solid, contributing players at about $5 million against the Packers salary cap, which currently sits at around $20 million.

Whether Frank Zombo is back with the Packers will depend on whether any other teams offer him a nice salary boost and whether the Packers want to match it.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

As for Zombo and Francois, they are on their own. Unless someone else swoops in and picks them up at a price they can live with they most likely will be brought back to compete for a spot on the team. Zombo, the ever-injured linebacker, may simply be cut, but Francois has contributed in spot linebacking situations and has been a contributor on special teams, so he is valued a bit higher.

However, the Packers certainly value the contributions of Shields, Dietrich-Smith and Crabtree and will probably give them what they need for them to stick with the team. Shields, especially, has shown he deserves a shot as a starter next year. Though he started very slowly in training camp, by the time the regular season began, he was a regular contributor and showed some spunk and aggression in coverage. He was starting to come into his own before he got injured against Houston. He was out several weeks, but came back without missing a beat – demonstrating to the Packers that he is a player with which to reckon.

Dietrich-Smith, most well known as the player who was stomped on by Mr. Suh in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day 2011, took over as the starting center at the end of last season after Jeff Saturday was benched. He played well, but not great, and isn’t a shoe-in to be a starter next year. In fact, the packers most likely will go out and secure at least one lineman in the draft to compete.

Crabtree has shined in specific spots, most notably last year on the fake field goal against the Bears when he scored untouched and on a long pass play against the Houston Texans for a touchdown. He’s a decent blocker and gets open against specific coverages – and he’s a fan social media favorite. The Packers like his blue collar work ethic and will probably make sure they keep him on the roster.

The bottom line question is whether the Packers will make more room on the roster and attempt to clear more cap space as we move through free agency and into the draft. One of the bigger questions is whether the Packers cut ties with A.J. Hawk and Jermichael Finley to help with the camp situation. My guess is that Finley sticks and Hawk goes – just a gut feeling. Maybe Ted Thompson feels good enough with the cap money they have and moves on with Hawk and Finley … we shall see.

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Defensive end Anthony Hargrove is being named as a defensive end the Packers are considering. Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

An interesting post and tweet at CheeseheadTV.com about the Packers entertaining a visit from defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (as first reported by NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora), has me as confused as Brian Carriveau, the article’s author.

While the Packers are indeed now in a defensive mindset mode after the signing of center Jeff Saturday, it’s still sort of mind-boggling that the Packers would even entertain the thought of bringing Hargrove to Green Bay. His checkered past is not unlike that of a Brandon Marshall or even a Randy Moss. Many run-ins with the law sprinkle his career, including being a member of the New Orleans Saints during its bounty-filled days.

Considering a player with this type of history goes against the Packers’ way of doing things, unless Hargrove has had a significant turnaround in his personal life, I can’t see the team signing him.

And it’s not only his personal issues that are of concern, as Carriveau points out. He’s on the small side as a defensive lineman at about 275 pounds. Unless the Packers would experiment by placing him at an outside linebacker position, he doesn’t really fit the mold as a down lineman.

Check out Carriveau’s piece on this rather bizarre consideration by the Packers.

Given what I’ve read about this guy, the Packers should probably stay as far away as possible … but maybe Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy know more than we do.

Remember: In Ted We Trust. Right?

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Scott Wells, Daryn Colledge and Chad Clifton anchored the left side of the Packers line for several years. All three may be former Packers by the time free agency ends this offseason. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Twitter, Facebook and just about every other NFL blogging site is lighting up this week with the advent of one of the most enjoyable times of the professional football offseason – the free agency signing period.

I like it even more than the draft, actually … and I’m a Packers fan who hasn’t had anything to shout about during this period since Mike Holmgren and Ron Wolf reeled in Reggie White.

But that doesn’t matter. It’s always so much fun watching the other teams meet with, negotiate and sign big name free agents.

We know it’s not going to happen in Green Bay, so we sit back, watch, listen and enjoy.

There are some who look at the holes that seem be appearing in the Packers roster and have wondered aloud whether this might be the year that Packers General Manager Ted Thompson might step out of his comfort zone and jump into the frenzy starting this week. Even Thompson has hinted that he may be open to the right player if he considers them “useful tool” for his team.

After all, one can do only so much through the draft – Thompson’s favorite mode for building and rebuilding a team. The draft is great for bringing in “projects” and molding those players to fit the system. Thompson’s Super Bowl XLV ring is evidence of that.

However, the Packers showed last season that if they are to fill the holes the team has, especially on the defensive side of the ball, they’ve got to do more than just draft. Thompson has always said he likes to sign his own players and he faces that task this year as the team’s most valued free agents, Jarrett Bush and Scott Wells, are ready to test the waters.

Will he get something done and signed before 3 p.m. Tuesday? That remains to be seen. If he doesn’t, most likely Bush will be gone and depending on the temperature of those waters, Wells might be, too. But if Wells doesn’t sign before the start of the period and finds only tepid waters out there, he may be back, ala James Jones.

That’s a risk that Thompson is more than likely to take.

Other free agents such as Harold Green and Erik Walden most likely won’t be signed to offers, but there is a good chance that, like Wells, if the money is available, Ryan Grant may be back in camp.

The real question is the money. The Packers are $5 million under the $120 million salary cap. Should the team shed offensive lineman Chad Clifton and restructure wide receiver Donald Driver’s contract, the team will gain at least $5 million more in cap room. With that money available, my guess is that the Packers could strike a deal with Wells and possibly Bush, but that doesn’t leave much for signing draft picks and other undrafted free agents to round out the roster.

I’m just glad I’m not an NFL team’s accountant because this must be a stressful time of the year.

Whatever happens will be a surprise for all fans …

In the meantime, get your popcorn, turn on your favorite sports station and see where all the money goes and where the players end up.

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