Green Bay Packers’ Citizen GM to Minnesota Vikings: ‘More Cuts Coming Soon …’
By Jamie Wright
The Minnesota Vikings have made a habit of rummaging through the garbage bins of the Green Bay Packers, so to speak.
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In fact, for the past decade, the most exciting time in the life of a Minnesota Vikings fan, coach, player or personnel guy is … offseason cuts! The “Purple People Eaters” love nothing more than gobbling up the Cheeseheads’ table scraps.
As a Packers fan, this is hilariously irritating.
Since 2000, the Packers have parted ways with several players who, whether by roster cuts, waivers, free agency or practice squad poaching, have coincidentally landed on the Vikings’ starting roster.
I pose the following names to you as Exhibit A:
Brett Favre leaves Lambeau Field after falling to the Packers in October 2010. Raymond T. Rivard photograph
You may now add the name Brandon Bostick to that list, though it is far from comprehensive.
Logic tells us that the Packers organization and head-honchos know what they are doing.
They have exhausted all other possibilities for keeping, developing or managing the player in question. If there was a way that Brett Favre could have fit easily back into the fold – both sides would have made that happen.
However, the Packers are all about growth. The organization has prided itself on staying the course, trusting the plan.
Aaron Rodgers was the new sheriff in town – replacing him at the close of training camp to play to the whims of their previous quarterback would have been, irresponsible and illogical.
Greg Jennings when he wore the right colors.
Ted Thompson‘s draft and develop philosophy keeps the Packers in the hunt, year in and year out. When a contract expires, he thinks long and hard about extending past a players’ prime.
He’s a businessman and (though sometimes ruthless and unpopular) it is that characteristic that keeps the team young and fresh and at the top of the NFC North each year.
Jennings was a fan favorite in Green Bay; he desired a contract extension that Thompson felt was not proportional to what he had to offer the team moving forward.
In fact, it was clear that the Packers wanted to retain Jennings. He was offered over $8 million per year by the Packers, a number approaching that for which Jordy Nelson just signed and what Randall Cobb is reported to be seeking.
Jennings got a $9 million offer from Minnesota after deciding to test the free agency waters and … without hesitation, traded his allegiance for a measly $1 million raise.
Guys like Bishop, Longwell, and Sharper – veterans cut loose by the Packers – were scooped up by the rival Vikings with “optimistic expectations.”
Bishop, a Super Bowl-winning middle linebacker for the Packers, battled injuries through multiple seasons. His longevity was a question for which the Packers saw no answer.
The Vikings lay in wait – and scored a one-year deal on Bishop. He was tallied an impressive (::sarcasm::) 5 total tackles as a Viking in 2013. Since, he has registered 2 additional tackles with both the Cardinals and the 49ers.
Ryan Longwell, approaching 32 years old, was replaced by sixth round pick Mason Crosby in 2007. Vikings personnel found a home for him in purple and white for six years. At the time of his retirement, Longwell signed a 1-day deal with the Packers to end his career in green and gold.
While nothing past Favre’s first season with the Vikings has ever truly daunted the Packers, it is still a grievance that I file with Vikings brass and corresponding player, every time.
Donald Driver watches action from the sideline in the Packers 2012 season-opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph
Why?
The answer is simple.
Free Agency has ruined the sense of allegiance that was once cherished among fans and players. To draft, develop and retire a player is something for which every fan, coach and organization looks. Guys like Donald Driver are not a dime a dozen. They are rare.
It’s those guys, however, that play to the faith of the fans, to stand behind their team in thick and thin. We love to throw our unfailing support behind those guys.
Former Green Bay Packers tight end Brandon Bostick is now a Minnesota Viking. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports photograph
When we put so much energy, money and support into the Brett Favre’s’ and the Greg Jennings’ of our favorite team, it’s gut-wrenching to see them don a rival team’s colors.
For guys like Brandon Bostick, however, there isn’t any resentment. The kid caught a bad, bad break and was due a second NFL chance. I could have put money on the Vikings sniffing around.
It is a business, whichever way you look at it. That is why I send this message to Vikings fans and decision makers:
HOLD TIGHT. MORE CUTS ARE COMING.
You will soon fill your roster with washed up, aging or flawed talent that has been passed over by Thompson and Co. And like that hopeless romantic, you’ll try to change them; you’ll BELIEVE you can change them. I say to you, good luck.
I hear Brad Jones is still available. You might want to make a ridiculously high-offer and see if he’ll tell you our secrets.
Thanks,
Citizen GM