Green Bay Packers: Ted Thompson’s free agency hits and misses
Oct 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; A detail of a Green Bay Packers helmet before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Miss: Adrian Klemm
In Ted Thompson’s first year as general manager, he let offensive guards Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle walk in free agency. Thompson thought the salary they wanted was too high and he decided to find replacements.
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Thompson brought in Adrian Klemm and Matt O’Dwyer. O’Dwyer was cut before the season started, leaving Klemm to fill the void.
Unfortunately, Thompson’s first splash into free agency for the Packers didn’t go to plan, as Klemm struggled at left guard. After starting the first eight games of the season, he found himself on the bench for the remainder of the year.
He featured in all 16 games of the regular season, but didn’t return to Green Bay for a second year.
In 2005, the Packers finished 4-12; they ranked 30th in the NFL for rushing and 18th in total offense.
They did draft a certain Aaron Rodgers that year, however …
Next: Thompson fared better in 2006 ...