Green Bay Packers: In-depth Free Agency guide
Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback
Davon House(31) before the game against the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Tramon Williams and Davon House
The Green Bay Packers were deep at cornerback in 2014. If they’re not careful, they won’t be able to boast such a claim next season.
Veteran Tramon Williams and young Davon House are free agents, and it leaves Thompson with a decision to make.
Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Davon House (31) breaks up the pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Julio Jones(11) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
It seems unlikely both will return, so Thompson will need to decide between experience and youth.
When the 2015 season starts, Williams will be 32 years old; House will be 26.
Per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, House is aiming to find a starting job next year after spending his career as a backup with the Packers. House said:
"“I truly believe the film says I can play in this league. If my film doesn’t show it, I don’t mind playing special teams. But I think my film shows I’m a starter.”"
Silverstein believes it could cost the Packers $5-7 million per year to maintain House’s services in Green Bay.
It seems unlikely the Packers will pay that much. NFC North lead writer for Bleacher Report, Zach Kruse, agrees:
If Davon House can get $7 million per year on the open market, good for him. No way GB pays that.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) February 21, 2015
House missed three games with a shoulder injury in 2014 and has had some injury concerns during his time in Green Bay. That would appear to be the only worry for Thompson to opt for House over Williams.
Williams accounted for $9.5 million of the 2014 cap, and it’s unlikely he will be able to command a salary similar the average of $8.25 million per year he was earning on his previous contract.
If he is willing to take a major pay cut, he could return to the Packers for the remainder of his career.
In an ideal world, Thompson will find a way to bring both back in a cost-effective manner. In reality, it’s likely he will have to choose who to keep and let the other walk.
Next: Continuity on the offensive line?