As the draft rapidly approaches, and we put free agency behind us, let’s take a moment to document all the things that happened (or didn’t).
Everyone knows how right they are about every free agency moves – and we never see revisionist histories in Packer Nation – but just in case, we’ll write a few things down to look at next year.
Here were the highlights of Packer conversations during free agency this year:
- Landon Collins was a must-have since he’s an All Pro safety and we need a safety.
- Earl Thomas was the kind of proven vet that would guarantee a Super Bowl (and I only a select few fans thought he may possibly get hurt again).
- A very large contingent of fans insisted on trading the #30 overall pick for Antonio Brown because there’s “no question he’s a hall of famer” and would lead them to a title (I wasn’t on board).
- The media did their darndest to make a story out of Le’veon Bell to Green Bay.
- Lots of fans wanted to trade the #30 overall pick for Dee Ford.
- A surprising number of nostalgic fans wanted to bring back TJ Lang and Josh Sitton to solve the problems at guard (even though the two combined to play in – but not finish – a total of 7 games between the two of them in 2018).
- There was a lot of wailing, teeth gnashing, and fans leaving the team after the Packers went 12 hours without signing a free agent. Then they dropped bombs!
- The team signed Adrian Amos away from the Bears, prompting Chicago fans to universally insist that he’s terrible and Ha-Ha Clinton Dix is way better.
- The Packers also signed Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith, which got a lot of fans feeling like team’s problems at edge are solved.
- Signing Billy Turner seemed like a nice move to get a swing guy on offensive line, but felt a little expensive.
Next year, we’ll pop this puppy open and see how things panned out.
Stay tuned!
Time capsule comments for 2020.
1. Late recognition that AR12 needs to be kept upright and Bulaga likely finishing end 2019. Sudden interest in RT, with most looking at 12 for Jonah Williams. Kaleb McGary at 44 would be ideal.
2. General feeling that, although there is a genuine need for ILB due to BM50 contract year and Burks not being a reliable option, taking Bush at 12 is causing fan upset.
3. General agreement taking a FS at 30 would be timely, Adderley and Savage the favoured two.
4. 10 days before the draft, rumour is that Packers may take a QB. This can only be generate trade interest.
5. Reports that front office is happy with the current WR corp and won’t take a WR early. Fans persist with mocking a WR at 30 or 44.
6. Most GBP commentators overtly coveting Ed Oliver.