Green Bay Packer fans have been through a long drought of star-Free Agency signing by Ted Thompson and his staff. While Ted did pick-up a bargain one-year deal with Jared Cook this past off-season, fans have to recall back to 2014 and 2012 for his last significant signings. In March of that year, Ted inked a $7.75 million two-year contract with Pro Bowler, Jeff Saturday. Even though he eventually was benched on December 21, 2012, the well-worn veteran played a key role as the Center of the line protecting Aaron Rodgers. In 2014, Ted inked a three-year contract with Pro Bowler, Julius Peppers.
From 2006 through 2012, five out of the eight unrestricted free agents signed by the Packers played sixteen games or less for the team. Names like Marquand Manuel, Adrian Klemm and Frank Walker have long been forgotten. To find another another player fans will find in the Hall of Fame, fans need to dial it back to 2006.
Ted's Greatest "Sizzle"
After eight great years with the Oakland Raiders, Charles Woodson looked to be on the downside of his great career. Thompson didn't think so. In April of 2006, he signed Woodson to a seven-year $52.7 million deal to the surprise of many fans and pundits. Ted's gamble paid off. That season Woodson was tied for the NFC lead of eight interceptions. In 2009, he was named AP Defensive Player of the Year and in 2011 he helped lead the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV.
In 2012 Woodson suffered a broken collarbone and was released in February of 2013. He returned to Oakland and played all 16 games from 2013 through 2015. On December 21, 2015, Woodson announced that he would retire at the end of that season.
2017 NFL Free Agency
The 2017 season roster is full of needs - especially on defense.
As always, the Green Bay front office will focus on re-signing their own free agent talent - which includes Julius Peppers, Jared Cook, T.J. Lang, Eddie Lacy, James Starks, Micah Hyde, J.C. Tretter and other key components of the 2016 season. Packers fans will have to wait and see if Thompson shows any "sizzle" this off-season in free agency.
