Ted Thompson's To-Do List: Moves the Green Bay Packers Need to Make

The Packers had the best record in the NFL in the regular season at 15-1. Not only that, though, but the 15-1 record was also the best record in franchise history. Out of all the great Packers teams led by Bart Starr and Brett Favre, this team was supposed to top them all.

Well, in hindsight, that looks pretty laughable right now.

The Packers have plenty of decisions to make this offseason and also have the option to make some changes. Even though they did go 15-1 and simply played their worst game ever in the playoffs, making hard choices with this roster and coaching staff would still be valid options. This team had the worst defense in the league, its offensive coordinator has moved on and the offensive line is still giving up too many sacks.

In this article, I will go over what players the Packers should re-sign, let go, and pick up via free agency. Also, I will include a first round pick the Packers will hope to get, and maybe a few surprises when it comes to the Packers coaching staff.

Another side note: I am not Ted Thompson. I know some moves in here may or may not agree with Ted Thompson's way of doing things, but is he writing this article? I didn't think so. 

This piece will explain what I would consider doing if I were the general manager. I'm not going to put anything crazy in here that Ted wouldn't even think about. I could see Ted doing all the things in this article, but recent history says he might do things differently.

Hint: I actually have the Packers signing free agents. Yeah, that's right.

Enjoy.

Nick Collins Should Retire

Listen, I love Nick Collins. He’s one of my favorite players and I would love nothing more than to see him back with the Packers next year and beyond. Assuming the doctors, however, don’t say, “Nick, there is absolutely no harm in returning to play football," then I would hope Nick retires.

I know Nick doesn’t need me to write this to make up his mind, for if he’s not 100% he will definitely not return. He missed an entire season with a neck injury, had surgery and still doesn’t even know if he’ll be available next year.

I am more concerned for the player here than the team, and I would much rather know he can enjoy the rest of his life with his family rather than make the Hall of Fame in the NFL while at risk of being put in a wheelchair.

If Nick is completely good to go next year, then by all means, bring him back. But this piece will assume he retires, for that is most likely the right thing to do.

Information Regarding the Packers' 2012 Salary Cap and Cap Space

Before we get into who the Packers should re-sign, cut or pick up, we should familiarize ourselves with the Packers' 2012 salary information.

If the Packers don’t re-sign any of their players and only bring back who is already under contract for next season, they will be paying $96.68 million to players in 2012. Since Nick Collins would be making $3.42 million next year if he returned (and we’re assuming he retires), that leaves us with a $93.25 million salary next year.

The salary cap in 2011 was $120 million. There’s a good chance it will be higher this offseason, but I don’t want to guess how much higher. We’ll just assume the salary cap next year will be $123 million.

The Packers have eight players scheduled to be free agents this off season: Jermichael Finley, Matt Flynn, Scott Wells, Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee, Erik Walden, Howard Green and Ryan Grant. These players do not have a salary next year (yet), so they do not factor into the $93.25 million salary for 2012. 

Sign Scott Wells to a Three-Year, $16 Million Contract

This first move is an obvious decision. Wells has been the best offensive lineman for the Packers the entire season. He needs to be kept with the Packers unless he costs a ridiculous amount of money.

Wells was 31 years old this season, but he can still be a top center for the Packers for the next three years. A little over $5 million per year is a good amount for one of the top centers in the NFL as well.

Wells is a top priority for Green Bay, and you can expect him to be re-signed fairly quickly by Ted Thompson.

Sign Jermichael Finley to a Five-Year, $32 Million Contract

Please allow me to vent my frustration here, but Jermichael Finley is no lock. He can easily remain an overrated, injury prone, crappy tight end for the Green Bay Packers. He drops too many passes, he runs his mouth with no right to and he sucks.

Sorry, but I think we all needed that, no matter how exaggerated it was.

Still, you can’t teach speed, size and athleticism. When a player has all of those things, it is easier to coach said player and teach him how not to suck at his position. Finley is going to need to learn that, and once he has that down, he should be able to learn how to use his talents to succeed at an elite level.

If Finley lives up to his potential or even gets near his ceiling, then his value will never be lower than it is right now. I think this deal works for the Packers for the long term and it also might please Finley because he wants to stay in Green Bay. Injuries aside, he’ll still be in his prime at the end of this contract, so he’ll still have another large contract to sign in his career.

$32 million for five years is very good, though, and Finley would most likely take that right now. The Packers would also be happy to have him for the next half decade.

Sign Jarrett Bush to a Four-Year, $7 Million Contract

I may not be the only one that appreciates Bush, and I most certainly wasn’t the only one that hated the mere thought of him back in 2009. Bush was horrific in coverage in 2009 (I mean horrific, like nightmares in the middle of night…), but he has turned into a below average cover guy while being a phenomenal special teams contributor.

Bush has a ton of energy whenever he plays. Whether it’s on defense or on special teams, he brings everything to every game, every Sunday. I’m not saying he’s good on defense, but it’s nice to have a guy like him on the roster.

He’s improved in his game since 2009 and should remain a great special teams player. We need a guy like Bush, so we might as well lock him up for the foreseeable future.

Let Pat Lee Walk

I understand that this is a formal sports writing environment and that I, as a welcome contributor, have an obligation to provide in-depth analysis for all of my humble opinions.

Well, I guess it's a good thing Bleacher Report isn't paying me for this article then.

Please, if you may, raise your hands if you saw the Packers 45-41 win against the Lions this year?

All of you? Wow, good job.

Now, keep your hands up if you saw Pat Lee muff the kickoff (for the second time), watch it roll into the field of play, grab it and then kneel in the end zone (for a safety)?

All of you again? Well, that was pretty funny.

Finally, raise your hands if you would actually pay that player to stay on your football team next year?

I didn't think so.

Next.

Franchise Matt Flynn and Trade Him to Miami for a Second-Round Pick

I know people won't agree with this because it's too risky and is "ridiculous," but I honestly think this could work.

Obviously, Miami is the favorite to land Flynn because they need a quarterback and their new Head Coach is former Packers OC Joe Philbin. However, Miami is probably thinking they can sign Flynn as a free agent. I think the Packers should try to get something for Flynn, and I believe they can.

All the franchise tag does is sign Flynn to a one-year deal with the Packers. Yes, it will be for a ridiculous amount of money and Flynn would be making more than Aaron Rodgers, but I think a team out there, like Miami, will still be willing to take him. 

After all, the high price tag for Flynn would only be for one year. It's not like it is a long-term contract for the Dolphins at that high price. If Flynn doesn't work out, then they let him walk or sign him to a smaller contract.

Also, the Dolphins can sign him to the contract they could have signed him to if he were a free agent. In this case, the only thing the tag would do is make the Dolphins trade for him before they sign him. 

Obviously, Flynn could choose to not sign an extension and instead accept the franchise tag with the Dolphins, and then the Dolphins would have to pay a large amount of money to an unproven quarterback. Again, though, it's only for one year and the Dolphins can sign him to a long-term contract next offseason.

The risk that the Packers are unwilling to trade him, to me, isn't really likely. First of all, the Packers would be fairly confident that they can trade him before they franchise him. Since I'm confident they can trade him, I have him being franchised.

Second, there's almost no way Flynn isn't taken away by one of the teams out there needing a quarterback. The Packers will eventually lower their asking price (which would be, in this article, Miami's seventh pick in the second round) if no one is willing to trade for him.

Long story short, the Packers should try to get something for Matt Flynn. Also, don't worry about him staying on the 2012 roster after franchising him. Someone will grab him, and he will be gone no matter if we franchise him or not.

Let Ryan Grant Walk

This is another obvious choice. 

I love Ryan Grant and I think he's a good player, but the Packers can't afford to re-sign him at his age when they have three other young running backs on their roster looking for their shot. 

Alex Green, Brandon Saine and James Starks are all talented and will be looking to earn more playing time next year. When you also assume that the Packers will probably draft a running back somewhere in next year's draft (late rounds), then re-signing Grant isn't really a smart move.

Let Erik Walden Walk

Two things to do with this decision. 

The first thing is the fact that the Packers will be looking to upgrade their other OLB spot opposite of Clay Matthews in the draft and free agency. Adding that new player and also the fact that they have Frank Zombo, Brad Jones and Vic So'oto already on the roster, re-signing Erik Walden would really make no sense.

The reason it makes no sense also has to do with the second thing. The second thing is the fact that Erik Walden sucks.

Sign Howard Green to a One-Year, $750,000 Contract

A lot of people would say that the Packers should let Howard Green walk, and I understand that. However, I think Howard Green can only help us next year.

Is Howard Green a good player? No. He's actually pretty bad in most areas, but he's another body on the defensive line for Green Bay and that can never hurt.

Our defensive line was awful last season and Green is a solid backup to make sure, if there's injuries, that there is 350 pounds of man that knows the Packers' defense to plug into the defensive line.

Green might not be the best option, but considering he'll be cheap and he's been with us since 2010, I think he's good for re-signing.

The Packers' Cap Space After Re-Signing Players and Draft Picks

After re-signing Jermichael Finley, Jarrett Bush, Scott Wells and Howard Green, the Packers' 2012 salary stands at $105 million. That leaves $18 million in cap space.

However, we have to take into account the 2012 NFL Draft and their salaries. To figure that out, let's look at last year's rookie salaries.

Derek Sherrod - $1,200,364

Randall Cobb - $583,531

Alex Green - $503,750

Davon House - $450,145

Ryan Taylor - $389,794

DJ Smith - $375,000

Lawrence Guy - $386,475

If we assume, at the very least, the top five picks in next year's draft make the final roster, then we can use the top five picks in last year's draft salaries to guess what it would cost to sign them.

The top five picks last year cost us $3.13 million, so we can be safe and put aside $3.5 million of the $18 million of cap space for 2012 draft selections. That leaves $14.5 million.

Now, this article will not go into contract extensions for all of the high profile players on the roster. Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, BJ Raji and Greg Jennings deals will have to wait for next year's article. But, I will take into account that they need to be re-signed, so I will not leave zero dollars left in cap space, obviously.

This slide was just an update for the readers where the Packers cap space stands after the draft and re-signings. Now we go onto cuts, a contract extension, free agent signings and the Packers' first-round draft pick.

Packers' First Round Draft Pick: Whitney Mercilus

The only reason I see this not working is if Mercilus goes higher than pick 28.

Obviously, Mercilus can be a bust because any player can be, but Mercilus is a beast and would be an excellent OLB to compliment Clay Matthews.

Or will it be Matthews that compliments Mercilus? That's pretty scary, isn't it?

If the Packers really like this kid and don't trust that he'll fall to 28, they can always trade up to get him like the Packers did with Matthews back in 2009. I think Mercilus can fall, so I'm assuming we pick him at 28.

Mercilus had a very good year for Illinois last season and is a very skilled pass rusher. He has to prove he can rush the passer from a standing up position, but I don't think that will be that hard considering he's still a young player. 

If Mercilus is available at 28, there's almost no way he's won't be a Green Bay Packer.

Also, at pick No. 7 in the second round, the Packers could look at Ronnell Lewis from Oklahoma if they can't get Mercilus at pick 28. 

Charles Woodson Moves to Safety

Charles Woodson is still an elite play maker in this league, but he might not be an elite cover guy anymore.

Regardless of whether he is or isn't (he isn't), Woodson is getting older and might benefit from a move to safety. There he would still be able to blitz, make plays all over the field, get interceptions and even get involved in some coverage when needed. 

Also, with the loss of Nick Collins, Woodson moving to safety to fill that void really makes a lot of sense here. 

Packers Sign T.J. Lang to a Four-Year, $16 Million Contract Extension

This move just avoids having T.J. Lang become a free agent next year. Lang had a very solid year for the Packers last year and deserves a contract extension like this.

Lang is only 24 years old and he beat out first-round pick Derek Sherrod in training camp for the Left Guard spot on the offensive line. Lang really stepped up for Green Bay and played well all year long. 

This extension would start after the 2012 NFL season, so his roughly $4 million per year would not affect the Packers' $14.5 million cap space left for the 2012 NFL season.

Packers Cut Chad Clifton

Chad Clifton is set to make $5.3 million in 2012. Considering his age and injury last year, Clifton is unlikely to be kept for next season.

I think Clifton is still a very god tackle and can start next year for Green Bay, but I have other moves the Packers can make that will benefit the Packers' long term more than keeping Clifton will.

Cutting Clifton will leave the Packers with $19.8 million left in cap space as well.

Chad is a great player, and hopefully he can get a job somewhere else if the Packers release him. Or if he retires, I wish him the best of luck.

Packers Trade A.J. Hawk to the Panthers for a Sixth-Round Pick

There are a couple of reasons for this move. To start with, A.J. Hawk has disappointed ever since being drafted fifth overall. Granted, he's been nothing but solid ever since he's been a starter, but that still doesn't take away the fact that he's one of the slowest linebackers in the NFL and lacks athleticism.

Also, The $4.4 million we're paying him next season is too much for a player like Hawk. The Panthers, on the other hand, are a team with a lot of needs, especially on defense. Bringing in a solid veteran linebacker like Hawk should help the Panthers' defense and is also a safe move just in case Jon Beason doesn't recover from his season-ending injury last year.

A sixth-round pick isn't a lot for our starting middle linebacker, but this move is really here so we can dump his salary. He's overpaid for the type of player that he is and the Packers should really look to start over at the MLB opposite Desmond Bishop. 

Hawk isn't working out, so the Packers should trade him and either develop D.J. Smith next year or...

Packers Sign Jonathan Goff to a Three-Year, $10 Million Contract

Jonathan Goff will not be playing in the Super Bowl with the Giants on Feb. 5th because he is on Injured Reserve. Goff tore his ACL in a freak injury before training camp even began. For this reason, Goff would be a high risk, high reward player for any team that signs him this off season.

Goff had a very good year in 2010 with 80 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and two passes defensed. He's only 26 years old, so if he seems like he's recovering from his ACL injury just fine than he would be a solid pick up for the Packers to replace A.J. Hawk.

This would allow the Packers to reduce the amount of money they pay for their middle linebacker, and they also would be signing a younger (albeit only two years younger) player that can turn into a better player than Hawk, if he isn't one already.

We already know what Hawk can bring to the table. Goff has the potential to bring more to the table, so you have to like this move for the Packers.

Packers Sign Carl Nicks to a Four-Year, $25 Million Contract

While the Packers' offensive line wasn't necessarily bad last year, it wasn't as good as it needed to be. When Aaron Rodgers is your quarterback, you need to have one of the best offensive lines in the league to ensure he doesn't get hurt.

The Packers spent their last two first-round picks on offensive tackles. Now the Packers need to invest in their line through free agency, not high NFL draft picks. 

Carl Nicks is a very good guard and would be an excellent addition to the Packers next year. If Nicks is brought in, the Packers' offensive line could look as follows:

LT: Bulaga

LG: Nicks

C: Wells

RG: Sitton

RT: Lang

On paper, this looks like a very good offensive line. Signing Nicks would allow the loss of Chad Clifton to not be so bad for the Packers and would keep Marshall Newhouse on the bench (where he's most valuable). Sherrod would obviously be a back up for the Packers next year, but he didn't look good at all last year when he played, and he also is coming off an injury. He shouldn't be given up on yet, but he isn't ready to start for the Packers.

Nicks's contract would make the Packers only have $15.2 million of cap space left. I would say that's enough for one last splash...

Packers Sign Carlos Rogers to a Five-Year, $45 Million Contract

With Charles Woodson moving to safety, the Packers are going to want to either draft or sign another corner back to fill his place.

Or, you know, you can sign one of the best corner backs in the league to a monster contract.

Carlos Rogers has gone on record saying he wants to stay in San Francisco, and I would assume the 49ers would want him back. However, a deal that pays him nine million dollars over five years will be a lot for him to turn down.

So it's not only good for Rodgers, but it also is good for the Packers. This is the last free agent I have the Packers signing, and his contract leaves the Packers with $6.2 million in cap space for the 2012 season. Not only is that good, but having Rogers in this secondary will help big time for the Packers.

The Packers had one of the worst pass defenses in NFL history last season. With Nick Collins retiring (let's hope not, though), the Packers really need to do something to correct this problem. Obviously the Packers' pass rush is a huge reason they sucked on defense last season, but they still didn't cover well last year. 

With Woodson moving to safety, the Packers can't let a second or third round corner back come in and expect him to make a huge impact. That is possible, but getting a sure thing in free agency is a better option.

Remember, I told you that this article was not written by Ted Thompson. While Ted Thompson might not make these moves because he doesn't usually sign many free agents (like, more than zero), I wouldn't be surprised if he made these moves. He did sign Charles Woodson to a similar deal back in 2006, and no matter how you get them, you can never go wrong with an elite offensive lineman to protect your franchise quarterback.

Rogers is available this off season, and whether you believe Teddy will pull the trigger next year or not, I can guarantee you he's taking a hard look at him either way. 

Packers Make Tom Clements Their OC and Retain Dom Capers

Honestly, the Packers could make Randall Cobb their offensive coordinator and they'd still be one of the best offensives in the league. Not taking anything away from Joe Philbin, for he was excellent, but the Packers are so talented that it almost doesn't matter who coordinates it.

Since McCarthy calls the plays anyway, the Packers' offense really won't have to adjust that much to a new OC. That's why Tom Clements, the Packers' QB coach, would be a good hire because he is already in-house and there would almost be no further adjustments.

Tom Clements helped coach Matt Flynn to be the very exciting player that he is right now, and obviously Rodgers is outstanding. Also, Rodgers went on record saying that he wants Clements to fill the void at OC. If that's not an automatic hire, then I don't know what is.

On the Packers' DC, I wanted to put "fire Dom Capers" here, but I think I may have been overreacting to his awful coaching job this season. Capers still has a very good track record as a defensive mind, and he should probably get one more shot to prove his worth, especially if they sign Goff and Rogers.

So, in conclusion, the Packers are looking to shore up their holes from an exciting 15-2 season in 2011. If they can come away from this offseason with impact free agents and a good draft, then the Packers should be right back in the divisional round of the playoffs and contending for another Super Bowl. If not, though, the Packers could actually miss the playoffs next year because of their defense. 

I don't think that'll happen though. The Packers will do what they need to this offseason and be right back in contention next year. 

Knock on wood.