There has been talk the Green Bay Packers may franchise or otherwise sign and trade backup quarterback Matt Flynn, who’s about to become an unrestricted free agent.
That ship has sailed.
The Packers are approximately $7 million under the salary cap and although they could create more room by releasing highly-paid veterans like Donald Driver and Chad Clifton, it will still be difficult for them to franchise or even sign Flynn to a starter’s contract.
Franchising the quarterback, as New England did with backup Matt Cassel several years ago, would cost the Packers somewhere in the neighborhood of $14 million. Even if they just sign him to a starter’s contract, they’d have to pay him somewhere around $10 million.
Those numbers don’t add up when you consider the team also has to re-sign tight end Jermichael Finley, Pro Bowl center Scott Wells and possibly cornerback Jarrett Bush. They’ll also have to pay some rookies and potentially (haha!) an outside free agent or two.
As we said prior to the season, the time to trade Matt Flynn was, well… prior to the season.
Last updated on May 17th, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Why do they have to franchise him for a sign and trade? Why not just… a sign and trade?
What reason would Matt Flynn have to voluntarily sign a contract with GB just to get traded, especially if it was less than 14 million?
Sign and trades are not unheard of especially if the player and team is on good terms. Thanks for being a dick, Richard.
Don’t they get a 2013 compensatory pick though if he walks? Possibly as high as a 3rd rounder? Not the same as a blockbuster trade deal but then Ted doesn’t have to concern himself with the 14 million dollar number.
Or they could trade Rodgers at his peak for a boatload of draft picks. He won’t be worth any more than he is right now. Imagine what GB could’ve gotten for Favre back after losing to Elway. It would’ve been much more valuable than 3-6 in the playoffs over the next 10 seasons.
No offense Richard, but that is absurd. You’re using a Brett Favre example based on knowing what those next 10 years held. The QB position is easily the most important on the field, and first ballot hall of famers don’t just fall out of the sky. We’ve been incredibly lucky. Hell, look at how many QBs Chicago has gone through the past 15 years…
Trading Rodgers would be hands down the dumbest decision in the history of the Packers organization.
There is no way to actually know how it would work out, but it does solve all these concerns about losing a starting-caliber QB and getting nothing in return. Matt Flynn and about 5 extra first rounders doesn’t sound bad at all.
I hope you were drunk when you wrote this. No way in hell should the Packers trade arguably the best QB in the league. Insert all of Doug’s points. What guarantee is there the Flynn will amount to anything? None. Back to the main point. What the fuck are you talking about? Trade Rodgers? Richard, are you sure you aren’t actually Ted Thompson and just changed you screen name? Or Bill Polian perhaps? You a fucking moron.
It might solve the one concern of what to do with Matt Flynn but it opens up so many doors. Wait, why are we even talking about this? Trading Rodgers??? I don’t know how to put this any other way: That is the dumbest idea I have ever read on this blog.
Why are people even talking about trading Rogers and keeping Flynn? You honestly think they’re both system QBs?! We’ve seen Flynn start two games. TWO GAMES, PEOPLE! Granted the second game was amazing but …come, man!
Monty is leaving out the fact that the Packers would be getting a 3rd round pick. Understood.
A 3rd round pick isn’t bad for a guy with two starts. The worth of the pick depends on who you draft.
I fail to see the point in discussing something that would never happen. I would rather discuss my date with Jessica Biel.