Ryan Pickett was the Green Bay Packers best defensive lineman in 2012 and he says he feels like he can play 3-4 more years.
“I feel like I can play another three or four years, easily,” Pickett told FOXSportsWisconsin.com during minicamp. “It depends on how my body feels. If my body starts feeling bad, then I’ll call it quits. But I feel great.”
Defensive coordinator Dom Capers also gave Pickett a vote of confidence.
“He played as good last year as any of the four years that I’ve been here,” defensive coordinator Dom Capers said of Pickett. “I think that with ‘Pick,’ he’s really lighter than he’s been. He played more plays last year. He’s very good at specific roles. We just have to make sure we’re using him in those roles. He’s smart, he knows how to use up two blocks. He knows how to play pressure with pressure. All those things that experience teaches you.
“I don’t know how long he can go. If he can play like he did last year, he’ll certainly have a role.”
Will he, Dom? Will he?
Pickett is 33 and in the final year of his contract. We know Ted Thompson doesn’t like to keep old guys around — see Cullen Jenkins and Charles Woodson. As of right now, Pickett is also in a free agent group that includes B.J. Raji, Sam Shields, James Jones and Jermichael Finley.
Who you gonna pay, Ted?
Our guess is probably not Ryan Pickett… unless it’s at a much lower rate than he’s making this season ($5.4 million). Pickett is playing the part so far, saying he wants to continue playing for Green Bay.
“That would be a dream (to retire with the Packers),” Pickett said. “That’s exactly how you want it. But it’s a business and you realize that. So I don’t even worry about it. I’m just going to go out and play my best ball and know that whatever happens, happens.”
Despite his advanced age (by NFL standards, of course), it’s reasonable to believe Pickett could still be productive for a few more seasons.
Remember that fat bastard Pat Williams? He played for the Vikings until he was 38. He made the Pro Bowl when he was 34, 35 and 36. Pickett plays a similar role with the Packers — taking up blockers and stopping the run.
Actually, I have my doubts about what he can make in the open market. His age and his inability to rush the passer will lower his value.
The Packers aren’t the only ones who don’t like signing older players, as this last round of free agency showed.
If Ryan is willing to play for half of what he is making now, then he might have a shot to stick around. Otherwise, I would advise talking to C-Wood about how things are in Oakland.
Usual snide article that misses the obvious point. Thompson doesn’t just cut all oldsters. See Tauscher, Clifton, Driver even Al Harris for awhile. Keep Pickett at a reduced price and the mediocre Raji doesn’t NEED to be resigned if his asking price is too high.
Now, I agree—$6 million a year is too high. But, I could see a 2 year deal in the vicinity of $5 million total if Pickett wants to finish up in GB. He’s a better NT than Raji, who’s kind of a tweener in Capers defense. Who else do the Packers have at NT. Jolly?
if there is one position on the team where an old dude can make it, I guess its NT. Pickett sure knows how to eat up blockers, and you can do that even if you are old and slow.
Yeah, and I wanna bang Kate Upton.
Doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
Since when is 370lbs “lighter”