We recently looked at the potential landing spots for free agent tight end Jermichael Finley and his surgically-repaired neck. The Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers were not among them, but it appears they should have been.
NFL.com is reporting that both teams have shown interest.
The Steelers probably know as much about Finley’s condition as any team, considering their team doctor is the guy who performed spinal fusion surgery on Finley and also deemed him medically fit to play again.
They seem relatively set at tight end with two-time Pro Bowler Heath Miller, but Finley could provide an upgrade for the aging Miller. The Steelers could also run more two tight end sets because god knows their receivers leave a lot to be desired.
The Raiders, on the other hand, have a bunch of Chachies on their roster. Check out this tight end depth chart: David Ausberry, Mychal Rivera, Nick Kasa and a bunch of other guys you’ve never heard of.
That Michael dude spells his name Mychal. He should automatically be disqualified from any job that isn’t gay porn.
Anyway, the Raiders could clearly use a tight end… or three.
And of course their general manager is former Packers executive Reggie McKenzie, who’s seen Finley first hand. McKenzie has already signed his share of former Packers in his two years on the job — Charles Woodson, James Jones and C.J. Wilson.
Might as well add another.
8 Comments
Los Good. Mos Hood.
Los Good. Mos Hood.
Finley in Oakland would make some sense. He would definitely be “the man” there. The Squealers? I don’t see the fit. They are a little more run oriented than I think Jermichael would like. He’d have to do a good bit of run blocking. Has anyone other than Finley’s agent said he is clear to play football? Medically “cleared” and cleared to play or practice football might be two different things. The Pats checked him out medically, but didn’t make an offer.
Let them have him. I wanted him off once he started shooting his mouth off about Rodgers and other matters. Now that he is a walking wound, it is a no brainer.
Mark my words-Colt Lyerla will totally and completely eclipse him.
Have been struggling with why Packers appear to be courting Finley. There is no way Packers will sign Finley with the neck based on past history.
Clearly the Packers are trying to build interest in Finley with other teams as evidenced by the false narrative that Green Bay has interest in Finley. If Ted can get more than one team interested in signing Finley there may be a chance to get a compensatory pick. The more interest the potential for a higher pick. Now is there two or more teams foolish enough to bite?
I read a few days ago that after June 1, free agents you lose to other teams do not count in the compensatory pick formula.
I have wanted Finley gone, not for the reasons most cited by people, but just simply to save money. They dont need to dump money on him for their offense to be successful. I am sure an offense with Rodgers is going to be successful almost no matter what. Look what he did with Jarrett Boykin. But, there is this little thought in the back of my head, with the salary cap set to increase substantially again next year, and Finley having little leverage, why not resign him? As long as it doesnt jeopardize them from resigning Cobb and Nelson.
Imagine running two tight end sets with Finley and Lyerla (he WILL be a stud, assuming he can lay off the coke). Similar to what the pats did with Gronk and Hernandez. Actually, Lyerla fits Hernandez’s role real well in the light that he is like a running back with the ball in his hands. He had a lot of carries out of the backfield at Oregon, much like Hernandez did in New England. Obviously Lacy will prevent teams from putting 7-8 guys in coverage. Cobb back and healthy out of the slot and getting a few carries in the backfield will make this offense even more multiple and hard to defend. Finally, if Franklin can take the next step with ball security, he is THE most explosive back on the team. Would love to see them utilize him in a Darren Sproles role catching passes out of the backfield. Assuming this perfect dream comes true, this offense will be nearly impossible to defend. SO many different looks and versatile players. With the best QB in the game leading it.
“two tight end sets because god knows their receivers” Every person in this article deserves his or her name capitalized.