Nobody else wanted running back James Starks, so the Green Bay Packers took him back.
Starks, who turned 30 last month, got a two-year, $6 million deal from the Packers.
He recorded career highs, with 600 rushing yards and 392 receiving yards in 2015.
While that’s great, Starks’ age would suggest that he’s in decline or will be very soon. We’ve discussed how the Packers needed a weapon in the backfield that creates matchup problems in the passing game all offseason.
Re-signing Starks isn’t a move to get better. It’s a move to remain the same.
Or at least attempt to, since running backs historically see their production decrease dramatically when they turn 30.
If there’s a positive here, it’s that the Packers had a hole to fill at running and now they’ve filled it.
Prior to re-signing Starks, the Packers had only Eddie Lacy and John Crockett at the position.
And career high in fumbles. Keep the status quo! Hopefully not a large signing bonus. Paul Perkins in the 3rd or 4th round would still be a nice addition.
Wait for that stretch of games where Starks earned his playing time based on practice according to McCarthy. And proceeds to fumble at crucial times multiple games in a row. This may end up almost turning out like the movie “Groundhog Day”.
I guess I can stop waiting for them to sign Ronnie Hillman.
They pay and they play their favorites. While I do like Starks, it is obvious that “The Frugal GM” is doing his usual NOTHING in FA (other than signing his own) again. Why? who knows! However, it is becoming patently obvious that he is either as thick skulled as some of us believe, or he is scared to death to make a move. Or perhaps is so messed up in a morass of OCD’s that he can not do anything because of them. Whatever the real reason is, it is NOT good enough. Get rid of this turd. He is stinking up the place . . .
I honestly think he doesn’t sign anyone now just because he knows people expect him not to. Its classic older person stubbornness here. Shit even Wolf who was a tight ass knew he had to change his ways if he wanted to get over the top.
Yep!
I don’t understand just resigning your own, I don’t get that.
This move. I don’t understand. I really like James Starks. I really do, seems like a good dude, and a good football player. But forte was not much more expensive. Barely was. And about the same age. I figured they weren’t going to spend money at the running back position and was fine with that. Now I am just confused.
So the Pats lose Scott Chandler and what do they do? They upgrade with Martellus Bennett as their #2 TE. While they could be content with having Gronk the greatest TE of all time they make sure that they have another playmaker behind him. TT would never do something like this because it makes too much sense.
Newsflash Bears won’t trade to GB. And Ted won’t trade draft picks. Plus Bennett is a head case that beats up teammates. Why does everyone want this guy? They will upgrade that position.
Newsflash… I know. The point I’m trying to make is that they upgrade their TE2 position when they have a future HOF in Gronk. Bennett is better than all but 6 TE in the league. Teams like the Pats, Steelers, Cardinals have been making moves to better their team. We are just sitting… Wasting away Arods prime years…. T Brady going to win that 5th super bowl and the trophy gonna be name Lombardi-Belichick trophy. Than maybe some of you Packer fans will wake up!
As I said, his new contract pays more than then previous one. He must have aged backwards, according to Ted.
Conplacency isn’t just a big word in Wisconsin, it’s a lifestyle.
Boy oh boy. Guess Ted wants 5 or more turn over again . Really what to hell is wrong with this man?? The offense is no different then last year just older .i will bet it is even worse . Wow big Mike thinks two new coaches is the answer SHIT..may be hope and hope all three dumb dump boys get sent to Cleveland. The for ever land of losers
meanwhile at TE…..
Maybe he didn’t want to sign with anyone else?
Nah, let’s just pretend we know everything cause we’re self-proclaimed experts. Clearly, a team who almost went to the NFC Championship game two years in a row just got worse.
Fuck that chicken, Monty!!
Your operative word “ALMOST” speaks volumes! could it be because he does not go after a needed veteran or FA? to get the team over the edge? and make them more competitive? Yep! That is why they “ALMOST” made the big dance! They were one or two FA players weak . . .
Forte has over 2500 touches while Starks has about 500. In other words, Starks has more tread on the tires. This would explain why he’s productive even at the 30 year old mark.
Not that I expect anyone here to understand that. Facts seems to get in the way of good “Aggghhhh, Fire Thompson already!” post.
No I like the Starks signing. I just do not appreciate the sound of crickets annually in the Packers free agency trade room . . . If you do not work at something . . . you will not get anything in return. Unless you are a trust fund baby sometimes.
Besides, 3M a year for Starks? Who were we bidding against? Unless there’s some news that we had to match someone’s offer, that contract has the “overpayed” tag written all over it. Crocket could have taken the RB2 role, or even a fresh roookie, for far less money. Running backs are fairly abundant. SEA found Rawls from under a rock, the Pats keep making productive players out of complete unknown RBs. We found that guy DuJuan Harris, who by that time was selling cars, and he made our 2012 running game improve during the second half of the season.
I am with MJ. I think the draft this year is pretty deep at the running back position.
Lol a million less a year than Forte. Oh yes Teddy you know how to save a buck.
Maybe Kuhn ought to play hard ball if they wanna overpay for Starks like this.
I’m glad for James Starks because he deserves it. It is a strange move for the Packers, however.
I didn’t think they’d spend money on the RB position when a 3rd or 4th round pick for cheap should have been good enough.
On the other hand, your RB is always one hit away from being out. You better have at least one other guy you can rely on.
Congrats, James Starks.
As a signing bonus, Eddie Lacy will now take you out to dinner at the Country Kitchen Buffett.