It’s reasonable to assume the Green Bay Packers would be parting ways with veteran fullback John Kuhn this offseason and the reasons are numerous.
Kuhn will turn 34 in September, he just finished up his second consecutive one-year deal, the Packers have a ready-made replacement standing by in 2015 draft pick Aaron Ripkowski and Kuhn plays a devalued position.
Even though the Packers still do value the fullback position, Kuhn played just 362 offensive snaps in 2015. That’s 31 percent of the Packers 1,147 total offensive snaps.
Be that as it may, it appears the Packers are interested in bringing Kuhn back once again.
Coach Mike McCarthy spoke about Kuhn as if he’s part of the Packers’ plans in 2016. When speaking about Ripkowski, McCarthy suggested he’d be competing with Kuhn.
“The ability to be on the punt team and just become that core guy on special teams, but also compete with John Kuhn to play more on offense,” McCarthy said.
Kevin Gold, Kuhn’s agent, said he spoke with the Packers last week and there’s mutual interest.
That would seem to just about seal the deal.
Kuhn isn’t going to get a big contract from the Packers. He probably wouldn’t get a contract at all if Green Bay wasn’t interested.
He does still bring some value to the table, though.
Obviously, one of the big factors is leadership. With the Packers being one of the youngest teams in the league every year, they need a few guys like Kuhn around.
Second, despite his age and veteran status, Kuhn still plays a substantial role on special teams. He played 174 special teams snaps in 2015.
Finally, McCarthy loves him. When Tom Clements was calling plays, Kuhn was rarely on the field. When McCarthy took play-calling duties back, Kuhn’s snap counts jumped dramatically.
More than 60 percent of Kuhn’s offensive snaps came with McCarthy running the show.
So if you thought you wouldn’t get to yell “Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn!” again, you appear to be mistaken.
This should quiet all you guys complaining that MM and TT never sign free agents…
He isn’t a free agent idiot
Ahhhhh, yes he is. Why are you insulting people without doing a 5 second google search.
Seams prudent for the Pack to sign Kuhn to a one year deal with little to no guaranteed money and vets minimum. Let him compete, if Kuhn doesn’t cut it then cut him before the start of the season. No money lost and the Pack gets the benefit of Kuhn helping out Rip and others during camp. Kuhn knows the business, if he is ready for another camp or season go for it.
He would BECOME one if not signed by march 9th you ignorant mother fucker.
He’s a Packer free agent. Just like Crosby was. Settle down Francis.
I hope he stays…. He is a valuable blocker for Aaron and whoever else is running the ball. And even at his age he can still punch the ball out of the backfield for useful yardage. And his leadership would seem to be crucial….knows offense probably better than MM!
I would just play Jeff Janis at fullback
I swear the Packers are the definition of blue balls.
Jesus Pocahontas you may be right.
Is he free to sign with any team????? No. So how the fuck is he a free agent. Retaining a current player does not count as making a free agency move.
g –
R-E-L-A-X, dude….
You’re wound way too tight…
Save it for the upcoming season…