The John Kuhn Dream is Dead

Portly white guys throughout Green Bay Packers Nation shed a tear on Thursday. That’s the day they learned their hero John Kuhn would not be returning to the Packers for a 10th season.

Despite a report on Wednesday that the Packers were still talking to Kuhn — and his locker was still intact in Lambeau Field — a report emerged on Thursday that the Packers have decided to move on.

So perhaps the organization’s conversation with Kuhn was just that — “Thanks for the memories, buddy!”

Kuhn, who is a free agent, wanted to return to the Packers for another season. However, from a football perspective, the Packers simply don’t need Kuhn.

Although his veteran presence and leadership provides value, there isn’t really another reason for the Packers to re-sign Kuhn. He, and the fullback position in general, are a decreasing presence in the offense.

Kuhn touched the football just 15 times in 2015 (nine rushes, six receptions). Surely, some of you yelled “Kuuuuuuuuuuuhn!” on each of those 15 occasions. For what, we’ve never really understood, other than some people just think it’s cool to yell “Kuuuuuuuuuuuuhn!”

More importantly, the Packers want to hand the fullback job to 2015 sixth-round pick Aaron Ripkowski. Considering fullbacks don’t get many snaps to begin with, there is absolutely no reason to have two of them on the roster.

It’s time for the young guy to get a shot.

Another benefit for the Packers is the additional roster spot this opens up. The Packers have kept two and even three fullbacks on their roster in past seasons. It’s downright idiotic to use multiple roster spots on a position that rarely sees the field.

As discussed on this week’s podcast, one less fullback potentially means one more receiver on the roster.

We love John Kuhn, but it’s time for the Packers to move on.

And don’t worry, pretty soon you all can yell, “Riiiiiiiiiiiiiip!”