James Starks is the First Domino to Fall for Packers
Running back James Starks’ career with the Green Bay Packers — and likely in the NFL — is over.
The Packers released Starks on Tuesday.
Source: the Packers have cut RB James Starks (non-football injury designation).
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 7, 2017
This was a move we talked about during the season. Starks signed a two-year, $6 million deal last offseason, which we thought was a folly then and looks like an even bigger one now. In 2016, he played in just nine games. Starks first sat with a knee injury, which he had surgery on, and then suffered a concussion in a car accident late in the season. Starks didn’t appear in any of the Packers’ playoff games because of the concussion.
Injuries aside, when he was healthy, Starks wasn’t effective in the least.
He carried 63 times for 145 yards, an appalling 2.3 yards per carry average.
Here are the real ramifications. Starks’ 2017 cap number was slightly more than $3.6 million. Couple that with the $750,000 in dead money the Packers will eat and they’ll gain about $2.85 million in salary cap space.
On the flip side, the Packers running back depth chart is nearly bare. With Eddie Lacy and Christine Michael headed for free agency, Ty Montgomery is the only true tailback on the roster. Clearly, moves will be made.
There may be more bloodletting coming soon. Cornerback Sam Shields, who missed all but one game of 2016 with a concussion, is a great candidate to meet the same fate.
As for Starks, he gave the Packers plenty of good years as a backup. The highlight has to be his 2010 playoff run, where he put up 315 yards as a rookie during the Packers’ Super Bowl push. Consider that the Packers were trying to pretend Brandon Jackson was a No. 1 running back before Starks stepped in. Green Bay may not have that championship without James Starks.
We won’t forget that, but it was time to move on.
Personally, I always liked him. He ran behind some very shitty O Line blocking for much of his career. The SB year of 2010 he kicked ass at the end of the year when we needed it, I will always appreciate that, and the fact that he could friggin’ punk DB’s that tried to fuck him up. All the best to him!
His career games were few, but yea, he helped out in the playoffs of 2010.
Being a 6th round pick, running behind a passing off. line. He did as well as he could.
By all accounts a good guy, who wear the colors with honor.
Nice guy but time to go. Now if only we could get L. Fournette. Dreaming I know.
Here we go. Let the moves begin. Now we sign Peterson to replace starks. Cut shields and Burnett and sign berry from kc. Restructure Matthews and Cobb and sign Campbell from az. While we’re at it, trade for Hayden. Resign perry and draft anther edge rusher, lb and o lineman. All in!!!
Do you really think KC will let Berry walk?
That’s a nice dream GOPACK.
Hopefully no one comes in here dumb enough to take that seriously.
No Kato, I don’t think they will. Just being stupid. PF4L knew I was just dreaming and being an idiot.
It’s ok Kato….smh
Do not make the same mistake with Michael you made with Starks and piss away $3M on him, too.
Fat Ass needs to go too, so there are your Cornerbacks of the offense for 2017. Ted’ll find some Ivy League Poindexter who played lacrosse to carry the load at RB next season. It’s what he does.
Savage57 . . . I feel you, but I would add to your statement: “It’s what he does.” it should say; “It’s what he does . . . best” lol!