We’ve talked about the Green Bay Packers’ issues at outside linebacker. Here’s one potential solution, if the Packers want to do something about it: Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin.
Most people around the league believe the Eagles will either release or try to trade Barwin, who is scheduled to make $7.75 million in 2017 and $10.25 million in 2018. Barwin’s numbers were down in 2016 — 34 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble. However, the Eagles switched from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense in 2016. That change moved Barwin from his traditional outside linebacker position to defensive end.
Barwin is believed to be a better fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. The potential interested parties for his services — Green Bay, Baltimore and Indianapolis — all play the 3-4.
We’ve documented the Packers’ need. What would they be getting in Barwin?
In his last season as a linebacker, Barwin had 44 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and defended seven passes. His best season came in 2014, when he had 64 tackles, 14.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and defended five passes.
Barwin has twice had double digit sacks.
Would the Packers actually make a move? No doubt if Barwin were released, we could see the Packers making a play, similar to how they brought in Julius Peppers in 2014. If Barwin is released, he isn’t technically considered a free agent and thus doesn’t count against the compensatory draft pick formula.
On the other hand, we have a really hard time seeing the Packers giving up a draft pick in a trade. MAYBE a sixth or a seventh-rounder, but we all know Ted Thompson is loathe to part with draft picks, even if it would result in improving the team and addressing a need.
We all remember when he refused to part with a fourth-rounder to acquire future Hall of Famer Randy Moss.
To set the record straight, Ted failed TWICE to secure Randy. The first time was over contract length and the 2nd was over money. The 2nd time we failed, Brett retired the very next day as he’d gotten sick of Ted’s pedestrian ways. Source: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/randys-rant-was-almost-a-packer-twice/
Also, this is not a rumor. The genesis of this is from NJ.com who surmised 3 teams who MIGHT be interested in him. There is no rumor of us actually liking Barwin.
Good call Thorny, it had nothing to do with the draft pick. The 2nd time was maybe over money, but was more of creating an illusion of Ted being active in free agency as Moss wasn’t going anywhere as he signed a 3 year deal with the Patriots only 3 days after they released him, so they were working out the contract the whole time.
Brett Favre did get his wish of playing with Moss. Although it didn’t even last a month as Moss got released, for basically just being his asshole self.
So who know’s what would have happened with Moss in Green Bay anyway.
TT also refused to give up a 4th round pick in 2010 to acquire Marshall Lynch. Putting Lynch and and Rodgers on the same offense? Who knows maybe they could have made so ething happen.
Please don’t take Barwin, he is awful.
Barwin will be 31. Just what we need is another aging OLB. Moving on.
I agree, and with his age is he really worth taking the risk?
We can get better in the draft.
For the long term, yes, let’s draft an OLB. But short term, no, unless we strike gold in the draft, which is hard while drafting at no 29. A rookie pass rusher rarely has immediate impact. So, for the long term, I agree with you that drafting a guy is the way to go. However, if we want to have a solid pass rush this year, we need a veteran, be it Barwin or someone else.
This draft is actually fairly deep at OLB. I could see the packers snagging one of the Illinois guys at the bottom of the first round, especially seeing as how they hired their coach.