The Green Bay Packers signed guard Jahri Evans on Wednesday, a little pre-draft surprise by general manager Ted Thompson.
Evans will presumably enter the competition at right guard, which was previously headlined by career backup Don Barclay. Kyle Murphy, a 2016 draft pick, and Lucas Patrick, a former undrafted free agent, were/are also in the mix.
Like everyone else signed by Thompson this offseason (with the exception of tight end Martellus Bennett), Evans was released by his former team. The New Orleans Saints cut ties with him in February after 11 seasons.
Evans has made six Pro Bowls and was a first-team All Pro four times. However, those years are behind him. His last All-Pro nod was in 2012.
Evans will be 34 in August and was rated as only the 36th-best guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2016.
The question, at this point is, is Evans better than Barclay or the two youngsters? We’ll see during training camp.
Evans’ career trajectory is obviously pointing down. At best, he’s probably a one-year stop-gap solution.
The good news is, Evans is durable. He’s only missed seven games in 11 seasons.
Probably the best news is, the Packers don’t need to worry about guard in the draft. If they’d just sign Jason McCourty, they might not need to worry about cornerback either.
This may be the first sign that Linsley’s ankle surgery may take longer to heal than anticipated. Barclay may be needed at center for some time. The offensive line musical chair act may have already started. At least for training camp.
Howard, the Packers can simply slide Tretter in if Linsley isn’t ready to go.
Wait…oops, nevermind.
It was really genius planning by TT. Not.
So….let me see if i got this right.
The Packers let the 5th best rated guard in the NFL walk who is 29 years old, but they signed the 36th rated guard who is 34, that used to be good some years ago?
His current attribute according to this author is that he is durable.
The best thing is (according to this author), is that the Packers now don’t need to worry about guard in the draft.
Which could only mean, (according to this author), is that the Packers now have their starter, and enough sufficient depth.
Rodgers can breath easy, situation handled. Another need filled before the draft with the signing of this stud.
Excellent read Joseph.
I guess if i wrote an article about Mr. Evans, it would probably be more reality based like…..
WILL PACKERS NEW GUARD EVANS, MAKE THE FINAL ROSTER CUT?
Good signing.
I think this is kind of like the signing of Julius Peppers. Peppers was about the same age when he signed with the Packers and Peppers also was a multiple time Pro Bowler like Evans.
I don’t see any similarities except age. The Bears didn’t want to pay Peppers huge money, so they let him walk.
Jahri Evan played for 1 million in 2016. That’s cheap if he can still ball. So…then you can’t help but think, the Saints didn’t even think he was worth that.
The big difference between signing Evans and Peppers. Peppers could still play.
Questionable strategy looking at his age, however having protected Brees for his whole career the transition to GB oline should be easy….
I don’t think there’s anything easy about blocking for Rodgers. We finally get the line up to snuff, even getting media props about the line, then we start disbanding it. What ever happened to continuity on the line breeding success,
Anyone but Barclay.
nice move as this season’s draft is weak
no high end OL’s in the draft & Lang’s price tag was too high
great move. 6 Pro Bowls… he’s 34 so he knows all the tricks
Packers get to the Playoffs every year, if you want to bitch, go be a Bears fan …
Because….getting to the playoffs is what it’s all about….great post Mark Murphy.