We knew going into this offseason that GM Brian Gutekunst was not going to be generous with the checkbook grabbing free agents like we did this time last year. While not a huge name, WR Devin Funchess is reportedly joining the team:
The #Packers are expected to sign WR Devin Funchess, per sources. A big body on the perimeter for Aaron Rodgers.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 24, 2020
Funchess adds two things to the wide receiving corps that was much needed: he is a big fellow(6’4″ and 225lbs) and he brings experience to the position. Last season, the Packers fielded a very young and inexperienced group of WRs. While only 25, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2015. He had four very respectable seasons with the Panthers but was not resigned — he ended up in the following season playing for the Indianapolis Colts for a one year deal.
His tenure with the Colts was not a very good one by any measure. He started in Week 1 and claimed three receptions for a total of 32 yards — however, on September 19th 2019, he was placed on injured reserve with a broken collarbone and that is where he remained for the rest of the season.
Putting his season with the Colts aside, Funchess was a respectable route runner(although nothing special) and known for his large size when he was with the Panthers. In his final year with the Panthers, he was in the top 10 for total drops(given he was working with Cam Newton).
Although not official, this acquisition easily puts him at the WR2 sport behind Davante Adams. Despite their cumulative inexperience, the Packers receivers last year did a fine job at blocking and opening up lanes for the running backs. Funchess’ size should make him a nice addition to the team and a formidable threat in the red zone.
As far as I am aware, there are no details released yet as to the value of his potential contract. According to Sportrac, his one-year deal with the Colts last season was worth $10 million and placed him as the 26th highest paid wide receiver in the league. The Packers do not have near that much cap space so expect something closer to $4-5 million.
Hmmm…..This pick up isn’t blowing my skirt up (at all). Lets look at this, realistically.
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First you have to wonder why the Panthers wouldn’t want to sign their 2nd round pick to a 2nd contract. If that isn’t a flag, i don’t know what is. Plus i haven’t heard of any other teams knocking on his door.
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The Colts gave him a one year prove it deal for 10 million despite his numbers trending down. The Panthers were obviously his best years, but….he averaged only 44 yards a game there. In perspective Graham averaged 33 ypg. Close enough to make a point. What’s even more curious is he broke his collarbone in week one with the Colts last season. He was designated for return in mid November and started practicing with the team. But….here’s the head scratcher….he wasn’t activated at all for the rest of the season. they paid him 10 million, and let him sit on the bench. something is wrong with that picture.
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My initial thoughts….He’s a tweener, not ideal size for a tight end, a bit heavy and slow footed for an outside wide receiver.
Here’s the bigger problem…..He cant catch!!!!
He has a target catch rate of 51.25%. Ummmm…YEA, you read that right.
For comparison…Adams catch rate is 62.1% while Jordy was 66.3%. Read into that what you may. So…. i don’t know. I guess he might be worth 3-4 million if he knows how to run routes, but other than that……
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I don’t get it
Food for thought: Last season….Emmanuel Sanders had a target catch rate of 67.9% (outstanding) with a 13.9 yard average.
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Although it was reported the Packers were involved in trying to obtain Sanders, once he got an offer from the Saints, it was all over.
I don’t know if anyone’s seen the video of Karl Anthony Towns, but it show’s us how real the suffering is and how serious this virus pandemic can be in real life terms. I pray that we get over this thing in quick manner.
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Godspeed to Karl and his family.
Agree with everything you state there, especially in regards to being the tweener. In college he was a conversion from TE to WR. I haven’t seen yet what the deal was but I hope like hell it wasn’t much.
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Now on the issue of catches and drops let’s keep in mind that it was Cam throwing the ball. AR12 accuracy will improve this guy a little bit if Cam was indeed the problem. Here’s the deal though – you better catch what comes your way right out of the box because you know, there’s that big trust building issue. Can’t wait to hear more stories and posts about building trust with new receivers. Aaron’s trust you know…. Devin, meet Marquez. Marquez, tell Devin about trust. Oh Devin, you need new tires for your ride? I can hook you up with a guy who can do that, and tell you all about trust.
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This pretty much is all that is left in the price range. These are the cars parked behind the body shop that dealer would rather send off to auction than put on the lot. But you can still go back there, look them over and make an offer.
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Speaking of deals. The Texans give Cobb a 3/27 mil with 18.75 guaranteed. He’s sure blessed.
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I think the draft WR talk needs to focus now on who a good slot type would be.
Yea, he is blessed, Now the Texans just need to hope he puts forth the effort that he did in Dallas. It’s a shame we didn’t see that hustle and effort in Green Bay.
It better not be $4-5M otherwise kick in a little more and get Perriman. My understanding is he led the league in drops in 2018, which means they were deemed catchable balls regardless of who threw them. Veteran minimum may be too stingy but 2-3M could be palatable. The world seeks to embrace diversity, why can’t the Packers WR core reflect that? Big lumbering guys who can’t separate- have cornered the market there. Pack needs a guy with quickness and speed to keep the defense honest; Ruggs will probably be gone but Reagor would look good carrying the G.
If it’s a deal close to the veteran minimum, then I am cool with it. This move was also made in part because of the coronavirus I am sure. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with OTAs and training camp. Here is the kicker. Even if you get a great receiver prospect (or two) there is a possibility he will get very little on field time with the offense and develop any kind of timing/chemistry.
It can always be worse. Bill O’Brien is doing his very best to destroy the Houston Texans despite them having a young franchise QB. Trading away top wideout, basically have zero draft capital, he is a moron on the field coaching as well.
He’ll be cut in the last week of the season after dropping 6 passes in the preseason. That might not be till November though.
I changed my mind and did a 180 on Antonio Brown.
I don’t like him.
I never did like him from years ago when he got paid to go Facebook live in the Steelers locker room years ago.
I think he’s a POS as a human being.
I look at him and my skin crawls.
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BUT……..This Packer team needs to get its head out of it’s ass, and quit giving lottery tickets to average or sub average talent.
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STOP…..relying on late draft picks to instantly come in and expect them to be NFL level productive.
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You have Aaron fucking Rodgers….you don’t let the receiver/tight end cupboard go almost empty..DUH. Even Ted knew better than to let that happen.
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This isn’t about Jordy…BUT, the day they showed Jordy the door, the receiver room has been a joke.
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So…I’m hard up enough to say….sign AB, and stop fucking around!!!
If this doesn’t get solved…this season will be season 3 where where the passing offense outside of Adams has been a shit show.
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Don’t insult Packer fans signing Funchess and saying…here you go, here’s your veteran guy….fuck you. There is a reason(s) funchess will be on his 3rd team….in 3 years.
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Sign AB for 2 million….giving him enough incentives for another 7 million. BUT…the contract has to be structured where at any time…ANY TIME…the Packers have a clean break financially. I don’t care if it’s a 1,2,3 year deal, as long as they can get out…anytime.
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Try to make a deal…if he doesn’t want it…fuck him.
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When i think how this receiver situation (including the signing of Graham) has been handled the last 2 years, i want the grab Gute by the neck and put him up on a wall and ask him wtf!!!!?????……………..
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And at #12 the Packers pick Rashan Gary….well fuck you too, you blind mofo.
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Here we are coming into year 3…A HOF QB…and still looking for the same fucking receiving help as the last 2 drafts. I’ve often said about Ted, it takes him years to fill a need. Looks like we got a carbon copy.
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I wonder if…when Gute gets fired and moves home, if he’ll receive 3 years of pay…… THE PACKER WAY.
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Apologies to the meek and timid…..the virus thing is making me craz craz.
Should have been in on DeAndre Hopkins like white on rice. Unless DeAndre said he wont go to GB then i dont want to hear it. That was the guy they needed right there. I would have made that trade in two seconds. Hell i would have insisted that Houston take pick 30 even if they didnt want it. God damn that would have been awesome, DeAndre and Davante, Double Ds.
Yea…MMSUCKS and i spoke on that 3 days ago.
With so many people suggesting a vet minimum contract for Funchess, I was feeling bit dumb about my $4-5million estimate but it looks like I was not too far off. https://www.facebook.com/TotalPackerscom/photos/a.145811391599/10158407850781600/
There may be some unlikely to achieve incentives in the Funchess contract and some of those incentives may show up on next years cap if achieved . Spotrac has a salary cap hit for this year as a little over 2.265 million for Funchess. See link below.
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/green-bay-packers/devin-funchess-16764/
Allison’s cap hit last year was 2.8 million. Funchess, if healthy, is an upgrade over Allison. I don’t think Funchess is a #2. Packers are going to need to develop a #2 from within, or by the draft. Sometimes there can be some decent veteran receivers available at the end of training camps?