The Green Bay Packers suffered yet again an early exit in this year's playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers. Rather than studying how to defend the read option this summer, Packer nation would agree the priority is to not cut the cheese. In other words, let's keep this talented bunch together by re-signing key players and bring in some help for the 25th ranked defense.
Where does the Pack need help you ask, why Cheeseheads, safety first!
Dom Capers' defense allowed 125 yards rushing and almost 250 yards passing per game.
Granted, the Pack fought hard to win the NFC North while their MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers missed 8 games. Head Coach Mike McCarthy found ways to keep Green Bay relevant and grinded out an (8-7-1) record to actually host a playoff game.
But let's face it, Darren Sharper, Charles Woodson, and Nick Collins aren't coming back.But let's face it, Darren Sharper, Charles Woodson, and Nick Collins aren't coming back.
To win another Superbowl means acquiring another playmaker to have everyone's back while Clay Matthews rushes the edge.
GM Ted Thompson's 2014 offseason may look a lot like years past; draft and develop, which nobody will argue. But it wouldn't hurt to spend some dough on an insurance plan.
Unrestricted free agent Jairus Byrd, formerly of the Buffalo Bills, is the best available on the market. Byrd is a perfect fit for green and gold for three reasons:
- he's under 30 years old. Ted Thompson doesn't like to sign free agents because there is more risk of bringing in a player past his prime. Byrd is only 27.
- he's a ballhawk. In his five year career with the Bills, Byrd racked up 256 tackles, 22 interceptions (two for touchdowns), 11 forced fumbles, and recovered five fumbles. Spotlight stats like this portray a safety who flies to the football with great hands.
- he played for the Buffalo Bills, meaning he knows the cold and is still a three time Pro Bowler. Most free agents don't like the idea of moving to Green Bay, Wisconsin because of the frigid temperatures. It would seem Byrd won't mind the frozen tundra, especially for a chance at a Superbowl ring.
Jairus Byrd fits the bill for the Packers top team need and he would be expensive. Therefore, as a last resort with the 21st pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix represents the best safety of this year's class. If he's available, Cheeseheads will laugh with Ha Ha as the steal of the draft.