Point of Veau: Packers in a Pickle in Cornerback Negotiations

The Packers risk losing Tramon Williams and Davon House if they can't get Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga under contract before the start of free agency.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams—Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams—Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports.

It makes sense that Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga are Priorities A and B for the Green Bay Packers this offseason.

They're two young up-and-coming players in the NFL. They've been full-time starters; they've proved how valuable they can be.

The clock is ticking, however. 

On March 10, free agency opens in the NFL. And in a perfect world, the Packers want to come to an agreement with both Cobb and Bulaga before that point.

Unfortunately, the world isn't perfect.

The problem for the Packers is that they've got other free agents to deal with, particularly at the cornerback position. Tramon Williams and Davon House are also set to hit the open market and both have the ability to start in the NFL.

Until deals with Cobb and Bulaga get done, the Packers won't know how much salary-cap space they'll have to sign Williams, House and the rest of the free-agent class of more than a dozen players. Much hinges upon the amount of years and guaranteed money Cobb and Bulaga ultimately receive.

If the Packers are still in negotiations with Cobb and Bulaga, Williams and House might get impatient. And they're under no obligation to wait for the Packers.

Both players will be looking for starting gigs, and if they're offered such an opportunity by another NFL team, they'll quite probably take them up on it.

The situation the Packers are facing is laid out quite plainly by former NFL general manager Mark Dominik in a piece for ESPN.com.

Putting himself in the shoes of Ted Thompson, Dominik specificially references Cobb and Bulaga, writing:

The likeliest scenario is that we're going to have to overpay one a little bit with a long-term extension in order to keep him off the open market, and then let the other one see what he can get elsewhere with the hope that we can eventually bring him back at a reasonable contract. If we try to extend both guys prior to the start of free agency, we're going to have to overpay and it'll make it tough to bring back any of our other free agents, and you worry about setting a bad precedent for future negotiations as well.

As you can see, it's a Catch-22 for the Packers. They don't want to overpay for the services of Cobb and Bulaga, but they don't want to risk losing them either. And they're going to want to enter into negotiations with the rest of their free agents too.

Even House admitted that he's at least third in the priority pecking order in a recent interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"Randall isn’t done, Bulaga isn’t done, so I’m not going to be done," House said. "I won’t be back until they all get done. It makes no sense for me to get done before them."

It's possible the Packers aren't worried about House or Williams leaving. For one, the cornerback position has pretty good depth without them. Players under contract that will return in 2015 include Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Micah Hyde and Demetri Goodson in addition to any rookies that might be added.

People tend to overlook the fact that the Packers can also get draft-pick compensation if free agents sign with another team, much like they'll receive compensatory selections for losing players like wide receiver James Jones and offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith last season.

It's also in the realm of possibility that the Packers would be happy to have either House or Williams return but not the other.

They risk losing both, however, as time passes without getting Cobb and Bulaga signed to the dotted line first.

 

Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor at Cheesehead TV and its "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].

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Comments (44)

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White92's picture

February 27, 2015 at 11:55 am

What is your opinion on Williams vs House? 6 of one, half a dozen of the other?

I lean a bit toward House, even though he has had a bit of a problem staying on the field.

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HankScorpio's picture

February 27, 2015 at 12:35 pm

I would lean to House as well. Just because of age.

No doubt in my mind that Tramon was the far better player in 2014. But he'll be 32 in March. You just don't know how many decent years he has left in him....if he has any. You're playing with fire signing DBs that age.

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Idiot Fan's picture

February 27, 2015 at 01:47 pm

I love Tramon, but I think he is on the decline and House is ascending. I strongly advocate bringing House back. And I personally don't think our CB depth is that great without signing House. I love Hayward, but I'm not sure we want him to be our full-time outside CB (though I guess I have to trust that the coaches who see him every day in practice know whether or not he can make that transition). Who knows what we have in Goodson.

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NickPerry's picture

February 28, 2015 at 06:04 am

Well if you go by last season they don't have much in Goodson IMO. I'm still trying to figure out why we let Jumal Rolle get away and kept Goodson on the roster, especially after the 2014 preseason.

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4thand1's picture

February 28, 2015 at 09:40 am

They kept him for speed.

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HankScorpio's picture

February 27, 2015 at 12:32 pm

Generically speaking, CB is most important position of the three. Once you bring the actual players in to the equation, things are not quite so clear. Clearly Bulaga and Cobb are better than House. It's not quite so easy to say about Williams but his age makes him less valuable in the open market, anyways.

I don't get why getting one of the two CBs done is not equal in priority. With $32 mil in space, it would seem clear they would be unwilling to use that entire amount (minus rookie pool) on Cobb & Bulaga. So I would certainly be directing Russ Ball to pursue 3 deals before worrying about others if I was TT. Maybe it's a good thing for the team that I'm not making those choices. But I would hate to get stuck with substandard options at CB.

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Denver's picture

February 27, 2015 at 12:32 pm

Focus on Cobb and House IMO. If someone wants to pay Williams and/or Bulaga the big bucks then let them go.
And then I hope they sign 2 FA ILB's and draft 2 more. I would like to spend the next few years enjoying watching the Pack's ILB's instead of covering my eyes. Or throwing things....

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NickPerry's picture

February 28, 2015 at 01:05 pm

Good points, Bulaga was really good this last season but can we count on him to stay healthy? Before this last season he'd missed 26 straight games including playoffs. Love Bulaga but I'd rather see Cobb and House back for sure and maybe try a sign a guy like Bruce Carter who shouldn't be that pricey.

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SpikedMocha's picture

February 27, 2015 at 12:38 pm

Regardless of what happens with the FA corners, Casey Hayward needs to start seeing more playing time. He's the best on the team in coverage, bar none.

I am interested in seeing if the team retains Jarrett Bush and what kind of contract he gets. He was one of their best Special Teamers in a disappointing 2014 for the unit.

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4thand1's picture

February 28, 2015 at 09:41 am

Howard got dejocked in OT in Seattle. I don't think he's fast enough. haha, brainfart Hayward.

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TKWorldWide's picture

March 01, 2015 at 07:33 am

Withdrawn.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 27, 2015 at 04:22 pm

Well, PFF makes Hayward out to be a god. His coverage was in fact excellent when he is used in certain situations. But one can't rely on PFF, nor can one project that Hayward's performance in the slot will be duplicated if he plays outside. I think Hayward can play outside CB, but not nearly at the level he played the slot, or indeed at the level of Shields. Still think Hayward is better in zone than man, but he does have a nose for the ball and the ability to make interceptions.

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Evan's picture

February 27, 2015 at 02:24 pm

House is another young player on the rise - the kind that TT doesn't let go.

I see House much like Starks or Quarless last year - he'll generate a little interest, not as much as we expect, and he'll ultimately be back. Then again, CB is a much more coveted position than RB or TE. So, he'll get more interest than those two. But I still think he comes back.

While I'd love Tramon to come back on a 1 or 2 year deal - it's just not TT's MO. I can see him ending up with Reggie in Oakland.

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4thand1's picture

February 27, 2015 at 02:24 pm

I see him wearing purple.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

February 27, 2015 at 02:37 pm

Oh God I just puked.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

February 27, 2015 at 02:37 pm

Oh God I just puked.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

February 27, 2015 at 04:25 pm

Seriously, he would look horrible in purple. He's headed to Packer HOF so best to stay where he's at for a couple mil and be legend with two more rings.

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Allan Murphy's picture

February 27, 2015 at 02:55 pm

Cory Bankie will Blow his top if the Packers don't resign T.W he will snap on some wisco-disco smhhhhhhhh !!!

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Imma Fubared's picture

February 27, 2015 at 06:40 pm

I think they lack speed and size and are not that great in coverage - hence long pass plays against them have been a plague on this team for three seasons now. Time for some size and speed.

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4thand1's picture

February 27, 2015 at 09:49 pm

Yeah, they grow on trees. Take your pick.

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NewNikeShoes's picture

March 01, 2015 at 05:27 pm

can u go be a dipshit somewhere else?

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TKWorldWide's picture

February 28, 2015 at 06:35 am

I would not expect TT to come right out and say it, but, for a quite a while now, I suspect that what he does is this: for each player, he establishes a fairly firm "ceiling" as to how much $ he will offer. If a FA gets an offer for significantly more (or demands more), he shows them the door.

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4thand1's picture

February 28, 2015 at 09:44 am

Jennings wasn't offered much more and he walked. I'll bet he lost money because you don't see him doing Old Spice commercials anymore , or any other endorsements.

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TKWorldWide's picture

February 28, 2015 at 11:35 am

I think you are right.
I think TT is just very, very disciplined about not exceeding his "ceiling". He is just as aware of the market price as any player/agent.
I also think he has supreme confidence in the team's ability to develop what he drafts.
There is also the likelihood that my ideas here are garbage and you all just got a little bit dumber for having read them.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 28, 2015 at 02:06 pm

I'll take the risk of getting dumber, TK. Keep posting.

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NickPerry's picture

March 01, 2015 at 10:08 am

Now there's talk that Jennings might be cut from the Vikings. That $8.9 million salary this year isn't looking so good to them now. The way he left, what he said, what his sister said, the greed, getting cut from the Queens would be the perfect ending for jennings time in Minnesota.

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Zola Davis's picture

March 01, 2015 at 06:23 pm

TK, i agree with your TT assessment. I believe that it starts with the player and/or agent is unsatisfied with the offer from TT/RB. GB says, ok; go test the market and get back to us. GB can do this (verbally) because they are legit Super Bowl contenders every year, not just wanna be's. When the market declares the value for said player, GB can choose if it wants to fit it into their cap or not. Very ethical way of doing business, GB doesnt risk overpaying, and the player gets fair market value, whether they like it or not.

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badaxed's picture

February 28, 2015 at 09:56 am

Sign cobb, sign house, sign maualaga (FA), draft a defensive lineman in the first round, inside linbacker in the 2nd round, offensive tackle in the third round, tight end in 4th round, cornerback in 5th rd, best athletes for special teams after that.

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TKWorldWide's picture

February 28, 2015 at 11:31 am

Assuming there are players worthy at those points.
Otherwise, you have a "reach fest" and a recipe for disaster.

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pooch's picture

February 28, 2015 at 04:49 pm

So how would Dockett look like on the roster?

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pacman's picture

March 01, 2015 at 09:19 am

Question for all - Cobb or Suh?

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BradHTX's picture

March 01, 2015 at 10:25 am

Stop. Just stop. Why is this even a question... An incredibly productive Packer player, or a dirtbag who intentionally steps on an injured superstar's leg?

Suh is not "Packer people." He has physical talent but a rotten soul. But regardless, this is not the kind of FA signing TT does. Guion yes, Suh no. Put the Suh talk to bed, it isn't goin to and shouldn't happen.

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4thand1's picture

March 01, 2015 at 10:30 am

Suh. I don't like him and hard to trust him, but Rodgers makes WRers. Cobb has skills you can't teach and his numbers will probably drop off significantly with another team. Suh on the other hand is a game changer and the whole league knows it. Where ever he goes he'll stretch a teams cap thin. Plus he's not a locker room and team guy from what I've read. He made a comment that he wants to play for a winner. WTG, throw your team under the bus. So in the end, sign Cobb, there's more to gain.

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NewNikeShoes's picture

March 01, 2015 at 05:32 pm

I got a question too-Justin Houston or Cobb

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Zola Davis's picture

March 01, 2015 at 07:35 pm

While I don't condone selling out for one Lombardi. Here's my view: I think Bulaga signs, Cobb I'm not so sure. Bulaga and Kuhn remain as QB1's security blanket with only Tolzien as backup, and a rookie on PS. Should something happen to QB1, Tolzien can let Lacy carry the load, because he will have the best FB in football and a solid veteran OLine. As for Cobb, yes it would be great to keep him, but again, QB1 makes the receivers, not vice versa. Between Jordy and the 3 WRs and TE that were drafted last year and the possiblity of getting another servicable receiver in the draft I think GB will click on offense.

Defense is quite the puzzle. House vs Tramon; Guion was just taking some weed home so he could throw a party. Dumb? Yes. Let it go. Raji? Peppers brings leadership to the lockerroom. I ponder when Matthews will bring leadership, but I digress. I see two or three ILB's drafted, but foresee bigger LBers becoming interchangable with Dlinemen (like Perry) (within reason), and smaller LBers interchangable with Safety's (like Richardson). Quick and interchangable keeps the player on the field. I wouldn't mind seeing a DLineman drafted, either.
You can now return to reality.

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4thand1's picture

March 01, 2015 at 09:26 pm

Either way you slice it, there's gonna be changes. We'll know after the draft because the Packers won't spend on other FA's.

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Zola Davis's picture

March 01, 2015 at 10:25 pm

IMHO, if you're hoping for Suh, you'll be disappointed. If you trust TT to bring in another Guion, you may be rewarded. While some players will want maximum dollars. Others would easily give up some money to be able to say that they played (won) the Super Bowl. Each player, especially young, on-the-bubble types has different points of view similar to HS students picking colleges, tech school, or careers.

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4thand1's picture

March 01, 2015 at 11:06 pm

No, Suh is out of the picture. Your right about some guys anting a ring. I think Peppers will be back. Dockett may feel that way also.

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sheppercheeser's picture

March 04, 2015 at 06:43 am

I say let Cobb walk (I know, I know-don't hate me), hope that Janis, Abbredaris, or Davante step up and sign Bulaga for the line continuity. Williams had a good year, but he seems to do that in contract years. I say sign House because of the upside re his youth and let TW go.

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HankScorpio's picture

March 04, 2015 at 09:00 am

I would let him test the market, for sure. If the market is less insane than some reports, keep Cobb. If it is as insane as some reports, your plan of letting him go works for me.

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TKWorldWide's picture

March 04, 2015 at 08:46 pm

Yep. TT will make (has already made?) a fair and reasonable offer. All it takes is one team to offer crazy money, in which case TT will bid 18 best of luck. Enjoy......(Oakland? Jacksonville? Kansas City? Wherever.)

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TKWorldWide's picture

March 04, 2015 at 09:46 pm

Do teams assess Cobb accurately? Do they take into account the fact that he's played with Rodgers in a very good offense? One that led the league in scoring? Do they think they plug him in and automatically get 90+ catches and 12 TD's?

Not saying Cobb isn't talented. He is. But I have a hard time imagining him producing at that level on a crappy team.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 05, 2015 at 06:25 am

Well to add to your point.

Last year James Jones leaves Green Bay to play for Oakland. In 2013 with the Packers Jones had 59 receptions 817 yards 13.8 avg. In 2014 he had 73 receptions for 666 yards, 9.1 avg. Every year in Green bay he averaged no less then 12.3 yards per reception.

Greg Jennings leaves a couple of years ago and has equal decline in production. Other then his final year in Green Bay in which he only started 5 games, he averaged no less then 14 yards per reception. The 2 years in Minnesota he averaged 11.8 and 12.6.

There is a definite drop off in production for these players leaving Green Bay.

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HankScorpio's picture

March 05, 2015 at 08:44 am

More examples of Packer players leaving to bomb elsewhere would be Antonio Freeman and Bill Schroeder, both of whom should have given a slice of their FA deal to Favre for making them look better than they were.

It is not unique to players leaving GB. Look at Erik Dekker leaving Payton Manning for Mike Vick (or whoever).

It works the other way, too. Wes Welker was just a guy in Miami. He went to NE to catch from Brady and became a superstar. NE has a long, rich history of taking 2nd tier pass catchers to form a lethal pass offense.

I won't go so far as to say talent is irrelevant for a pass catcher. But I will say that great QBs make pass catchers more productive than their talent justifies. That's why I want Cobb back (he's obviously talented) but won't get all that down if he's not. Rodgers ain't going anywhere.

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