Charles Woodson‘s agent, Carl Poston, mentioned that he’s “optimistic” that his client will be playing for the Packers next season.
“I guess the Packers have to make a decision,” Poston said, via the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “Is having Charles out there worth $11 million a year? I would think so because he’s one of the better defensive players. He’s not what he was but he’s much more valuable than most defensive players, period.”
Woodson, 36, is set to make $10 million for the upcoming season, which includes incentives and bonuses.
The Packers, meanwhile, are in a position where they will need plenty of cap space if they’re to prevent players like Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji from leaving in the coming years. On top of that, there are questions as to whether or not Woodson is still capable of justifying that kind of salary.
In 9 games this season, Woodson totaled 50 tackles, 1½ sacks, one interception and seven pass breakups, which is hardly the kind of production you would expect from someone making $10 million. Woodson broke his collarbone for the second time in the last two years.
There’s a chance that the Packers could renegotiate his contract given that he still has two years remaining on his current deal. Green Bay could wait until the first day of training camp before deciding what to do.
Jason La Canfora reports that league sources have said they expect to see TE Jermichael Finley playing elsewhere next season.
Finley, 25, is due a $3.5 million roster bonus in March, so we’ll obviously know whether or not he’ll be back in Green Bay by then. Finely has a $4.45 million base salary this season as well.
The Packers haven’t given any indication that he won’t be back next season and there’s no clear replacement for him on their current roster. Andrew Quarless is coming off of a serious leg injury and D.J. Williams hasn’t developed into a force in the passing game.
Jason La Canfora mentions that DT Ryan Pickett as a potential be a cap casualty this offseason.
Pickett, 33, is set to make a $5.4 million base salary and is due a $500,000 roster bonus due in March. Pickett has actually been a very serviceable player for Green Bay, mainly as a run-stopper. The Packers could use additional help up front, so parting with Pickett would leave them with an obvious hole to fill.
Jovan Olafioye
According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Packers brought in CFL OT Jovan Olafioye last Thursday, but he wasn’t able to gain medical clearance.
The same thing happened with the Rams as Olafioye’s issues stem from hypertension.
“It’s my blood pressure, but I’ve got it under control,” said Olafioye. “I’ve been to so many doctors and I’ve been cleared by them all.”
Olafioye mentioned that the Ravens and Steelers have also shown interest in him.
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