"Tag You're It" Says Ted!

Feb. 24, Ted Thompson places the Franchise Tag on Green Bay Packers nose tackle Ryan Pickett. Pickett has been an impact player for the Packers since they signed him as a free agent from the St. Louis Rams. He has been excellent against the run and solid against the pass. Pickett also had a solid first year in the Packers transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense.
During the switch it was questioned whether or not Pickett could make the switch from a defensive tackle to a nose tackle. Picket did an excellent job in his first year. With this in mind the Packers will owe Pickett more than $7 million for the tag, but the way Thompson has used the tag in the past Pickett could be saying good bye to Green Bay, or saying hello to another contract.
Thompson has been known to use his franchise tags to keep the rights of players to trade them away as he did with defensive tackle Corey Williams a few years ago when he was sent to the Cleveland Browns. With Pickett turning 31 in a couple of months this is a likely option for the team to do. Also the fact that the Packers spent their ninth overall pick in last years draft on BJ Raji, it is likely that this could be happening.
The most intriguing part of this story is what affect will this have with outside linebacker Aaron Kampman's contract situation. Kampman is coming off a major knee injury and is not getting any younger. He also struggled in the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker in his first year. He was a liability in coverage and was not able to rush the passer enough to put up solid numbers.
The thing is that many speculated that Kampman would be the one to possibly receive the franchise tag this offseason and potentially be traded somewhere where he could go back to playing defensive end. With Pickett receiving the tag instead many wonder what will happen with Kampman. He is a fan favorite and is loved, but Packers' fans are still unsure if he fits in with the new defense. Will the Packers be able to sign him to a short term deal that is reasonable? Or will Kampman find a new home?

Noah Hanstedt