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Re-signed
The Packers made a big deal of re-signing tackle Bryan Bulaga and receiver Randall Cobb when free agency began. Both guys underachieved and now appear overpaid, but that’s the nature of how the Packers operate. They overvalue guys they drafted.
Chris Banjo — Banjo was an exclusive rights free agent. He proved to be one of the Packers’ best special teams players in 2015, earning a captain’s star for the playoffs. He’ll be a restricted free agent this year.
Don Barclay — The best thing about this signing is the Packers only gave Barclay a one-year deal as a restricted free agent. That means he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this year and, if there’s any mercy, we won’t be forced to watch Barclay play tackle for the Packers again.
Byran Bulaga — The Packers gave Bulaga a five-year deal that pays him $6.75 million annually and guess what? Typical Bulaga. He missed four games with an injury and was mediocre when he did play. Bulaga had a decent 77.9 grade from PFF in pass protection, but an abysmal 37.3 in run blocking. Basically, the Packers can’t run right for the next four years now. Bulaga has always been overvalued by the Packers because Ted Thompson spent a first-round pick on him.
Randall Cobb — Four years, $40 million. That’s No. 1 receiver money and Cobb looked nothing like a No. 1 receiver in 2015. Should the Packers have let him walk? No, that wouldn’t have been wise, but in hindsight, Cobb is nothing but a good No. 2. Cobb had 79 catches, 829 yards and six touchdowns in 2015. His next three years better be a hell of a lot better.
Letroy Guion — After a career year in 2014 and an offseason arrest, the Packers risked little by giving Guion a one-year, $2.75 million deal with no signing bonus. Even though Guion didn’t come near his 2014 production, he was a decent rotational player and there was really no downside to revisiting this again in 2015.
John Kuhn — The Packers did this guy just like the guy above him, but they paid Kuhn less. The venerable fullback got a one-year deal for $920,000 and no signing bonus. For what Kuhn provided — veteran leadership — that was a steal.
B.J. Raji — Staying with the theme, Raji got a one-year deal worth $1.75 million. With incentives, the deal could have gone over $3 million. Unless those incentives were for most donuts eaten, then we doubt it hit that level. In hindsight, the Packers would have been better with Mike Pennel or Guion in the middle of the defense. Raji turned in 22 tackles and half a sack in 2015 while being amazing invisible for man his size.
Sean Richardson — The Packers actually matched an offer Richardson signed with the Oakland Raiders. One year, $2 million. It was a decent idea. Richardson was a solid special teamer and often got action on defense as a run stopper in 2014. Unfortunately, a neck injury early in the 2015 season has likely put an end to his career.
Scott Tolzien — Tolzien didn’t get any meaningful action in 2015, but he was clearly an upgrade over Matt Flynn at backup quarterback. Since he got a one-year deal, it may be the only year he gets to have that job.