The points in this thread are well taken. Especially losing a player like Rodgers, and the impact that would have on any team. Since S went pretty much unaddressed in the draft, I took a look at some players who signed FA deals this year at the position, and some who are still available:
SS Bernard Pollard signed a $2M 1 year deal with TEN. He is playing lights out there. Pollard is one player I was hoping we would pursue, as he has the toughness we've been lacking at SS. Switch Burnett to FS. He is only playing on a 1 year deal, so, maybe next season… 3 INTs, 5 PDs, 3 STFs, 1 KB
SS Glover Quinn was a nice FA pick up by DET out of HOU. 1 FR, 2 INTs, 2 STFs
FS Kerry Rhodes is an 8 year veteran who is 6-3" 212, and had a great 2012 season with AZ. Good career numbers. He remains unsigned. We certainly could have used his play at FS. There is a lot of turmoil about his possibly being black balled for being openly gay. This is an intriguing player, as his abilities are really quite good, as is his athleticism, size and speed. We really could have done well to have signed him this offseason. 4 INTs 11 PDs, 1 sack, 2 FFs.
SS Nate Clements, though older, at 33, might have been a nice veteran presence for us. He remains unsigned. Had a good season last year. 1 INT, 1 FF, 5 PDs, 1 STF
SS Yeremiah Bell is having a great season with AZ, at 35 years old. 2 INTs, 7 PDs, 1 sack, 4 STFs.
SS Dawan Landry is also having a pretty good season with NYJ, at 30 years old. 1 INT, 6 PDs, 1 sack.
FS Jim Leonhard is having a really solid year with BUF at 31 years old. 3 picks from a non-starter.
None of these would have been considered marquee signings (with the possible exception of Rhodes), but these older veteran players are performing well with their new teams after signing FA deals in 2013. Sometimes I wonder if we might be too concerned with the 30 years of age barrier in today's NFL, and especially in GB, where we have been one of the youngest teams for years. Personally, I would like to see a more veteran presence back there with Burnett.
Jairus Byrd was another FS that I was hoping Ted would pursue in trade. Maybe he did. Guy is playing very well right now for BUF, but I believe there was a point where BUF was actively looking to make a deal. In just 7 games since ironing out his contract issues, he has 1 sack, 3 INTs and 5 PDs.
I believe every one of the players listed would have been better options than MD Jennings, admittedly with a bit of hindsight looking back on this season… Jennings has 1 sack, 1 FR, 3 STFs, 0 INTs, 0 PDs.