The approval rating for Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson might have plummeted to an all-time low this week.
Dealing with the lingering effects of the Brett Favre trade last summer followed by the Packers disappointing 6-10 record was bad enough. But when Thompson failed to land any players in the early stages of free agency, his critics began braying like rented mules.
The rallying cry from a restless fan base went something like this: Do something anything to upgrade the roster and appease us.
To which Thompson, during an appearance at the University of Wisconsin pro day on Wednesday, calmly replied: We dont want to sign a guy just so we can say, Look! or just to put another guy on the pile. We want a guy who can come in and fill a particular role. It doesnt have to be a starter, doesnt have to be all that. If a guy can do something to help our team and give us a better chance in the fall, thats what well do.
Crack on him if you must, but at least give Thompson credit for standing up for his convictions. He refuses to engage in senseless overbidding for underwhelming talent even in the face of sharp criticism.
Thats why Thompson took a pass on free agent defensive lineman Chris Canty, who signed with the New York Giants for an exorbitant $42 million over six years despite never earning a Pro Bowl berth.
Thats why Thompson never bothered to enter the bidding for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who was paid a kings ransom $41 million guaranteed and $100 million total over seven years by the Washington Redskins.
Thompson never will let the urge for a quick fix get in the way of common sense, and that drives his critics nuts. They want instant gratification, which is in stark contrast to Thompsons measured approach to building a team.
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder might be considered the anti-Thompson in NFL circles.
He grew up a staunch supporter of the Redskins, and when he bought the team a decade ago proceeded to act out like a fan. That is to say, he threw millions of dollars at the most attractive free agents in a quest to achieve immediate success.
In the eyes of many Redskins fans, no one is smarter or more popular than Snyder in the spring. But when the Redskins consistently flop in the fall, no one looks more foolish.
The Redskins have qualified for the playoffs just twice in the last nine seasons under Snyder and never have advanced past the divisional round.
But that didnt stop the free-spending Snyder from doling out $171 million in contracts last week for Haynesworth, cornerback DeAngelo Hall and guard Derrick Dockery.
In stark contrast, the only unrestricted free agent Thompson signed in 2007 was cornerback Frank Walker, yet the Packers went 13-3 that year and advanced to the NFC championship game.
Thompson isnt averse to throwing big money at free agents, as evidenced by his signing of Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett in 2006. But the player and the price must be right.
This is not an argument in favor of maintaining the status quo. The Packers took a big step backward last season, and management must be held accountable. Thompson clearly needs to upgrade the Packers defense, particularly the front seven, which played a key role in the teams second-half slide.
But that doesnt mean he should act out of desperation, which would only make matters worse.
Thompson has ammunition with four of the top 83 picks in next months draft, including the ninth overall. In addition, there is plenty of time to sign second-tier free agents or pull off a trade. Just because Thompson doesnt keep up with the Snyders of the NFL world in March doesnt mean the Packers are destined for failure in September.
Thompson cant make football decisions based on fan sentiment. He learned that from former Packers General Manager Ron Wolf.
You cant really worry about it, Wolf recently told me about public criticism. Because youre trying to do what in your mind is in the best interests of the team.
You could be wrong, but you have to live with yourself.
Thompson should ultimately be judged on the Packers record this season, not how much money he spends on free agents.