From PFT


Packers check out Chukwurah

Posted by Mike Florio on December 9, 2009 1:53 PM ET

Veteran defensive end Patrick Chukwurah, who played for the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009, could be returning to the NFL.

Per a league source, Chukwurah worked out for the Packers on Tuesday.

The 30-year old Chukwurah spent his first two NFL seasons with the Vikings, after being selected by Minnesota in round five of the 2001 draft.

He was out of football in 2003, and he signed with the Broncos in 2004. After three years in Denver, Chukwurah signed with the Buccaneers, where he was on the teams roster in 2007 and 2008.

In Green Bay, Chukwurah likely would be moved to linebacker in the team's 3-4 defense.

But first they have to sign him. For now, they haven't.

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Now that'd be one desperate move. Lol.

Jamaal Reynolds is still out there, as well.

But in all seriousness, why go after this guy if you have a Brent Hawkins still sitting out there. Both would be back-ups, at best, I asume. Only difference is that Hawkins still has some potential and actually got to the QB on a D-line in Jacksonville where he got no help at all from the other side.

I hope that we're just looking at some options.

Why would this be a desperate move?

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He's been a career back-up, and a very mediocre one at that. He didn't play a game in 2008 and hasn't had any really impressive numbers in the UFL, which is worse than having practice squads play eachother. And he's 30 years old, already.

And we're looking at him.

If we sign him, this shows me that we're quite desperate for some depth at that position. Someone who has played before. Maybe we see him as a player who has some potential if we convert him to a 3-4 OLB, which he hasn't played yet.

Still, there are some better guys out there, if you ask me. Like I said, Brent Hawkins is still out there. A 3rd year player, who had some 4.5 sacks over 2 years as a back-up in Jacksonville. He's someone I'd be interested in, as he has a future in front of him, as well.

Dont forget James Harrison didn't have his breakout Defensive MVP season till he was 30 and he was cut multiple times. Not saying hes going to be the next James Harrison just saying I dont really think it would be a desperation move. Its a very low risk signing if it even happens and you never know it can always end up being a high reward.

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He had his breakout season the year before that, but yes, you're right on that one.

It's just such an improbable scenario. I'd rather have us signing the 26 year old guy with some potential than the 30 year old one who has been a career back up.

I guess it's worth a shot, though, if you have a free roster spot.

I never heard of the guy, till now.

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I've read the stuff, I just don't see how this is a desperate move. I think it is more on the lines of checking all resources and really, who can complain about that?

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I dont think we do have a free roster spot now we've signed Ford, Bell and Obiozor, but I might be wrong.

The fact all 4 of our DLineman are banged up and potential game time decisions on Sunday would explain if we brought in some big DL guys, but a linebacker?

We already struggle to get enough snaps to all our guys, we have Poppinga as a backup, Chillar is versatile and we've signed Obiozor so one assumes we're going to play him.

I like that we're investigating all possible avenues including the UFL - there's probably the odd gem there that's slipped through the crack - but i'd rather be signing guys with a chance of sticking on the roster next training camp (Bell) than 30 year old career backups at a position of strength.

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All they did was work the guy out. There's no indication yet they've even made him an offer.

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