Sigh, what an underwhelming move. No way this isn't a step down at center. I'm sorry, but this reminds me of Ted Year I, when he thought he could get by with Klemm and that other no name interior lineman.
Five years ago, Saturday was a stud. Today, he's just a below-average center trying to get by on grit and veteran wiliness.
Assuming he is the Day 1 starter, don't be surprised if he is replaced before mid-season.
If I was 🇦🇷 , this exchange of Wells for Saturday would piss me off.
Originally Posted by: Wade
Let's have a look at the financial side of this one first.
A 36 year old center (will be 37 when the season starts) might be joining a team like the Packers to actually win the big one.
Wells got 24 million with 13 guaranteed over 4 years. He's a one-time Pro-Bowler who really found his groove only this year... His contract year. I'm pretty sure that last year we where calling him a "decent" option and especially you were pretty set on drafting 20 offensive linemen to replace everyone but Sitton.
Saturday's contract might just be a very reasonable one, actually allowing us some cap space to sign our draft picks. Especially since he's on the downside of his career.
Next to that, he's still playing a very reasonable level. His tank isn't empty just yet. His last Pro-Bowl and All-Pro (Bit more important) weren't that long ago. Linemen usually have a longer arc of decline than, let's say, cornerbacks.
Lastly, that veteran wiliness you talk about... He might just be the best in the league. The linecalls he makes, the vision he has... Peyton gets all the credit for figuring out how to put up some big numbers with below-average lineplay, but Wells got the most out of those awfully average linemen, as well.
I'm not saying he's an upgrade over Wells, physically, but mentally he is. And he could just come at a cheaper price than Wells would've. I don't see why you'd not like this signing.