I don't really recall any writers or followers or fans making any of those guys out to be a big deal like you are saying. Hayward would be the only one who has gotten much "hype" but even then we've seen good slot CBs from other teams meet cool markets in FA so he's not even unique there.

From all reports the former 1st and 2nd round picks that were on the market last year were garnering plenty of interest (Bulaga,Cobb)

But there is obviously a difference between a one-year contract that is basically no risk and a long-term deal of $24 million of whatever. I'm with others in thinking that Trevathan won't be nearly as good when he's not on a superstar defense. It doesn't mean he's not good, but it might mean he's not worth the money and the loss of other players or compensatory draft picks, potentially.

The Perry signing is just a one year band-aid with upside until the Packers hopefully retool with some nice draft picks soon. The Trevathan signing is a commitment to making him a foundation piece of the defense. Apples and oranges comparing the two really. Plus, Perry played well in the playoffs. All he needs to do is stay healthy. He's a good player when healthy and is likely still ascending.

Let's see how good of a season Trevathan has and revisit this topic this time next year. Although to be fair, I think I would rather have Trevathan than Julius Peppers. But that might mean losing a very good player next year and a compensatory draft pick, so I'm still uncertain. It's not the signing of Nick Perry that concerns me. But I think the Packers could do a little more with what money they could have available. I just don't think Julius Peppers adds much value at this point. He disappears far too often.