Zero2Cool
15 years ago
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If you believe the pundits, Aaron Kampmans career with the Green Bay Packers is finished.

He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next week. Hes coming off a major knee injury. Hes supposedly not a good fit for the Packers 3-4 defense.

If you try hard enough, you can come up with plenty of reasons why Kampman will likely find a new employer after spending eight years in Green Bay. But there are just as many factors, maybe more, why the Packers should keep him, and why it would be a big mistake to let Kampman get away without a fight.

Like most NFL teams, the Packers are desperate for a pass rusher. In particular they need someone solid at left outside linebacker to complement Clay Matthews, who as a rookie last season produced a team-high 10 sacks.

The Packers can scour the free-agent market and sift through this years draft class and never find anyone as good as Kampman to fill that pressing need.

Too much has been made of Kampman being miscast as a 3-4 outside linebacker last season after he played as a 4-3 defensive end for seven years.

No, Kampman didnt dance down Lombardi Avenue with glee when the Packers changed their defensive scheme a year ago, and naturally there were growing pains during the transition. But one important point that tends to get overlooked is Kampman was improving in his new role before suffering a season-ending anterior cruciate knee ligament injury in November.

Kampman wasnt an instant impact player in the 4-3 defense either but given time, he developed into a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end. Based on his track record, dedication, work ethic and will to succeed, there is no doubt he could flourish in the 3-4.

Even though he played in only nine games in the 3-4 defense, Kampman finished second on the team with 28 quarterback hits.

Many questions linger about a 30-year-old coming off knee surgery, but if anyone possesses the determination to bounce back, its Kampman. Hes as close as it gets to a guaranteed investment.

General Manager Ted Thompson said last month he planned to extend a contract offer to Kampman. Thompson would be wise to put those words into action, open the team checkbook and let Kampman know how highly he is regarded. Beyond his physical skills, its hard to put a price tag on Kampmans locker room presence and leadership.

The knee injury will scare away some free-agent shoppers and decrease Kampmans value on the open market. But that presumably means the Packers wont have to break the bank to keep him.

Kampman said in January he was hopeful of re-signing with the Packers, which tells me a generous offer might convince him to stay.

If the Packers are serious about making a Super Bowl run, one weakness they must address is their pass defense. The best way to shore that up is by increasing pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Kampman is the most obvious solution to that problem. Despite what the pundits say, he would look very good in a Packers uniform this season and for years to come.


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shield4life
15 years ago
It all depends if we could get something in return, if not keep the guy around.
Glad To Be A Packers Fan.
doddpower
15 years ago
I would like to see him back and utilized as a pass rush specialist on 3rd downs. I would like to see more four man fronts in our nickle package with Jenkings, Raji, Jolly, and Kampman rushing the passer.

He would be a very expensive pass rusher, but I think we could afford it. However, I don't see it happening, unfortunately. 😞
Rockmolder
15 years ago
He'd hurt us more as a Packer than as a Bear, if you ask me.

Let the man walk. He's not an amazing athlete, he's a guy who thrives on winning the leverage battle and on a high motor. I don't think that he'll ever succeed as an OLB.
doddpower
15 years ago

He'd hurt us more as a Packer than as a Bear, if you ask me.

Let the man walk. He's not an amazing athlete, he's a guy who thrives on winning the leverage battle and on a high motor. I don't think that he'll ever succeed as an OLB.

"Rockmolder" wrote:




If money wasn't an issue though, he could still be a great asset. Great leadership and locker room presence, and a great pass rusher. Like I said, I want more 4 man fronts with Kampman's hand on the ground playing defensive end on 3rd and longs. I just really don't like the 2-4-5 nickle package.

So yes, IF money wasn't such an issue, he'd be a great asset. Not to mention if he came back and got 10 or so sacks as a pass rushing specialist this year he'd make for some great trade bait next year.
Pack93z
15 years ago
Unless Kampman gives us a discount on his contract.. because he might be more of a part time situational player verses a 4-3 team.. I think he will have a new address come fall.

I think, to clamor for keeping (him) on the roster for premium money is more emotional than logical.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
zombieslayer
15 years ago
Remember when years ago, we said that Kampy is a situational player as he's top notch against the run but can't rush the QB? Then he became a sack artist as well?

Well, what if he just takes one more year in our D? I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm just saying we've underestimated Kampy in the past and he's proven us wrong in the past.

Maybe it's wishful thinking on my part. Maybe there's something to it.
My man Donald Driver
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(thanks to Pack93z for the pic)
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beast (22-Apr) : What is he supposed to say? He doesn't want players currently on the team?
Martha Careful (21-Apr) : meh
Zero2Cool (21-Apr) : Sounds like Walker and Wyatt will be with Packers for beyond 2026
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wpr (21-Apr) : Slow posting in Fan shout.
wpr (21-Apr) : Only 4
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Zero2Cool (21-Apr) : If only we had a topic to read about and discuss it. That's something new website must have!!!
dfosterf (21-Apr) : Justice Musqueda over at Acme Packing put up an excellent synopsis of the Packers 1st round options this am
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Zero2Cool (16-Apr) : sounds like Packers don't get good compensation, Jaire staying
dfosterf (16-Apr) : Nobody coming up with a keep, but at x amount
dfosterf (16-Apr) : Trade, cut or keep
dfosterf (16-Apr) : that from Jaire
dfosterf (16-Apr) : My guess is the Packers floated the concept of a reworked contract via his agent and agent got a f'
Zero2Cool (16-Apr) : Yes, and that is why I think Rob worded it how he did. Rather than say "agent"
dfosterf (16-Apr) : Same laws apply. Agent must present such an offer to Jaire. Cannot accept or reject without presenting it
Zero2Cool (16-Apr) : I'm thinking that is why Rob worded it how he did.
dfosterf (16-Apr) : The Packers can certainly still make the offer to the agent
dfosterf (16-Apr) : Laws of agency and definition of fiduciary responsibility
dfosterf (16-Apr) : Jaire is open to a reduced contract without Jaire's permission
dfosterf (16-Apr) : The agent would arguably violate the law if he were to tell the Packers
Zero2Cool (16-Apr) : That someone ... likely the agent.
Zero2Cool (16-Apr) : So, Jaire has not been offered nor rejected a pay reduction, but someone says he'd decline.
Zero2Cool (16-Apr) : Demovksy says t was direct communication with someone familiar with Jaire’s line of thinking at that moment.
Zero2Cool (16-Apr) : Demovsky just replied to me a bit ago. Jaire hasn't said it.
dfosterf (16-Apr) : Of course, that depends on the definition of "we"
dfosterf (16-Apr) : We have been told that they haven't because he wouldn't accept it. I submit we don't know that
dfosterf (16-Apr) : What is the downside in making a calculated reduced offer to Jaire?
Zero2Cool (15-Apr) : Packers are receiving interest in Jaire Alexander but a trade is not imminent
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dfosterf (15-Apr) : I may have to move
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Zero2Cool (14-Apr) : I think a dozen is what I need
dfosterf (14-Apr) : Go fund me for this purpose just might work. A dozen nurses show up at 1265 to provide mental health assistance.
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