Scott Wells is out, so he could be trade bait. Brad Biggs
One of the starting jobs on the Green Bay offensive line was going to go to Jason Spitz. Now that it’s been settled that he’ll play center, the next step might be a contract extension.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy unveiled his plans for the re-tooled offensive line on Monday, announcing that Spitz was chosen at center over veteran Scott Wells, who Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports could quickly become trade bait.
APScott Wells
Josh Sitton prevailed at right guard and Allen Barbre will be the replacement for longtime right tackle Mark Tauscher. None of the moves is a surprise, and the competition went down like most observers figured it would.
“To be honest with you, it was a very tough decision,” McCarthy told reporters. “I mean, Scott Wells has graded out at a very high level. Scott’s probably one of our top three or four linemen as far as grading out in the preseason.”
In essence, the Packers chose Spitz and Sitton over Wells because Spitz has more experience playing right guard than he does center. The stated goal of the team was to get bigger up front, and Spitz is listed at 1½ inches taller and six pounds heavier than Wells. Sitton, a fourth-round pick in 2008, is 322 pounds. Spitz was moved to center when the offseason began as Wells underwent shoulder surgery.
The question now is what to do with the 28-year-old Wells. He’s only two years into a $15-million, five-year contract.
“Scott's a professional,” McCarthy said. “I didn't expect him to be excited about it, and he was not. He had a few questions, I answered them very honestly and he understands why we made that move.”
McGinn identifies Seattle as a potential destination for Wells. Seahawks center Chris Spencer is out 4-6 weeks with a tear in his quadriceps muscle. Their offensive line has been ravaged by injuries, and at some point they may need to consider help on the interior as well as at tackle given the uncertainty surrounding future Hall of Famer Walter Jones. Thing is, with Wells making $1.5 million this season, a team will probably have to need him as a starter to justify a deal.
Follow me on Twitter: BradBiggs
So you get your last name in a headline for regurgitating someone else's work. Where do I sign up?
Trade him to Kansas City-- our offensive line is in desperate need of veteran ability, any kind of ability, actually...
Our left side is strong, with pro-bowler Brian Waters at left guard and 2008, first rounder Brandon Albert at left tackle. However, center, right guard and right tackle is woefully bad. So bad, we just traded with the Fins to get their 3rd string guards.
Seriously, trade Wells to KC, please.
I hope the Pack keeps him, because if anything happens to College or Sitton, Spitz has the ability to play either guard position, and play it well. We can then plug Wells into center and not miss a beat. The only way Wells becomes expendable is if they feel T.J. Lang can man either guard spot, which he may even though he's a rookie. They were talking about him having a great chance to earn that starting right tackle spot this year. At any rate, please don't settle for a 6th round pick for Wells. He's a solid starting lineman, and we should get compensated as such.
The Packers would be happy to get a 6th for Wells.
Unexpectedly, the kid Dieterich-Smith has proved he can play center.
They get younger and cheaper. The other team gets a good player and the Packers get a pick.
The Packers would be happy to get a 6th for Wells.
Unexpectedly, the kid Dieterich-Smith has proved he can play center.
They get younger and cheaper. The other team gets a good player and the Packers get a pick.
Snake Plissken? I thought you were dead!?
| powered by TheSeats.com |
Caldwell made the decision
On the road back from microfracture...
Says vanity plate could create...
Former 49ers, Ravens defensive...
Small-school prospects add to...
Aug 25, 2009
10:04 AM
If Seattle does make a move for Wells, he is more likely to be playing RG. Seattle wants Max Unger to be the C, and so does Max. Before Spencer went down, Unger was projected to be the starting RG. Spencer will more than likely not be with Seattle after this season, who will be a free agent at end of the season.
No question this upgrades Seattle's OL depth. Question becomes, what will Green Bay's price be?