Still buzzing over that riveting LeBron special with the probing questions prior to his announcement such as “How’s your summer?” and “Do you still bite your nails?”…
In my writings this week about the dangers of free agency in the NFL, I received many messages and comments about a successful free agent signing I was involved with at the Packers, that of Charles Woodson. Yes, sometimes free agency in the NFL does work, although in this case, the Packers were fortunate the circumstances played out the way they did.
Wood work
I well remember the chase of Woodson in the spring of 2006. We had just come off a horrendous 4-12 season, Brett Favre was cutting grass in Mississippi yet to decide whether he was playing, and I sensed Green Bay was the last place in the league that Charles wanted to play.
A couple weeks of free agency had passed. Some cornerbacks went off the board -- such as Brian Williams with the Jaguars, who received a $10 million signing bonus on a six-year, $32 million deal -- and Charles was still out there with little interest. The only real suitors were the Packers and Buccaneers, with Tampa’s financial interest being quite lukewarm.
APWoodson had no real choice other than the Packers.
In the end, Woodson had no real choice. If the money were close from Tampa, he probably would have been a Buc. But our offer was significantly more. We finally signed him to a seven-year deal with $18 million in the first three years and heavily incentivized after that (incentives and escalators that he has now earned). After a month of intense negotiations, we finally agreed on the deal and Charles got on the phone with one question: “Do you guys wear black cleats?” (we did not but he still agreed to the deal).
The chase of Woodson proved another mantra about free agency: it is often the price paid for drafting poorly. Woodson’s signing was the direct result of the Packers top pick in the 2004 Draft – cornerback Ahmad Carroll -- having lost the confidence of the staff.
Even as the only true suitor, we had to recruit the agent and player with all the gusto possible. I felt like the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce trying to convince Charles and his agent of the benefits of playing in Titletown.
At the same time we were recruiting Woodson, we were chasing another player with the same agents – the Poston brothers – in Lavar Arrington. Woodson signed, and the dynamic Arrington -- who had the defensive coaching staff smitten like high school girls with a crush after his impressive visit -- turned down more money from the Packers to sign with the Giants in order to play against the Redskins twice a year.
LaVar ruptured his Achilles tendon in Week Seven of that year. Charles is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Sometimes fortune shines down.
Follow me on Twitter at adbrandt.
Thank God Charles Woodson took the Money the Packers threw at him. I'm glad he decided to prove all the naysayers wrong by tearing up the league with the Packers! (Incentive laden contract or not).
I had my doubts about Woodson coming to GB. I thought he was going to be another primma donna CB with an ego the size of Texas. From what I've read, he had a few bumps in the road at first with Mike McCarthy but ever since he's been the consumate professional. This guy has been a quiet leader of young men. Charles has definely won over the fans of GB and plays with the heart of a lion and has to be one of the smartest CBs in the league. He's played phenomonally in spite of injuries, in-experienced players around him, and in a new defensive scheme (4-3 to 3-4) yet he won the defenisve MVP last season. Charles has attended many of the teams OTA sessions as well. Young players have a role model to follow. Love to see him have another crack at a SB.
Sure glad Woodson put your doubts to rest Lambeau West.... what a schmuck comment from a schmuck poster
Charles Woodson could get a pick six even if Chuck Norris was the opposing quarterback.
Revis should've won DPOY
Revis should've won DPOY
Care to explain Martin? Revis is a hell of a player, and he did his job very well. But Woodson made an impact all over the field with sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions, some that resulted in points for the defense. He was such a presence at every level of the defense. That is the kind of player that wins those kinds of awards. If they had a "pass coverage defender of the year" Revis wins hands down.
Martin, Loved the look on Revis' face when he realized that Ginn was behind him, on his way to the winning TD in the first Fins-Pets matchup. How many shots of Woodson did you see like that?
Is it still "TitleTown" when the Cowboys, 49ers, Steelers, and Patriots have won more Superbowls in the last 20 years?
TheRealDouche asks -
"Is it still "TitleTown" when the Cowboys, 49ers, Steelers, and Patriots have won more Superbowls in the last 20 years?"
Well RealDouche, YES, YES it is. Why did you throw out an arbitrary # like 20 years? When talking Titles, you need to look at the entire body of work.
The GBP can't even see the teams you mentioned in the rearview. We will stand pat with 12 TITLES (until we get 13 this year), while nobody else has even hit double digits.
Let's see... Uninformed = CHECK... Douchey name = CHECK... Either a bare or a queens fan, man up and 'fess up. Which one are you? My guess is a queen fan. Obvious Title envy coming through. LOL
GBP 4 LIFE
FITZCORE1266 - Real Packer fans don't resort to name calling in defending their opinion - they merely state it and then back it up with facts. Its obvious by your childish post and likely in appearing at 2:37am that you don't have much of a life and still live in your mommy and daddy's basement. I sincerely hope that Aaron Rogers and company can bring you the championship you so crave this year so that it finally brings meaning to your life and those other "GBP 4 LIFE" people like you.
Yep, and Reggie did OK also.
I had confidence in Woodson the moment he signed with the Packers. This is a guy whose attention to the game, and self motivation was as good as anyone playing.
If I had to draw a comparison, I'd have to say there's a similarity to the signing of Reggie White. In both cases, the defenses took a turn for the better, because of the intensity of the individual player.
In my mind, when Woodson retires, and goes into the Hall of Fame - which he will - they'll forget about his "prime years," because it's actually been his years in a Packer uniform that made him a star above others.
Thanks to Andrew, and the rest of the Packer hierarchy, who brought him on board. He's been a Packer through and through.
Charles Woodson has proved to be a gem for the Pack, but it does bear mentioning that he was the byproduct of drafting poorly. Had Ahmad Carroll panned out, would GB be vying for Woodson's services? It is a fair question. Ultimately, things worked out propitiously for the Pack, so good for them!
Good piece, Andrew, but you left out some important stuff.
The Woodson "success story" was possible because he was (and is) a supremely talented player who did not play all that well in Oakland. That's why no one else wanted him (plus a history of injuries).
In Oakland, Woodson was known for not practicing hard, not studying film and for not being a great cover corner. He was regularly beaten on slants for first downs and was consistently flagged on long passes. He was great against the run (when healthy), but not against the pass.
You got the Michigan Woodson. All the other GMs, I guess, weren't interested in the Oakland Woodson.
Good piece, Andrew, but you left out some important stuff.
The Woodson "success story" was possible because he was (and is) a supremely talented player who did not play all that well in Oakland. That's why no one else wanted him (plus a history of injuries).
In Oakland, Woodson was known for not practicing hard, not studying film and for not being a great cover corner. He was regularly beaten on slants for first downs and was consistently flagged on long passes. He was great against the run (when healthy), but not against the pass.
You got the Michigan Woodson. All the other GMs, I guess, weren't interested in the Oakland Woodson.
The Bucs had the fourth worst cap situation in the NFL in 2006.
Martin, Revis had a heck of a season, but I think Woodson's selection was merited, especially when I saw that ESPN or SI had polled 600 players and coaches and Woodson won handily among his peers.
Always remember: Ted never goes after a free agent.
Ted Thompson should note a good chef from a great one.
The latter knows when to add a dash of hot sauce to embellish.
Ted's merely a good GM who thinks the draft alone will create a five-star result.
His cupboard (except for Woodson) is too often devoid of the essential spicey vigor that a periodic high-rolling GM knows will elevate a team when he signs a high-quality free agent.
It's old, and nearly a cliche, but Ron Wolf knew the difference between a good and great chef. He was the latter.
Hey Squeeler Joe...
Knock me for name calling, then turn right around with the classic 'living in your moms basement' joke, huh? Stay classy Squeeler nation.
And some people work nights, Joe. They probably had a 3rd shift in some of the Steel Mills in Pittsburgh before they shut down, didn't they? Man I rule, just like my GREEN BAY PACKERS!
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RaiderfanNY,
Valid points. I guess he just had to come to a Classy organazation with a winning history to get motivated. Dead on!
GBP 4 LIFE
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Jul 11, 2010
01:09 PM
He's one of the best defensive backs to ever play the game. Love the pick of him playing in the elements, growing up and playing in Big Ten country as a Wolverine, his game actually rises in extreme winter weather.
Cannot stand his agents at all. They held Oakland to the fire for franchise money, a front office known for paying people to play. Those incentives were ne essary to keep the man motivated. Did he have a no naps or snacks in film room clause? Did the total on oncentives reach the kind of money he wanted outright with the Raiders?
Almost going to Tampa is interesting, he decided the Grass was more Pewter and considered following Gruden? Another endorsement of GruDog's ability, from a former player of his.
Getting Charles was a great move, you got what everybody already knew, one of the best corners ever to play. Credit Charles turning around the negatives or bad perceptions of his game. Much of that was cultured by his agents, who got a deserved probation from the negotiating table.