From Bob McGinn of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Green Bay - Anthony Smith, a 10-game starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers' top-ranked defense in 2007 but an invisible man during their 2008 Super Bowl run, has the chance to resurrect his career in Green Bay.
On Friday, the Packers agreed to terms with Smith on a modest multi-year contract. He becomes their first acquisition after a week of free agency.
"We won't bring in anybody who doesn't have ability," said Reggie McKenzie, the Packers' co-director of football operations. "We've got to put him in an environment with this new staff and new defense and see if he can fit in."
Smith, 6 feet and 200 pounds, won't turn 26 until September. McKenzie said he was a better player than Marquand Manuel, the only other veteran safety signed by general manager Ted Thompson in five years of free agency.
"This guy is younger and has fresher legs," McKenzie said. "He's explosive. He's quick. Good athlete. The athleticism is a non-issue."
The Steelers, who have major salary-cap issues, cast Smith adrift last week after deciding not to give him the restricted-free agent low tender of $1.01 million. Thus, Smith became a "street" free agent.
The Craig Hentrich curse. He should still be w/the Packers!
gooseone: You upset that TT bought a young, athletic free agent on the cheap? Maybe you should start liking the Redskins.
gooseone - Not sure there's anything that can help you sleep better at night, but yes...Ted Thompson took responsibility for dropping an average punter in exchange for a below average punter.
I for one love the move. He's young, athletic, knows Capers' 3-4, provides improved depth over Rouse and Peprah, and I'm sure he was on the cheap. With uncertainty surrounding Bigby, this guy could be playing next to Collins a lot next season.
Apologies for imparting a little common sense...
great move by tt were going all the way to the bottom
gooseone, you're talking out of your arse. Draft badly? Aaron Rogers, Greg Jennings, AJ Hawk, Nick Collins, Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon...the only horrible pick so far has been Harrell. And free agents? One of the best signings he made was his first...keeping Aaron Kampman after Minnesota tried to sign him. Woodson, Picket...great FA's. And what about trading for Grant? That was genius. Before you rip Ted, why don't you let FA play out? Woodson was signed late. Some of the better FA's come available late in FA. Not that I think all of Ted's moves have been perfect, but I think it's insane that fans like you rip him because he doesn't make the big splash. Other than Reggie, wolf didn't sign the top FA's either. He plugged holes with mid-level guys.
Lets see.......has trouble running.....has no trouble running his mouth.....is a hitter but not a hard hitter, sounds like my kid brother........and could was on the pine/plastic at Pitt......Darren Perry his rookie coach now wants to save his career at$1.01 M a year.....Darren..saaving a career is ok but be sure you arent trying to play Savior here and keep his mouth shut!
Chicken Little surfaces again. The Packers sign a player with a lot of potential for cheap, and somehow it makes us worse?
Kapinos was punting pretty well by the end of the year. He was able to get it off his foot quicker than Ryan and wasn't a shank artist like Frost.
I have to add that anyone who thinks TT does poorly in the draft is simply ignorant.
well said milltown
Could be a good signing. Except the word is he doesn't handle the mental side of it very well. That was his problem in PIT, couldn't handle the assignments and calls. Maybe Capers can work with him. Although I think this is more about replacing Bush.
1 winning season in the last 4. That's not a good track record for a GM, period. Don't care who you drafted or signed.
I wonder if Smith will "guarantee" that the Packers will win the Superbowl this year?!!
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Mar 07, 2009
10:44 AM
AHHHH YES!!! Typical TT move. Buy Junk in the FA Market and then draft badly. Has any one taken responsibility for the punting fiasco!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!