Hi II. Rich Bisaccia’s decision to step down was surprising and a disappointment for a lot of us. He obviously had his reasons, and I’m sure the decision wasn’t made in haste or without reflection. His reasons should remain his own unless he wants to let us know.
I’d already written Wednesday’s Inbox and just pulled into my driveway when news broke that Bisaccia was stepping down. Like you, I didn’t see it coming. From a pure Xs and Os standpoint, I’m gonna gather my thoughts and provide more analysis on what it all means in Thursday’s column. However, I do want to say that Bisaccia doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his contributions in Green Bay over the past four seasons. He not only oversaw a complete and total overhaul of the Packers’ special teams but also was a fixture throughout the building. When Brian Gutekunst talks about the impact Bisaccia had on Green Bay’s culture, that goes well beyond just football operations. Rich was a mainstay at the organization’s Victory Monday celebrations. He enjoys connecting with people and forming relationships with his coworkers. He embodied everything the Packers are about. I think virtually every full-time employee here has at least one Rich Bisaccia story to tell. So, I am very much sad to see Rich go. Wishing him and his family the absolute best.
I didn’t see Rich Bisaccia’s resignation coming! Do you get the sense that was his idea? Do the Packers have some internal candidates to coach special teams or do you think they will look outside the organization?
I was again stunned but the NFL landscape is ever-evolving. Now, Matt LaFleur is set to hire his fourth special teams coordinator in eight seasons. I’m not sure what the in-house options look like, though, after Bisaccia’s longtime assistant, Byron Storer, was recently hired as Cleveland’s special teams coordinator under new head coach Todd Monken.
What does Jonathan Gannon offer that is different than what Green Bay defensive coordinators have brought in the recent past?
An eclectic background for a coach as young as Gannon. He brings a little bit of everything to the party after working on both the personnel and coaching side of the game. A lot of conversation centers on Gannon’s time in Arizona, but he’s just three years removed from coordinating the defense for a Philadelphia team that advanced to the Super Bowl.
I read Gannon prefers a 3-4 over the 4-3. Is that true? If so, I could see Green Bay going for a nose tackle with its first pick. In a 3-4, would it allow Lukas Van Ness to move inside some?
I don’t think that affects anything. It’s not like Van Ness is gonna play either one- or three-technique defensive tackle in a 3-4 base front. LVN rushed inside plenty of times last year, but it came in third-down nickel looks. The book on Gannon is scheme flexibility. He’ll get a read on the roster and set the plan accordingly.
Wes, do you expect that over time Matthew Golden will justify his draft position? Is it the GB system, or was it his health or the overall talent in the room that limited Golden’s production? The other two receivers selected in the first round were more productive in their first season. Will Golden develop into WR1, or just another solid option among many?
I think Golden could do it as early as next season. Personally, I don’t care what the other rookie wideouts did. I’m telling you in 14 years covering this team, I’ve never been more excited about a first-round pick than Golden. He has “it” and I feel like anyone who watched Green Bay with regularity last year can see that. The kid is fast, uber-athletic, calm under pressure and possesses remarkable hands. The Packers have a process with how they integrate rookies, but the reins will be off next year. I expect Golden to soar in Year 2.
For cap reasons or Brian Gutekunst liking young and fast, it appears GB will be losing a lot of quality players to free agency. Is there a limit to the number of compensatory picks the Packers are awarded?
Teams can only be awarded up to four compensatory picks for losing players. That is something Green Bay will need to keep in mind with all these pending free agents.
Richard from Caledonia, WI
Do you expect the Packers to use the franchise tag on any upcoming free agents? What are the upcoming window dates of free agency? Thanks for the terrific reporting and insights!
I highly doubt it. Has anyone looked at the projected franchise tag values? Every position is expected to be more than $25 million other than defensive back, tight end, running back and specialists. QB could be as high as $47 million. The window to tag players opened Tuesday and runs through Tuesday, March 3.
I see the Miami Dolphins did some housecleaning, as to be expected. I also see that those players (and others in the same situation) are eligible to sign with any team and yet would not count against the signing team’s compensatory picks. Why is that?
Because Miami cut those players, it isn’t eligible for compensation. Since Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and other veterans were released outright, they are considered “street” free agents and may sign with any team at any time. They need not wait for the start of the new league year like unrestricted free agents with expiring deals.
Wes, are you going to be on Tom Grossi’s $1 million charity stream this year? He’s raising money for Undue Medical Debt this time!
I was on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after Tom surpassed the $333,000 mark. It’s incredible the work Tom is doing. His dedication is admirable. I mean, the man will stop at absolutely nothing to support a good cause. In this case, Tom is streaming day and night until he raises $1 million for UMD. Who does that? I tip my cap to an emerging legend.
Given how the transition to center wasn’t as smooth as hoped, and Sean Rhyan performing admirably there, do you see a possibility Elgton Jenkins moves back to LG and Aaron Banks moves to the right side with Rhyan at C? I’ve seen speculation Jenkins could be a cap casualty. I totally get it’s the nature of the business and Anthony Belton playing well at guard is a factor but damn, just two years ago he was by far our best offensive lineman and now he’s expendable? This league is brutal.
That it is. I’m hoping for the best for Jenkins in his recovery. The Packers have massive decisions to make on the offensive line this offseason, all of which will tie directly into their title hopes in 2026. I’m curious to see how Rhyan’s market forms. He stepped up admirably in place of Jenkins and gave the Packers and rest of the NFL much to consider.
Please educate me on why a draft-and-develop team would let Quay Walker go? They drafted and developed him so well they can’t afford him? Don’t you want to put your resources into the player who is physically gifted, learned the system and is a known commodity in the locker room?
Drafting well creates a conundrum because you can’t keep ’em all. It is called the salary cap for a reason. Walker is a talented middle linebacker and bona-fide leader in the locker room. The Packers value Walker’s contributions, but the bookkeeping game they must play is complex. Like Rhyan and all these other pending free agents, it’s balancing production and prognostication. Green Bay must assess what players have done, what they will do and try to find a number that works for both sides.
Mike from New Orleans, LA
ACMR (WCBW) you write your $16 check to the comptroller, not controller.
That would explain the late fees.