When the Packers’ front-office designated defensive tackle Corey Williams as their “franchise player” back on the 20th, they no doubt intended to buy themselves time to negotiate a long-term deal with the big man. If the two sides choose not to barter (I would be shocked if they didn’t) Williams would be guaranteed at least a one-year deal, in which he will earn $6.4 million with his non-exclusive tag. However, that doesn’t mean other teams won’t have the opportunity to pursue him. Starting this Friday, if a team feels Corey is a rightfully deserving of his status as a franchise player, they can make their pitch. The catch is the Packers would have the option of matching any contract thrown at him. But if I was in Ted Thompson’s shoes, and a team decided Williams was their guy, I wouldn’t touch him. OK, you may think I’m crazy, but think about it. First of all, the Packers are in excess of 20 million dollars under the cap; that’s enough green bills to sign ample backup for Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, and Justin Harrell if need be. Secondly, the free agent and draft crop is strong enough to do just that. Orpheus Roye, Brian Young, and Tommy Kelly highlight the group of DTs which the Packers should be able to get for cheaper than Williams, and the D-Line crop in this year’s draft is the strongest it has been in recent memory. Thirdly, if the Packers walked on Williams, they would receive compensation: two first rounders. And you know how much TT loves his picks. My gut tells me if Thompson can bargain a reasonable price, he will offer Corey an extension. But with the inflation of the present-day market, nothing would surprise me.  

*UPDATE: Just saw this on my side widget that the team will seek a 2nd rounder.  It’s no first, but even a second rounder would be valuable with the depth the 2008 Draft
holds, especially at corner, running back, and offensive and defensive line- all areas the Packers need to bolster.
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2/28- 11:02 PM: Reports coming from NFL Network Corey will be dealt to Cleveland for their 2nd round draft (#56 overall).  This shows TT’s brilliance. By tagging Williams, who the team would no doubt have lost, they get a second rounder. Just to put this in prospective, Williams was a 5th rounder.  The extra pick allows Thompson to trade up in the first round he if so chooses, or hang on to third picks in the top 60.