A Scout’s Take on Jairus Byrd and the Use of Free Agency

February 15, 2014   ·   Bob Fox   ·   Jump to comments

There was big news this week about the Green Bay Packers, as the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the team will be active in free agency this year.
That news goes against the usual modus operandi of general manager Ted Thompson, who normally shies away from dipping his toes in the free-agency water.
At least in pure free agency. Thompson does sign a number of street or rookie free agents, but doesn't like to go for the big names very often. The biggest splash Thompson ever made in free agency was in 2006, when he signed five free agents, including defensive back Charles Woodson and defensive lineman Ryan Pickett.
Woodson and Pickett went on to have some great years in Green Bay. Woodson went to four Pro Bowls and in 2009 was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. No. 21 also had 38 interceptions (nine returned for touchdowns), 11.5 sacks, forced 15 fumbles and recovered six others (one for a touchdown) in seven years in Green Bay.
Pickett is stil...

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