Inbox: How much time do you have?

Markus from Aurora, CO

Insiders, it's Wednesday. What does that mean for you?

This is my last Inbox before vacation.

Bruce from Jackson, WI

Morning Wes, personally I thought Mark's best response in last weekend’s MT5 column was his one-word response to the buzz they should rename the Lombardi Trophy to the Brady Trophy…Really?!

The trophy has a name and its name is Lombardi.

Jeff from Montclair, VA

Congrats to Mason Crosby on his retirement. He was already missed, but this makes it OFFICIAL official. What's your favorite locker room memory of him?

How much time do you have? Because Mason Crosby is something special. Yes, he's the Packers' all-time leading scorer. Every Packers fan knows the adversity he overcame to accomplish that feat over his 16 seasons in Green Bay. But if I accomplished anything in my current position, I hope I shed some light on the person, too. Because that's the real story here. Mason, his wife Molly, his brother Rees, and the rest of the Crosby family are kind and caring people. It just so happened Mason also happened to be a world-class kicker. But even when things got tough in 2012, Crosby never took it out on the media or held past criticism against them after he turned things around in 2013. Make or miss, Crosby was the same guy every day. That applied to his life off the field, too. When tragedy struck in 2019 with the passing of Rees' wife Brittany, Mason was a steady, calming presence amidst the storm. That same year, Molly was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer. Crosby kicked for his job in a preseason finale before flying for Molly's surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., the next day. Through it all, Crosby never blinked. It was a privilege to cover his football career for 11 years.

Joe from Swansea, IL

I don't know how you'd pick, but what's your favorite Mason Crosby moment or story? Class act through and through.

It's gotta be the 2016 divisional playoff game against Dallas. Not only was it a thrilling game but that's also how I met Rees and Brittany. I asked Mason afterwards why he was wearing a teal bracelet, and he explained what was happening with Brittany, who'd undergone major surgery nine days prior. What that game meant to Mason and his family remains one of the most touching moments I've encountered during my time on the Packers' beat.

Wesley from Woodbury, MN

Hello II…Congratulations to Mason Crosby on a great 17-year career! Next stop, the Packers Hall of Fame! GPG.

I cannot wait for it.

Dale from Owatonna, MN

Thirty-one teams have a disappointing end of the season, including either the Chiefs or the Eagles. I look at this way, we were one of the few teams that gave the Eagles a game, twice. The team we lost to in the playoffs could be the NFL champion and we were the youngest team in the league. When Jordan Love took over, I think we all felt we were three years from being competitive. Right now, I would say we are as probable as anyone to have five-year run like the Chiefs.

Everyone wants to win a championship, but as I often say, you first gotta have hope. Some teams are resigned to their fate before the games are even played. The way I look at it, the Packers have as good of a chance as anyone to win the Super Bowl next year with how this roster is built.

Douglas from Parker, CO

How honest are teams with themselves, and does that impact personnel decisions? Is there a "we realistically don't have a shot at the playoffs (forget the Super Bowl) for the next two years," so it makes no sense extending this player or going after this free agent? Our best plan is to keep draft and develop. Cut the guys past their prime or no measurable uptick to try and bring the next generation up to speed. Not tanking, but not getting caught up in the action?

Draft, develop and re-sign is always the way to go. Because it shows your locker room that a franchise will take care of its own when a premium contract is warranted. I don't want to throw the New York Giants under the bus here, but there's no reason a 24-year-old Xavier McKinney should've ever reached free agency regardless of how many wins the Giants had last year. He's not only a talented safety but also a team leader. It took like a month for me to realize what a player like Xavier McKinney brings to a locker room.

Edward from Sioux Falls, SD

To follow up to my Monday question, I am guessing that Brandon McManus was given barely more than veteran minimum last year, so giving him a slight increase in guaranteed income tied to huge incentive bonuses if he can duplicate last year would be a good idea, yes?

I have some bad news for you, Edward. If a kicker makes 95.2% of your field goals, he's in line for more than a "slight increase" in guaranteed money.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Has Myles Garrett taken the lead for most asked about hypothetical signing this offseason in the Inbox? I know Tee Higgins, Davante Adams, and Maxx Crosby were really hot with our fellow Packers fans there for a minute, but I think Garrett might have what it takes to overcome their early lead.

Seven straight years of 10-plus sacks will do that.

Bob from Abilene, TX

Regarding the Garrett situation, as cool as it would be to have him in the fold it would likely require a first-rounder (and much more) and there is no way the Packers would trade that pick away given the fact that the draft is in Green Bay. Even though he is older, I would be fine with bringing in someone like Khalil Mack, which would not require giving anything up since he is a free agent. He still has gas in the tank, and I think he would be a great mentor. Any thoughts?

It takes a massive commitment to acquire a player of Garrett's caliber, both financially and foundationally. Maybe he's worth it, but I would be shocked to see the Packers make such a move – especially this year. To me, unrestricted free agents like Mack would make more sense.

Tom from Bismarck, ND

The Packers need a "Pied Piper." I think we all agree the team's in very good shape for the future. One thing that might be missing is that Reggie White effect. That charismatic someone who young players or maybe free agents want to play with and "be around." It's a good young team filled with nice kids, minus the vocal or veteran presence needed. Tucker Kraft is the closest thing and that's a lot to ask of a 25-year-old TE. I think Maxx Crosby would have been that type. Who else is out there?

Did you not watch Xavier McKinney or Josh Jacobs last year? Maybe the Packers could benefit from the talents of a Garrett or Crosby, but they have the right veteran leadership. As much as White added as a player, the addition of Santana Dotson, Eugene Robinson and Desmond Howard help put the Super Bowl XXXI team over the top. You need not be the biggest name to provide the best return (no pun intended in Howard's case).

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Brian Gutekunst has had a propensity to double, triple, or even quad-up at a position of need in the draft/free agency when he feels the need. RB, OL, WR, TE, LB and S over his tenure. Last year, he went all in at safety by signing McKinney and drafting three more. I think this year he invests heavy in CBs by adding three through the draft and free agency. What other position group do you think he might go multiple in this year?

Cornerback might be it for me. I viewed Green Bay's other needs more singular than plural – an extra pass rusher, an extra pass-catcher or an extra blocker depending on what happens with Josh Myers.

Jeff from Mequon, WI

I thought Myers had a great year and would certainly be worthy of an extension for the right price, but in the event the team moves on, O-line would be a sneaky need come draft time. If one of the top-tier OTs were to fall to 23 (which at this point looks entirely feasible), I think Gutey wouldn't hesitate to draft one and possibly move Zach Tom to center or possibly even Jordan Morgan.

That's the hypothetical game we'll play until training camp, right? Every move the Packers make between now and April 26 will have a cause and effect on the construction of the 2025 roster. Tom is a versatile asset on the offensive line but also a darn-good right tackle. Once an offensive lineman establishes himself as one of the best at his spot, I'm reluctant to move him (see: Jenkins, Elgton).

Jerome from Midland, MI

Wes, fans want a big-name free agent, but winning free agent season does not always translate to wins in season, player(s) may not fit the team culture. WR position, I would like Malik Heath to step forward, get a larger role. If Packers looking for a veteran WR, my choice is Mack Hollins (Buffalo). He is a tall, big-bodied WR that fits the Packers' mold, blocks well, route runner, catches the ball, and above all a team player.

Our social team would love to add Hollins for the arrival photos alone.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

What are the key matchups in the Super Bowl that we should be closely watching?

Philadelphia's No. 1-ranked pass defense vs. Patrick Mahomes. I know Vic Fangio's record vs. Mahomes, but this is also the most formidable pass defense Kansas City has faced this year.

Charles from New Berlin, WI

Hello II. In the MT5 column this month, Mark Murphy was asked about his thoughts on the "tush push." He answered that the league should go back to prohibiting the play and bring back the traditional QB sneak and how it worked out pretty well for Bart Starr and the Packers in the Ice Bowl. I would like to add that when you watch the play, you see Chuck Mercien seemingly indicating a touchdown. Mercien said afterwards that he wanted the officials to see he wasn't aiding Bart to avoid a penalty being called.

I agree it's time to ban it. I respect and appreciate how Philadelphia executes it better than any other team, but the fiasco against Washington soured my taste for the play.

James from Chicago, IL

It's not just saturation with specific sports, but with sports in general. With all the sports watching options available, you could watch sports 24/7. If you enjoy sports entertainment, but don't want it to be your whole life, why not choose the league that has meaningful, entertaining games every week, and it only occupies your time for 22 weekends a year? That I believe is part of the reason for the NFL's success.

I don't disagree the NFL is popular enough to have an 18-game regular season. The fact we have a five-day-a-week Q&A on a Wednesday in early February speaks to that. Beyond my concerns over player safety, I also fear diluting the NFL's recipe for success because right now the flavor profile is damn-near perfect.

Tucker from Belton, TX

I don't believe there is some grand conspiracy in which the Chiefs are benefitting from terrible calls. But I was disappointed in Goodell's response to the question. It should be a black mark against the league that there is even a legitimate concern of something like this and berating someone for asking a fair question is a bad look.

I'm just tired of Goodell calling officiating "outstanding." It may not be as bad as we say, but it is not outstanding. It can be better at every level.

Jessi from Sterling, KS

Wes, did you get to finish "Green and Gold" this past week? If so, final thoughts? :) I drove 90 minutes with my family to a theater that was showing it, and we all were surprised how much it exceeded our expectations. The brothers did well embodying so many worthy things this side of heaven. There were sniffles towards the end in our theater. I hope Packers fans everywhere take time to view it.

I'm going Thursday. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Mike from Stevens Point, WI

Hello gents, I certainly appreciate your insights on all things Packers but comments regarding the question to improve MLB playoffs were "Spoff On"! I'll show myself out!

What Spoff outlined was the last time I cared about Major League Baseball.

Ingrid from Forest Lake, MN

What a way to end II on Tuesday, Mike. Made me LOL and made my day. Thank you!

No problem whatsoever. Have a good rest of the week, folks. Spoff is gonna take you the rest of the way.