Bruce from Waterford, CA
If you were the GM of the Packers and Cobb walks in free agency, would you take a serious look at Percy Harvin to fill Cobb's role, or just look for a slot receiver in the draft?
By now, everyone that reads this column must know I'm not high on expensive free agency. If I were a GM, I'd go on vacation for the first week of free agency. I like bargain free agency. Last year, for example, I named Letroy Guion as one of my value free-agent prospects. Value is everything to me, and I don't see a lot of value in expensive free agency. I see far more risk than reward. Harvin? I have enough trouble drafting wide receivers in the first round, let alone spending a fortune on one in free agency. Mike Wallace? The Steelers knew what they were doing. Most teams know what they're doing when they've had a chance to evaluate a guy day after day in practice. If they're not willing to pay what you're willing to pay, I think you need to ask yourself what they know you don't.
Rob from Madison, WI
Where does Abbrederis fit in the receiving troops, especially with the possibility of losing Cobb?
He'll determine where he fits. Yes, he has slot receiver size and along-the-ground elusiveness.
Jim from Manteca, CA
Vic, every year at free agency and draft time your inbox fills up with the same old stuff. You could sit back, relax, change a name or two and just republish those letters from two, three years ago.
The NFL has done a sensational job of turning free agency into an event. I'm seeing promos for free agency specials. The league and its dutiful media have turned free agency into another draft, except this one is for veterans. In many cases, they're unwanted veterans.
Brett from Green Bay, WI
Vic, how many fans want the Packers to sign Percy Harvin?
He's the headliner right now. My inbox is screaming for Harvin.
Eric from Rensselaer, IN
NFL.com listed the Packers as one of the top five teams that might sign Percy Harvin. My question is why? Drafting wide receivers in the second round has worked so well for so long, why change the formula now?
I don't know. Ask nfl.com. Maybe they want the visits.
Bryan from Jacksonville, FL
Vic, you covered the Jags for a few of Maurice Jones-Drew's prime years. Now that he has retired, care to share any thoughts on him?
In 43 years of covering the NFL, I've never covered a rushing champion. I've covered Franco Harris and Fred Taylor, but I've never covered a rushing champion. Barry Foster got me close in 1992. It bugs me. I'd like to say I covered a rushing champion. So, what happens? I leave Jacksonville and Mo wins a rushing title.
Dave from Glenview, IL
Vic, it really is remarkable what the NFL has accomplished, keeping the sport so visible year-round. No other sport even comes close to staying relevant all year. You have to love it. There is no better time to be a football journalist. Keep up the great work. Thanks for what you do.
I'm an idiot for not jumping on the free agency bandwagon, making wild predictions and irresponsible innuendo and getting the gratuitous visits, but I can't force myself to betray my beliefs. I think the glitzy part of free agency is a trap. I know the fans love the excitement of it and want me to participate, but I just can't do it.
Kent from Lewiston, ID
The Packers have had very poor special teams for several years. To improve this facet with the upcoming 2015 season, where do we go with a bona fide kickoff return man?
Find one in the draft. The Packers found a punt returner, Micah Hyde, in the draft. It interests me that Packers fans have a dismal view of special teams, but I've witnessed more big plays by Packers special teams in the four years I've covered the team than I did in all of the other years combined. I never covered a 108-yard kickoff return. I never covered a fourth-and-26 fake field goal play that went for a touchdown. I think Hyde and Randall Cobb have returned more kicks for touchdowns in the four years I've covered the team than all of the other return men I've covered combined.
Cory from Milton, ON
Vic, with the Bears losing Brandon Marshall, now receiver seems to be an area of need in the draft for them. Do you see the Packers using a high pick on a receiver if Cobb leaves?
My inbox is suffering from a terrible case of wide receiver fever. It's understandable.
Jon from Excelsior, MN
Speaking of Thomas Wolfe, Fran Tarkenton seems to be the exception that proves the rule. Can you think of other notable exceptions?
Johnny Blood McNally did it twice.
Matt from Lincoln City, OR
Does GM Vic want guys like Ndamukong Suh and Brandon Marshall on your team, with good talent but bad attitude?
Vic will look the other way. He's not as virtuous as you might think.
Ben from Columbus, WI
Is it your expectation the Packers make a move at Percy Harvin if Cobb doesn't return?
That would not be my expectation, but I've been wrong.
Angelo from Lakewood, CO
The Prospect Primers seem to be focusing on Big Ten players. What the Packers need is speed players and they generally don't come from the Big Ten.
You find football players where you find football players.
Paul from Milwaukee, WI
Vic, I could see the potential for the Packers to sign Ndamukong Suh in such a way as to simulate the signing of Reggie White. It worked well back in the day. Do you think the Packers will view the signing of Suh in the same way?
I do not, but I've been wrong.
John from Urbandale, IA
Vic, Bulaga is awesome when healthy, but that's his problem. Cobb is Mr. Excitement any time he touches the ball. That's why I like Cobb over Bulaga. Please comment.
**
Gotta get the big guys, gotta keep the big guys, gotta replace the big guys.**
Ryan from Noblesville, IN
Vic, do you have to be on point and available to write whether the Packers sign Cobb, Bulaga and others?
OK, let's get this out in the open right now: Any news on packers.com about the Packers signing players must come from the Packers, and it should not be your expectation the Packers will scoop themselves. I'm sorry, but that's the way it is and that's the way it will continue to be. Have a joyous weekend of free agency angst.
