Many fans of the Green Bay Packers have been voicing their shock and disapproval with the release of star running back Aaron Jones earlier this week.
One person who was not surprised was former Packer O-Lineman Evan Smith.
During this week’s episode of the On the Line Podcast, the Super Bowl-winning lineman said he isn’t really surprised by any off-season movement anymore.
He says he noticed that “The guys at the top are getting more money…the guys in the middle are getting kinda squeezed, and the bottom half of the league is still the bottom half of the league.”
Also shown at the door this week were Corner Johnathan Owens, who signed with Chicago, Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, All-Pro Lineman David Bakhtiari, and Safety Darnell Savage, who may be going to Jacksonville.
But, coming into Green Bay are some all-star players that are expected to make an immediate impact, Running Back Josh Jacobs and Safety Xavier McKinney.
Smith notes that these pick-ups were not random.
“The guys that they just went out and got, Pro Bowl guys,” he said. “They only go after very, very specific players in free agency. Their whole shtick is unless the guy can come in and be a big time contributor and is worth the cash, we are more satisfied in drafting and developing our own talent.”
This system of drafting and developing players dates back to Ron Wolfe and Ted Thompson, and Smith says, “Grandma’s recipe is working just fine.”
The Packers also resigned Cornerback Corey Ballentine and Tight End Tyler Davis.
You can click here to listen to the full podcast.
Smith also had Manitowoc United Hockey Coach Mark Hinz on the show to talk about the future of the program and to recap this past season.