Inbox: It's balancing production and prognostication

Mike from Winchester, TN

Hi II. Rich Bisaccia's decision to step down was surprising and a disappointment for a lot of us. He obviously had his reasons, and I'm sure the decision wasn't made in haste or without reflection. His reasons should remain his own unless he wants to let us know.

I'd already written Wednesday's Inbox and just pulled into my driveway when news broke that Bisaccia was stepping down. Like you, I didn't see it coming. From a pure Xs and Os standpoint, I'm gonna gather my thoughts and provide more analysis on what it all means in Thursday's column. However, I do want to say that Bisaccia doesn't get nearly enough credit for his contributions in Green Bay over the past four seasons. He not only oversaw a complete and total overhaul of the Packers' special teams but also was a fixture throughout the building. When Brian Gutekunst talks about the impact Bisaccia had on Green Bay's culture, that goes well beyond just football operations. Rich was a mainstay at the organization's Victory Monday celebrations. He enjoys connecting with people and forming relationships with his coworkers. He embodied everything the Packers are about. I think virtually every full-time employee here has at least one Rich Bisaccia story to tell. So, I am very much sad to see Rich go. Wishing him and his family the absolute best.

Pete from Music City, TN

I didn't see Rich Bisaccia's resignation coming! Do you get the sense that was his idea? Do the Packers have some internal candidates to coach special teams or do you think they will look outside the organization?

I was again stunned but the NFL landscape is ever-evolving. Now, Matt LaFleur is set to hire his fourth special teams coordinator in eight seasons. I'm not sure what the in-house options look like, though, after Bisaccia's longtime assistant, Byron Storer, was recently hired as Cleveland's special teams coordinator under new head coach Todd Monken.

Austin from Randolph, WI

What does Jonathan Gannon offer that is different than what Green Bay defensive coordinators have brought in the recent past?

An eclectic background for a coach as young as Gannon. He brings a little bit of everything to the party after working on both the personnel and coaching side of the game. A lot of conversation centers on Gannon's time in Arizona, but he's just three years removed from coordinating the defense for a Philadelphia team that advanced to the Super Bowl.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

I read Gannon prefers a 3-4 over the 4-3. Is that true? If so, I could see Green Bay going for a nose tackle with its first pick. In a 3-4, would it allow Lukas Van Ness to move inside some?

I don't think that affects anything. It's not like Van Ness is gonna play either one- or three-technique defensive tackle in a 3-4 base front. LVN rushed inside plenty of times last year, but it came in third-down nickel looks. The book on Gannon is scheme flexibility. He'll get a read on the roster and set the plan accordingly.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, do you expect that over time Matthew Golden will justify his draft position? Is it the GB system, or was it his health or the overall talent in the room that limited Golden's production? The other two receivers selected in the first round were more productive in their first season. Will Golden develop into WR1, or just another solid option among many?

I think Golden could do it as early as next season. Personally, I don't care what the other rookie wideouts did. I'm telling you in 14 years covering this team, I've never been more excited about a first-round pick than Golden. He has "it" and I feel like anyone who watched Green Bay with regularity last year can see that. The kid is fast, uber-athletic, calm under pressure and possesses remarkable hands. The Packers have a process with how they integrate rookies, but the reins will be off next year. I expect Golden to soar in Year 2.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

For cap reasons or Brian Gutekunst liking young and fast, it appears GB will be losing a lot of quality players to free agency. Is there a limit to the number of compensatory picks the Packers are awarded?

Teams can be awarded up to four compensatory picks for losing players. That is something Green Bay will need to keep in mind with all these pending free agents.

Richard from Caledonia, WI

Do you expect the Packers to use the franchise tag on any upcoming free agents? What are the upcoming window dates of free agency? Thanks for the terrific reporting and insights!

I highly doubt it. Has anyone looked at the projected franchise tag values? Every position is expected to be more than $25 million other than defensive back, tight end, running back and specialists. QB could be as high as $47 million. The window to tag players opened Tuesday and runs through Tuesday, March 3.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

I see the Miami Dolphins did some housecleaning, as to be expected. I also see that those players (and others in the same situation) are eligible to sign with any team and yet would not count against the signing team's compensatory picks. Why is that?

Because Miami cut those players, it isn't eligible for compensation. Since Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and other veterans were released outright, they are considered "street" free agents and may sign with any team at any time. They need not wait for the start of the new league year like unrestricted free agents with expiring deals.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Wes, are you going to be on Tom Grossi's $1 million charity stream this year? He's raising money for Undue Medical Debt this time!

I was on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after Tom surpassed the $333,000 mark. It's incredible the work Tom is doing. His dedication is admirable. I mean, the man will stop at absolutely nothing to support a good cause. In this case, Tom is streaming day and night until he raises $1 million for UMD. Who does that? I tip my cap to an emerging legend.

Josh from Newhall, CA

Given how the transition to center wasn't as smooth as hoped, and Sean Rhyan performing admirably there, do you see a possibility Elgton Jenkins moves back to LG and Aaron Banks moves to the right side with Rhyan at C? I've seen speculation Jenkins could be a cap casualty. I totally get it's the nature of the business and Anthony Belton playing well at guard is a factor but damn, just two years ago he was by far our best offensive lineman and now he's expendable? This league is brutal.

That it is. I'm hoping for the best for Jenkins in his recovery. The Packers have massive decisions to make on the offensive line this offseason, all of which will tie directly into their title hopes in 2026. I'm curious to see how Rhyan's market forms. He stepped up admirably in place of Jenkins and gave the Packers and rest of the NFL much to consider.

Samuel from Skokie, IL

Please educate me on why a draft-and-develop team would let Quay Walker go? They drafted and developed him so well they can't afford him? Don't you want to put your resources into the player who is physically gifted, learned the system and is a known commodity in the locker room?

Drafting well creates a conundrum because you can't keep 'em all. It is called the salary cap for a reason. Walker is a talented middle linebacker and bona-fide leader in the locker room. The Packers value Walker's contributions, but the bookkeeping game they must play is complex. Like Rhyan and all these other pending free agents, it's balancing production and prognostication. Green Bay must assess what players have done, what they will do and try to find a number that works for both sides.

Mike from New Orleans, LA

ACMR (WCBW) you write your $16 check to the comptroller, not controller.

That would explain the late fees.

Maggie from Athens, WI

So, when will the Super Bowl be played outside the USA?

It'll happen. Not soon, but probably in my natural lifetime.

James from Eagle, ID

I have noticed Taylen Greene's name showing up in GB draft discussions. In his second year at Boise State, Greene definitely showed the physical potential to be an NFL quarterback given the necessary coaching and mind set. The question for Green Bay is whether he would be a good fit for the current coaching staff and philosophy. Your thoughts?

I'm still in the process of familiarizing myself with Greene and all these draft prospects. The Packers don't have a set criteria when it comes to the type of quarterbacks they bring in. If a QB can play, Matt LaFleur has a pretty good pulse on what his guys do well and tailoring the offense to those strengths.

Jeff from Wentzville, MO

Hi Wes. Appreciate the Paul Heyman reference. Got me to thinking about who does/did the best wrestling promos over my almost 70 years on this planet. The one that comes to mind to me is not a manager, but wrestler Mad Dog Vachon. Anyway, you may have already been asked this, but what are your feelings about the new NIL pay-for-play in college sports? My old boss used to tell me that he only watched college sports as they did not get paid. Now I watch little because they do. Your thoughts? GPG!

I'm happy to see college athletes rewarded. Based on how much revenue Division I football generates, I believe players' on-field contributions are worth more than just an education they may or may not use. My criticism lies more with the NCAA, which pushed back for decades before letting the flood gates open without much regulation. Not great, Bob…or Jeff.

Mike from Geneva, IL

It seems each year there is an NFL team that goes from worst to first. As things stand now, whom do you see as the most likely next year? The teams finishing in last this year were – NYJ, CLE, TEN, LV, NYG, DET, NO and ARI. Arguments could be made for several of the teams in my opinion but there are also reasons to have doubt. So, who is it?

Detroit will be competitive, but Green Bay and Chicago are my favorites in the NFC North. The Giants are intriguing if Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers get healthy and stay healthy. John Harbaugh knows how to build a program, and the NFC East is always there for the taking.

Mark from Bettendorf, IA

Wes, after you answered that you all have to pay taxes in the state you work, just like the players, all I could picture was you, Mike and the crew waiting in line, a.k.a. "Shawshank Redemption," while some GBP lackey stumbles through W-2 and 1099's. Do you do your own taxes?

Heck no. I have people on the payroll for that.

Curt from Pine Island, MN

Regarding your employee count, how many vehicles does your regular entourage require?

As many as it takes.

Scott from Sauk City, WI

Oh brother, do I have to turn in my "Short Circuit" credentials after glossing right over that one? To this day, I still have no idea why "KO, Derf!" is the line I'm still dropping 40 years later. And now I'm wondering why they didn't write it "Derf KO." And now I'm reminiscing about Radio Shack. That place had EVERYTHING. That and Sam Goody were the only reasons to go to the mall, IMO. Where did young Wes spend his extra cash??

There was a Sam Goody parent store in Appleton called "Media Play." That place had EVERYTHING – music, movies, posters, action figures and laser tag next door. Teenage Wes burned through some bucks in that building.

Elia from Madison, WI

Can the fireworks for Family Night start early so we can watch them? Elia M, nine years old, and Arlo M, four.

My son would agree with you, Elia. Unfortunately, the fireworks typically are reserved for the post-practice festivities. Ask your parents to extend your bedtime.

Matt from Allouez, WI

As a high school teacher, AI means "I have to work that much harder to make sure the kids are actually doing the work."

Several friends of mine are teachers and fighting the same battles. I salute you.

Ron from Mitchell, SD

Hey Wes, I received an inside tip from a buddy that the perch are biting just off Oconto. It's either that or a fish sammy from Culvers!

Both sound amazing to me.

Don from Boise, ID

Wes, my hockey playing friend thinks I'm crazy, but I find watching curling much more fascinating. There is strategy, finesse and often a building tension in curling that hockey lacks. Plus, I have seen way too many shoot outs to end a hockey game. Which is borrrring.

Isn't it interesting how curling is always the belle of the ball during the Winter Olympics? It makes me wonder why it's not a more televised sport in this country.

Joe from Sherman, IL

With the Bears apparently looking for a new home, I hear there is a reasonably priced tract of land available in Decatur, Il. The Decatur Staleys has a ring to it.

Maybe something to look into.

Gavin from Albuquerque, NM

"...selling brake pads at your father's auto parts business." Tell me you've seen "Tommy Boy?" Please...just lie to me and say you have.

…I've never seen "Tommy Boy." Should I show myself out?

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