Packers quarterback Matt Flynn will become an unrestricted free agent on March 13. With tight end Jermichael Finley now re-signed and no other pending Green Bay free agent worthy of the franchise tag, the Packers could choose to use the tag on Flynn in the hopes of trying to trade him.
It’s a risky play, and G.M. Ted Thompson doesn’t like to take risks. Indeed, he’s so cautious he wouldn’t even talk up Flynn at the Scouting Combine on Friday.
“I’m not going to stand here and tell all the 31 other teams what I think about Matt Flynn,” Thompson said, via NFL.com.
Coach Mike McCarthy was slightly more chatty. “In my opinion, he’s ready to be an NFL starter,” McCarthy said. “That’s just my opinion. The business side will take care of itself. I don’t know what other opportunities he’ll have. If I was at a club and was looking for a good young quarterback, he’s definitely someone I’d talk to. . . .
“Matt’s had a chance to play versus New England, versus Detroit, so based on what I’ve seen in the every day — classroom, practice field — he’s ready. It’s his time to play.”
Surely, some other team will agree with McCarthy. The question is whether the Packers would make a $14.4 million gamble by applying the franchise tag to Flynn and hoping someone will offer something for him.
We’ve got a feeling that McCarthy would be willing to roll the dice, and that Thompson’s presence would be to take the dice and lock them in a box and throw away the key.