Did Green Bay Packers Dump Jerel Worthy Too Soon?
By Erik Lambert
Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (99) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
New arrivals on defense, along with injuries, made it difficult to find a place for Jerel Worthy. Still, should the Green Bay Packers have traded him?
Datone Jones made the move to New England Patriots possible
On the one hand it’s easy to see the situation from the Packers’ perspective. Worthy played just 14 snaps in 2013 before tearing his ACL. He also missed two games with injury his rookie year as well. Meanwhile the addition of Datone Jones at defensive end and most recently Julius Peppers at outside linebacker bolstered the front seven to point where it would be tough for the team to find playing time for Worthy. Throw in the fact he’s not practicing due to an ailing back and the idea of a trade to the New England Patriots becomes more understandable.
Ted Thompson may regret price he accepted
The issue at hand is did GM Ted Thompson pull the trigger on a deal too soon? Remember, the NFL trade deadline isn’t until week eight of the regular season. There were a number of reasons for the Packers to at least wait on the decision. Perhaps Worthy returns and plays very well in limited action. It’s important to remember he just turned 24-years old. Many players go through injury struggles at the start of their careers. If Worthy was able to prove he could contribute significantly, maybe Green Bay could’ve kept him as a rotational rusher. Or, more practically, the price could’ve been driven a little higher than a conditional late round draft pick.
The bottom line is the New England Patriots took a low risk for a young, talented player who has injury problems. Whether the Green Bay Packers made a mistake will become clear in the months and years to come.