Its going to take some time

Mike Spofford

Craig from Brookfield, WI

THANK YOU for not bending to the fantasy football zeitgeist! Many NFL broadcasts have slidden in that direction by showing fantasy and gambling stats. I'll take numbers that show the historical context of what's happening, or the impact on playoff chances! Thanks to you both for being a sanctuary of non-baloney. Personally, I much prefer reality to fantasy (for most things).

Slidden? Seriously, slid-den? You're killin' me, Smalls.

John from Del Mar, CA

Hello II. Gotta add QB Joe Pisarcik alongside Jim Marshall and Leon Lett and Mark Sanchez to that Mt. Rushmore. All he had to do was take a knee. Giants fans hounded him for years.

Just a reminder, this whole discussion started with a question last week asking for the football equivalent of the Bill Buckner play, which implied major, fate-altering implications. That said, the trip down memory lane of other gaffes has been entertaining, and pulling out Pisarcik deserves kudos. The Giants' offensive coordinator was fired the next day, not by the head coach, but by the front office. Which brings it to the little-known Packers connection the wide receivers coach on that Giants staff who (sort of) received a promotion in the aftermath? Lindy Infante.

Andy from Wausau, WI

Hi Insiders, I enjoyed the article onJavon Hargravestill chasing dreams. Credit to Mike for the Prospect Primer 11 years later, and Vic on the small-school sleeper!

I remember Vic communicating to me from afar (he was transitioning to retirement then) how high he was on Hargrave heading into that draft, which is why I did a Primer on him, and then subsequently how bummed Vic was when the Steelers took Hargrave in the third round one pick after the Packers had a chance to get him. Green Bay took Kyler Fackrell in that third round instead, having drafted Kenny Clark in the first.

Jon from Willmar, MN

Anything on joint practices with other teams?

During OTAs/minicamp, LaFleur made it sound as though he's not inclined to set anything up for the Packers' preseason trips to Pittsburgh and Denver. Though he didn't rule it out. He did confirm the Cardinals will have a joint practice in Green Bay.

Jaime from Nevis, MN

When do you think we will hear more aboutJosh Jacobs?

No idea. The only answer to that question is when the investigations are complete.

Scott from Issaquah, WA

You think Sorsby placed a bet on whether or not he was going to declare for the supplemental draft? Jokes aside, if he suits up for an NFL team this fall, it would be my greatest disappointment as an NFL owner.

We'll see if any NFL team is willing to spend a draft pick on him at this point. I hope the young man has gotten the help he needs. If he has and his life can head in a different direction, that would be terrific. I'm all for people proving they can conquer their demons. But his demon, in this world, allows for zero grace, and any team that gets burned by taking it on will receive no sympathy.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Were you as surprised with theLuke Lacheysigning as me? With the improvement ofJosh Whyleit seems this could be a camp body or insurance tillTucker Kraftis ready? What are his strengths and chances of making the 53?

Lachey and Whyle are entirely different players. Lachey is a blocking tight end. Whyle is a pass-catching one. The Packers are covering all their bases, and they'll see how it sorts out in training camp.

Jeff from Montezuma, IA

With Luke Lachey being added to the roster and a WR being let go, it made me wonder, are there two depth charts? One by position and the overall and the No. 90 gets the cut?

Somebody's always the next to go. It can be a function of depth/health at a certain position, meaning it can change, but it has to be someone.

Brendon from Mexico

While I'm coming to believe thatLukas Van Nessand one of the Young Guns can hold down the fort untilMicah Parsonscomes back, I'm concerned about what will happen on the at least 20% of snaps when LVN is rotated off the field. I fear that an edge rush of two Young Guns will be one too many. Is that not reason enough to add a veteran pass rusher before the season starts?

I think the Packers must find out what they have in LVN,Barryn Sorrell,Collin Oliver,Brenton Cox Jr.,Arron MosbyandDani Dennis-Sutton. It's really as simple as that for me. Find out in the first four games what you need to know regarding the young edge rushers, and react accordingly. If the right opportunity at the right price comes along to add a veteran, you definitely consider it. But taking on a hefty vet salary that becomes fully guaranteed Week 1 when you might only need a one-month rental doesn't sound prudent to me.

Matt from Fitchburg, WI

I just really don't understand the optimism surrounding the offensive line. However much faith they have in him,Jordan Morganis unproven at left tackle. I just read thatAaron Banksis injured again, which is what apparently made him underperform last year, andZach Tomis coming back from a fairly major knee injury. Maybe Banks' injury is minor and it's more of a precaution with it being the offseason, but I don't know how anyone can look at this line and be assuaged.

I can appreciate the caution. A lot has to fall into place just right, there's no denying that. What's promising is it appearsSean Rhyan(center),Anthony Belton(right guard) and Morgan (left tackle) have all found their best spots, whileJager Burtoncould be pushing everyone on the interior to hold onto their jobs. The health concerns with Banks and Tom are real, but the Packers found a productive way to manage Banks toward the end of last season, and Tom came back as good as ever from a torn pectoral a couple years ago. I don't think this unit will be at its best in September, which could have ramifications. It's going to take some time. But good health willing, this group can be way better for the stretch run than where the Packers were last season at that time.

Kyle from St. Charles, MO

In response to theSkyy Moore"veteran presence" discussion. With all due respect, Moore has four years experience with 11 of 53 games started and 48 career receptions.Christian Watson, 45 GS, 133 receptions.Jayden Reed, 26 GS, 138 receptions. Tucker Kraft, 33 GS, 113 receptions. I think some may fail to realize how veteran our receiving core actually is. Especially within today's NFL landscape.

Thank you.

Adam from Wausau, WI

It seems the Packers have caught "wide receiver fever" over the last year. I don't think Vic would approve but how do you think the Packers will fare with so much capital tied into a non-premier position?

But is it so much capital? The way the new contracts for Reed and Watson are structured, their individual cap charges don't top $12M until 2028, and the way the receiver position is trending, if they live up to their deals those higher cap hits will still be below market when that time comes. Plus,Matthew GoldenandSavion Williamsare on rookie deals for the next three seasons, four in Golden's case if the fifth-year option is exercised. The way the Packers have set themselves up makes a ton of sense.

Tommy from Washburn, WI

Do you know how long it usually takes to build and move into a new stadium? I was wondering if this Christmas will be the last time the Packers will ever play da Bears at Soldier Field?

No. It won't take the Bears as long to build their stadium as it's taken to secure the funding for it, but I would surmise the Packers' last game at Soldier Field will be in either 2027 or '28.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Gents, after last season there were members of the Packer press corps expressing their opinion that GB should move on from Coach LaFleur. I am sure Coach took note. Have you seen the HC be different in his press conferences?

Nope.

Michael from Allouez, WI

Dear II, longtime reader and big fan of your Packers coverage. I had a question I was hoping you might be able to shed some light on: With the extensions for Coach LaFleur, Gutey, and Russ Ball, I haven't seen the actual contract lengths reported anywhere. Is that information simply not being disclosed by the organization, or is it still being pursued? It seems like an important detail from an accountability standpoint heading into what feels like a pivotal 2026 season. Thank you for your time.

The Packers don't disclose that type of contract information. Someone in the media may eventually find out from another source.

Ken from Arvada, CO

Not a question but a comment. I think we all knew Micah Parsons, the football player and how he is a game changer on the field. After reading multiple articles about Micah Parsons off the field, the positive influence he is behind the scenes and how he not only welcomes his role as a mentor but embraces it, I am grateful that the Cowboys allowed him to come our way.

I got a 20-minute sit-down with Parsons last Friday for the yearbook cover story I'm working on. It was a fascinating conversation, and I hope to be able to convey a little more about who he is and how he thinks in the wake of his comeback.

Darren from Wakefield, MI

Hey Mike, you may have missed the Wrigley sweep, but to see the Miz's 15K game must have been fabulous. Can you help describe what it was like at the game? I didn't even get to see it on TV.

The only way I can describe it is dominance, and knowing you were watching something special. All game long, his pitch count was in great shape, making you believe he could go the distance, but you couldn't be sure. When the Brewers were batting in the bottom of the eighth with absolutely no stirring in the bullpen, the whole thing kicked up a notch, and then to see him clocking 103 in the ninth was just mind-boggling.

Scott from Sauk City, WI

Mike, I'm 100% with you on the need for a salary cap in baseball. Where I struggle with the salary cap is in the owners versus players dynamic. Limiting what goes to players just enriches the 1% of the 1%. I want a better product, but I also hate something that the world's worst people want because it makes them richer. You know those dollars aren't trickling down anywhere.

That's why the NFL's model of a salary pool as a percentage of league revenues is the best one, but it's not directly applicable to baseball because every team has its own TV contract and that revenue isn't shared. Discussion for another day.

John from Stevens Point, WI

Since it's still sort of the dead season, what do you think Cooper Pratt will add to the Brewers? He has to be a better bat than Rengifo, right? It's cool to see some homegrown position player talent make its way to the parent club.

I believe these next six weeks with Pratt will define how the Brewers prioritize and approach the trade deadline. But I'll quit now before the baseball haters inundate us with refund requests.

David from Chestertown, MD

Do you think it is incontrovertible that with regained and retained health of their starters the Pack will make a deep run in the playoffs? In other words do the Packers stand up on paper to the rest of the NFC contenders? I emphatically say yes.

I believe with good health the Packers are a legitimate contender, but there's nothing "incontrovertible" about a deep run in the playoffs. It's still a crapshoot, man. Happy Wednesday.

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