I Love Donald Driver, But It's Time To Go

One of my favorite players in the NFL is Donald Driver. It is really hard not to like him. He has played forever, and somehow has always found a way to be productive, but his talents are on the decline. He just turned in his worst year since 2001, and now him sticking around is forcing more important players out the door...

"In a column for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Mike Vandermause believes it's likely that James Jones has probably played his last game for the Green Bay Packers, that landing with a team where he'd have a chance to start makes sense."

James Jones loves the Packers, but he is not happy having to sit behind Driver anymore...

"My main thing going through all this is, do I want to be a starter in the National Football League? No question. Do I feel like I'm a starter? No question," Jones confirmed to reporters Monday night, per Jason Wilde of 540 ESPN Radio (Milwaukee). "I know we've got something great here. I mean, this team could win some championships for the next couple years. But at the same time, I do want to be a starter. I don't know if that's ever going to happen here with Donald [Driver] playing until he's 40 (ESPN)."

Driver is now 36 years old. He had a bunch of injuries last year, and I am sorry but this is near the end of the road. Meanwhile Jones is just 26 years old and has progressed each of the past 3 years. He did have some big drops in the playoffs, but this guy has the skill set to be a real force for a long time.

I love you Driver, I really do, but it's time to call it a career and what a better way to go out then the Super Bowl you just won?

The only other way is if the Packers can convince Driver to take his rightful place as a #3 or #4 option, and convince Jones that it will stay that way.

Driver Bashes Bears' Receivers

"I think Chicago did a great job, and Lovie Smith went out there and got Jay Cutler to lead this team, but one thing they don't have is they don't have the receiver group," Driver said. "They have the running back, they have the offensive line and they have a great defense. But you're going to have to need receivers to make plays down the field, and they don't have that right now (ESPN)."

I love it. For one thing he is right. Cutler is a very good QB, but I don't know how he will do without a good receiving core around him. The numbers he put up in Denver were really helped by the fact he had a player like Marshall to throw to. So, it will be very interesting to see how he does without that type of player on his team.

This comment will just add more fuel to a division that should be very intriguing. The Packers and Bears have always been rivals, and with the Vikings most likely having Favre at QB this could get very interesting.

Rodgers 4 Life.

Donald Driver A No-Show At Camp

"Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver isn't happy with his current contract and wants a reworked deal, according to the Wisconsin State Journal of Madison. The three-time Pro Bowler missed a voluntary practice on Thursday. The newspaper report, citing two NFL sources and a team source, said Driver missed the organized team activity -- the first open to the media this offseason -- as he seeks an upgrade to a contract that will pay him $3.9 million this season and $4 million in 2010 (ESPN)."

I have to admit I was really surprised by this. I always thought that Driver was one of those guys who kept his mouth shut and just played, but apparently he did this in 2006 and 2007. I don't think this will be a big deal. Driver is 34 years old and isn't even the #1 WR on the Packers anymore. He is getting paid what he is worth, and I just don't see the Packers caving.

"I don't know what he's doing," an NFL source told the State Journal. "It makes no sense (ESPN)."

I also don't see Driver missing any mandatory camp. After a tough year last year this is the last thing the Packers need. Still I think if the Packers defense can hold up they will be in the playoffs next season.