Javon Walker is in a No-Win Situation
Javon Walker says his days in Green Bay are over, except he has one more year left on his contract. Walker “wanted” more money, but now he just wants out of Green Bay.
Walker has had one good season and believed last year he deserved a huge contract. If Walker had gone about it another way last year, he might have gotten a contract extension. Instead, he relied on Drew Rosenhaus to bully the Packers, which ultimately failed and Walker ended up blowing out his knee.
Now, Walker says he’d rather retire than play another game in Green Bay. One thing I know for sure, Walker won’t retire at his age and give up millions. Remember, this about money for Javon. Two things: Either Javon is just plain stupid, or he’s bluffing badly. If Green Bay doesn’t trade him and he holds his ground and doesn’t play another game for Green Bay, his career will be over. Not only would it be over, but he’ll lose his salary for the upcoming season, he’ll be fined, and he’ll still be under contract for one more year with the Packers.
I believe Walker is bluffing and will come back to play just enough games to get him out of his contract, just like Mike McKenzie. Even if he does this, Thompson could place the franchise tag on him the following year, and at that point, he’d be making lots of money, but it would only be a one year contract, and he’d still be wearing Green and Gold.
I’m surprised Thompson hasn’t allowed Walker’s agent to shop him around, but I’m glad Thompson hasn’t been giving in to any of his demands. As of right now, Thompson doesn’t really have a lot of options, except to wait and see. There have been rumors that maybe Denver might be interested in a trade, but no offers have been made at this point.
If I were Thompson here’s the choices I’d give Javon:
1) Perform well this year and you’ll be a rich man.
2) Sign an extension now with tons of escalators protecting the Packers if he doesn’t perform.
3) Trade him for a 1st round pick or nothing at all.
4) Otherwise, make him play out his contract, franchise him next year, and then trade him.
