NFC North Rivals – 5 Questions with Lombardi Ave.

Do you feel that the Packers paid too much to retain cornerback Sam Shields?

Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a 67 yard pass reception with Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) defending during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

"Not at all. In my opinion, Shields’ best years are still ahead of him, and the money reported about the contract by the media isn’t all guaranteed and won’t count against the cap each year as much as it initially appears. Cornerbacks with 4.3 speed are hard to come by and when you get one that can cover as well as Shields then you better hold onto him. The Packers corners are underrated in my opinion. They get a lot of flack for the amount of passing yards the Packers defense has allowed the past few seasons, but I think the real issue has been their front seven. The Packers are currently working on upgrading their front seven, and when you have a good front seven, your secondary looks that much better."