Julius Peppers is remembered as a “splash” signing by Thompson three years ago, but it’s easy to forget the Chicago Bears parted ways with the Pro Bowl pass rusher just five days earlier to avoid absorbing a $20 million cap hit.
The Packers signed Letroy Guion the same spring, who had been released by the Minnesota Vikings. Thompson added tight end Jared Cook last March, who, you guessed it, was cut by the Los Angeles Rams.
Thompson is picky when choosing outside free agents, and he likes them on the cheap. By signing players who have been cut, there’s also no risk of affecting the following year’s compensatory pick outcome, as this doesn’t count against the formula.