Will the Green Bay Packers re-sign John Kuhn?

The Green Bay Packers’ small-market atmosphere holds a special place for the blue collar, folk hero football player. Few have fit this description quite like longtime fullback John Kuhn, who is set to become a free agent after his eighth season with the Green Bay Packers. According to Weston Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Kuhn’s agent Kevin Gold met with the Packers at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and there is “mutual interest” in bringing the fan favorite back for year nine.

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Kuhn’s contract situation has developed into an annual debate in Packers land, but returning him to this roster is beneficial. The versatility that he offers both on offense and special teams allow Mike McCarthy to diversify his formations, and it shouldn’t come at a price that impacts any of the Packers’ other plans. Kuhn was paid a base salary of just $1.03 million in 2015, and that number isn’t likely to take a drastic spike.

After going undrafted out of Division-II Shippensburg, Kuhn spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being claimed by the Packers in September of 2007. He only passed 1,000 career yards from scrimmage this past season, but Kuhn’s true value comes in short-yardage situations and blocking roles. Despite playing in a small minority of the Packers’ offensive snaps, Kuhn made his second Pro Bowl in 2014 and was named a first-team All Pro by the Associated Press.

Dec 22, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30) spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown in the 4th quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

In terms of the fullback position, which is dying in the NFL, Kuhn is among the best. The question, then, becomes not if the Packers would like to bring Kuhn back, but if they would like to bring the fullback position back at all.

Kuhn took some noticeable strides in his run-blocking this past season, which is rare to see from a 32-year old player. The only tangible change that I can attribute this to is Sam Gash, who was named the Packers running backs coach prior to 2014. This helped to power a strong running game behind a much-improved offensive line, with Eddie Lacy being the main benefactor as the season wore on.

His greatest value to the team, however, came following the calf injury to Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers’ mobility limited through the later stages of the season and playoffs, McCarthy switched the offensive strategy to include a heavy dose of formations with three wide receivers and two running backs. On passing plays, Kuhn would often remain in the backfield to give Rodgers added protection, and few backs in football are as reliable as he is against blitzers.

The recent releases of A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones put the Packers over $30 million in cap space, which is a very comfortable place to be even when the negotiations with Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga are taken into consideration. On many teams in this league, and in most offensive systems, John Kuhn would be irrelevant. Aaron Rodgers, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy put great value on trust, though, and Kuhn’s 2014 season suggests that he has more to give to this football team. His contract would be a drop in the bucket, and the “Kuuuuhn” chants should continue to pour down on Lambeau Field.

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