Former Packer Brady Poppinga Thinks He Knows Why Austin Hooper and Emmanuel Sanders Didn't Sign With Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers have made some sneaky good moves this offseason, but nothing too significant that would please quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Reports indicate that the Packers made a run but ultimately lost out on the likes of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and tight end Austin Hooper, both of whom were previously two of the most coveted offensive free agents. Of course, Sanders signed with the Saints, and Hooper landed in Cleveland.

Former Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga claims that the team missing out on big-name free agents is simply product of players simply not wanting to live in Wisconsin.

Nope. I would bet the @packers offered competative deals. This is why free agency is a challenge in a place like Green Bay, guys would rather live in different parts of the country. Got to keep swinging though https://t.co/GLa5pFXGIv
— Brady Poppinga (@BradyPoppinga) March 21, 2020

We suppose Popping's assessment holds some value, but it's also an obvious take.

The Browns are faced with the same shortcomings as the Packers in that they play in a climate that boasts wintry temperatures almost year round coupled with the fact Ohio isn't exactly a prime spot for free agents to flock to. That hasn't stopped Cleveland from being one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. One could even argue that the Browns are winning free agency thus far.

What about Buffalo and Denver? The Bills and Broncos have both enjoyed tremendous offseasons.

Emmanuel Sanders had appealing NFC options. Sanders spoke with the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers, but preferred to wind up with the New Orleans Saints, where he land d a two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $19 million.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2020

Poppinga, who spent six of his eight years in the NFL in Green Bay, would defend the Packers to his grave, but he's really making a lame excuse for his former team's current free agency woes. Basing the entire process on climate and location is just misguided.