Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

Packers wanted McKenzie, too
Posted by Mike Florio on December 2, 2009 12:23 PM ET


As it turns out, there were two suitors for the services of cornerback Mike McKenzie, one of the unlikely heroes of Monday night's game for the ages between the Saints and the Patriots.

Per a league source, the Packers were chasing McKenzie, too.

The need was obvious -- the Packers recently lost cornerback Al Harris for the year with a torn ACL.

In the end, McKenzie selected the Saints, in part because the Saints were willing to omit from his contract any language protecting the team against further salary obligation if a knee injury were to land McKenzie on injured reserve.

That said, it's unknown whether the Packers ever had an option to match the contract that the Saints gave to McKenzie. The 10-year veteran worked out for the Saints and signed there without visiting Green Bay.

McKenzie entered the league as part of a 1999 Packers draft class that obviously was aimed at dealing with Vikings receiver Randy Moss, who had made good on his promise to "rip up" the league as a rookie the prior season. In round one, Green Bay drafted cornerback Antuan Edwards. In round two, the Packers added cornerback Fred Vinson. McKenzie arrived in round three, and defensive back Chris Akins was picked in round seven.

Edwards, who was moved to safety, ultimately became a bust. McKenzie far and away emerged as the best of the bunch.

Re: Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

Good (luck) for us!!

Re: Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

Excellent work, Mr. Loomis. Although I'm sure the 10-0 at the time didn't hurt either....lol

Re: Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

I am convinced the Saints had this trick up their sleeve 2 weeks before the Pats game. They didn't want to bring him in sooner because it would show the pats we have MM back and he is his old self. Pats went at him and booo-ya! INT.

Re: Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

That is funny. He was brought into the league to deal with Randy Moss, and he was brought back into the league to deal with Randy Moss.

I was actually laughing at McCarthy though. When I saw Al Harris was out for the year I started mocking GB about how I bet they wish they had their other hair guy back, but we got to him first.

God I hate McCarthy.

Re: Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

McKenzie had wanted to be with the Saints all along. He's been to a whole bunch of games this season.

Re: Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

I'm glad he's back !!! He was amazing.

Re: Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

MM is amazing.. hoping he would retire as a saints..

Re: Packers wanted McKenzie, too
 

couda shouda wouda. lol