The Packers waived their right to offensive tackle Derek Sherrod on Monday. Ending what was considered an unproductive stint with the team, Sherrod is now a member of the costless agent market.
A first round draft pick out of Mississippi State, Sherrod was the first Bulldog to be taken in the first round since Walt Harris and Eric Moulds in 1996. Sherrod was chosen to help improve the pass protection in Green Bay. However, injury and the inability to perform held Sherrod back. Sherrod broke his leg in 2011 in the Packers’ only 2011 regular season loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent the entire 2012 season recovering. Sherrod began the 2013 season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but was moved to the active roster on November 5, 2013. Still, even after being activated, Sherrod only saw six snaps in the 2013 season. Ted Thompson remained optimistic about Sherrod’s future this summer, but also made the decision not to pick up the final-year option of his rookie contract.
The Packer offense, already struggling to protect the pass, hoped to improve with the addition of Sherrod. However, Sherrod underachieved in his short 20 game stint with the Packers. Considered to be a draft bust by many, Sherrod was not a positive contributor on the Packers’ offensive line. He allowed two costly sacks in the opening game against the Seattle Seahawks, and another one against the New York Jets. His start against the Jets was his only start in his time with the Packers.
Sherrod was replaced by offensive lineman JC Tretter on the Packers’ active roster. The ex-Packer could find work with another NFL team looking for depth on the offensive line.