Morning Buzz: Vegas likes Packers' chances in '18

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.

We’ll start with Pete Dougherty’s latest column regarding Clay Matthews and how his new general manager and defensive coordinator will handle their aging star.

From Pete:

The Packers face some big decisions regarding Matthews. Will new general manager Brian Gutekunst try for a contract extension that includes lowering Matthews’ 2018 pay of $11.4 million? Or ask for a straight-up pay cut that could lead to possibly releasing Matthews? Or will Gutekunst do nothing and bring him back for the last year of his contract?

And assuming Matthews comes back, how will new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine use him? Mostly on the edge, where Matthews has played most of his career? Or primarily as a traditional linebacker who lines up as an outside rusher only occasionally?

The answer to those questions will reveal just how acute Gutekunst and coach Mike McCarthy consider the team’s pass-rush issues. I’m of the opinion former GM Ted Thompson didn’t take them seriously enough the past two years.

Safeties coach Darren Perry won’t be back with the Packers in 2018:

One of Brett Favre’s many post-retirement business deals has gone bad:

Former Packers running back Ahman Green had a trial date set:

Elsewhere, Ross Uglem takes a look at how the Packers' draft position puts them in a good spot:

Rob Demovsky writes on the tenure of James Campen:

Larry McCarren highlights the play of Josh Jones:

Vegas has the Packers in the mix to win next year’s Super Bowl:

The NFL brings attention to Clay Matthews' off-field charitable work:

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix comes in at No. 13 in B/R’s annual positional rankings:

Now that would be something …

The Power Sweep looks back at Ty Montgomery’s injury-filled season: