The Packer Pundit

Packers, Jenkins agree on 4-year extension
By Tom Silverstein / mjs.com
The Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement with defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins on a four-year, $15 million contract extension, a National Football League source said today. Jenkins, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent Friday, had been seeking the security of a long-term deal. The Packers, in turn, were hoping to lock up the promising young lineman before free agency started so that they didn't have to worry about other teams pursuing him. The $15 million deal includes a signing bonus of around $6 million and will pay Jenkins $6.8 million in 2007. At most, Jenkins would have received around $1.3 million this year had he signed a tender offer submitted by the Packers.

The 6-3, 290-pound Jenkins had a breakout year last season, emerging as the starting right end the final month of the season. Seeking better play against the run, the Packers benched pass-rushing end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and inserted the bigger Jenkins into the lineup. The play of the defense improved almost immediately and Jenkins, 26, continued to have an effect as a pass rusher, both at end on early downs and at tackle on passing downs. In his first start at end against the Detroit Lions, Jenkins had three sacks. Because Jenkins can play inside, the Packers were able to put their three best pass rushers - KGB, Aaron Kampman and Jenkins - on the field at the same time in passing situations. His signing will assure the Packers that they have the three under contract for at least the next three seasons. Jenkins started five games last season, including the last three at end, and finished with 6 sacks, third best on the team behind Kampman (15 ) and Corey Williams (seven). He also had 48 tackles and two fumble recoveries. During his three seasons with the Packers, Jenkins has played in 46 games and totaled 14 sacks. -- Story



Favre has ankle surgery
By Pete Dougherty / greenbaypressgazette.com
Quarterback Brett Favre had surgery to remove spurs from his left ankle this morning and probably will remain in Green Bay for a day or two before returning home to Mississippi, his agent said today. The Packers quarterback flew to Green Bay on Sunday, and this morning team physician Patrick McKenzie performed the procedure. “He’s fine, everything’s good,” said Bus Cook, Favre’s agent. When he gets to Mississippi, Favre will begin a rehabilitation program designed by the Packers’ medical and training staffs. Favre has had problems with his left ankle for at least several years but decided this year to finally have the spurs removed to relieve the chronic pain and perhaps help with his mobility. His rehabilitation is expected to take eight to 10 weeks, and coach Mike McCarthy has said Favre should be available for the Packers’ full-squad minicamp on May 20. -- Story



Robinson preparing to return, agent says
Receiver working out, attending AA meetings
By BOB McGINN / journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 23, 2007
Wide receiver Koren Robinson, one-third of the way through a one-year suspension from the National Football League, is on track for a return to the Green Bay Packers early next season. His agent, Alvin Keels, said Friday at the NFL combine that to his knowledge Robinson hasn't consumed alcohol or been in any trouble since his first season with the Packers came to a halt after four games. "He's going through counseling and being with his family," Keels said, adding that Robinson regularly attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. "He's excited about coming back and playing with Brett (Favre) for another year." -- More






Going for the best of the rest
Quality, not quantity might be draft focus
By BOB McGINN / journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 24, 2007
Indianapolis - Having brought the Green Bay Packers back to respectability in two years on the job mainly by amassing draft picks, general manager Ted Thompson could very well be thinking about hitting a home run this time. The Packers enter the off-season with more players under contract than any team in the National Football League. They were the youngest team in the NFL a year ago, the residue of Thompson's drafting philosophy of trading down almost whenever possible. In 2005, Thompson turned seven selections into 11 by trading down three times. Last year, he turned seven choices into 12 by trading down four times and dealing Javon Walker. From the Packers' league-leading haul of 23 players, a total of 17 players remain on the roster, including six starters. As Mike Holmgren's top personnel man in Seattle from 2000-'04, Thompson traded down six times without even once trading up. The Packers desperately needed bodies in recent years because Mike Sherman traded up eight times in his last three drafts and then didn't use the picks wisely. Now, however, the Packers have ample manpower across the board with an abundance of developing players and 12 veterans due back from injured reserve. So it might be time for Thompson to emphasize quality over quantity when the draft arrives nine weeks from now. -- More



Thompson eyes present, future at running back
GM focuses on Green, successor
By ROB REISCHEL / Special to the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Feb. 23, 2007
Indianapolis - In many ways, Ted Thompson's worlds were colliding Friday. The Green Bay Packers' general manager spent much of his day looking for a franchise running back of the future at the NFL scouting combine. At the same time, Thompson hasn't given up hope of re-signing his franchise back of today, Ahman Green.

"It's been pretty busy," Thompson said. That's for sure. The running back position was one of several on display Friday. And Green Bay could certainly use some help there. Among the backs Thompson and his staff were scrutinizing was University of California junior Marshawn Lynch, who could be a perfect fit for the Packers with the 16th overall pick and could develop into a standout player. At the same time, Green remains near the forefront of Thompson's mind. Although Green will become a free agent Friday if he and the Packers don't agree on a deal, Thompson remains hopeful something can be worked out. -- More