The Packer Pundit

Barnett signs $35 million extension
By TOM SILVERSTEIN / journalsentinel.com
Posted: April 10, 2007 / Story Link
The Green Bay Packers have signed linebacker Nick Barnett to a six-year contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid players on defense. According to an NFL source familiar with the deal, Barnett will earn $35 million over the six years, which include 2007 and run to 2012. The deal was structured such that Barnett will receive close to $12 million in the first year. "I think both sides walked away thinking a long-term committment was in place," said Barnett agent Chuck Price. "We're very pleased to reach this deal."

Talks had heated up in the last week and Barnett was mulling whether to take the money the Packers were offering or play out the season and become an unrestricted free agent next year. Barnett had one year left on his contract and would have earned $1.95 million this year. "It was definitely an option to hit the market," Barnett said at a noon news conference. "But I think being a Packer for my career is more important than getting to free agency. I'm just happy to be here for another six years. Being a Packer for life, there's not a lot of players who play on the same team for their entire career. I'm blessed, actually, to have that opportunity."