The Green Bay Packers will not have to use their franchise tag on Jermichael Finley after the star tight end reportedly signed a two-year deal with the team on Wednesday. Finley was to become a free agent in less than a month, but will not hit the market after inking his deal. The contract is reportedly worth $15 million over two years, with much of the money front-loaded.
Jermichael Finley Signs Two-Year Deal With Packers, Freeing Up Franchise Tag
The news comes from Adam Schefter, who also adds that the Packers have a bit more flexibility with their franchise tag.
Packers reached agreement with TE Jermichael Finley on a 2-year, $15 million deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2012
After striking a deal with TE Jermichael Finley, Packers now can use their franchise tag elsewhere if they so choose.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2012
Andrew Brandt also noted the front-loaded nature of the deal in laying out the terms of the contract.
I am told @JermichaelF88 will receive $10.2 million from the Packers over the next 13 months.
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) February 23, 2012
One has to wonder if the Packers will now use the franchise tag on Matt Flynn, perhaps in an attempt to leverage it into some kind of return.
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For more on the Packers' offseason, head over to the SB Nation blog Acme Packing Company.