Around the NFL: Former Packer Atari Bigby says goodbye

Former Green Bay Packer Atari Bigby (26) runs in to assist with bringing Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) down during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Not that the Green Bay Packers will have any interest in any of the high-paid, aging NFL veterans who are hitting the open market this weekend, it sure is interesting watching the developments from around the league this morning.

For instance, did you know that Atari Bigby (you remember him, right?), the former Packers safety, has played the past year with the San Diego Chargers? No, I didn’t know that either – but guess how he ended the 2012 season? Yup, you’re right … on injured reserve. Does that sound familiar, or what?

Here are Bigby’s career stats:

Anyway, the news coming from around the NFL is that teams are dropping veterans like hot potatoes. The following list, provided by nfl.com, is topped by the release of  James Harrison, as the Pittsburgh Steelers enter a new era. However,  there are several other teams that are seeing the need to part ways with their longtime players.

Consider the list:

Adrian Wilson, Safety, Arizona Cardinals

Dawan Landry, Safety, Jacksonville Jaguars

Aaron Ross, Cornerback, Jaguars

Chris Gamble, Cornerback, Carolina Panthers

 Atari Bigby, Safety, San Diego Chargers

 Bobbie Williams, Guard, Baltimore Ravens

It’s unclear whether the Packers will be adding anyone to this list anytime soon, but they do have a couple of restricted free agents who might be left to fend for themselves on the open market. Consider Robert Francois and Frank Zombo among them.

I know, they’re not big names, but they most likely will not be tendered by the Packers.