Let’s hope Jermichael Finley has this look on his face only when he scores touchdowns next season …
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Jermichael Finley, probably best known to Green Bay Packers fans at this point as the guy with untold potential who keeps dropping the damn ball, has turned the tables a bit.

Finley has pledged to donate $500 for every dropped pass during the 2013 season to One Fund Boston, a charity set up by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to help raise funds to help those most affected by the bombing attacks at the Boston Marathon this week.

Hey, it’s an absolute PR coup for a guy who’s painted himself as a me-first player the last couple of years.  Finley also pledges to donate $500 for every touchdown he scores this year – a number that was woefully low in 2012 at just a pair.

“Now fans can cheer & boo me @ the same time!” Finley tweeted. Nicely played.

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) misses a catch while defended by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53). Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Jer-Mishandle dropped seven of his 87 targets last year, scoring only two touchdowns after racking up eight scores in 2011. He also made worse his slow start to last season by basically blaming quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He essentially pointed the finger at everyone but himself.

A repeat of last year would net One Fund Boston $4,500. Now it’s going to be tougher to curse him and throw chicken wings at the TV screen when he makes one of his patented bone-headed drops.

But Coach Mike McCarthy praised Finley’s finish to the season, even as fans and NFL prognosticators predicted the Packers would part ways with the freakishly talented tight end.

“I was very pleased with the way Jermichael played there in the second half,” McCarthey said in February at the NFL Scouting Combine, “and he improved a number of different areas of his game.”

The Packers were so pleased with his strong finish that they brought him back at his full $8.25 million salary amidst a flurry of cuts and restructures designed in part to make room for big new contracts for stars such as Rodgers and Clay Matthews.

Perhaps this is Finley’s way of bringing about a better sense of focus on the field. James Jones made a turnaround in 2012 after being drop-prone in his first few seasons with the team, so why not Finley? Speaking as a long-time Packers fan, it’s nice to finally see some maturity and humility in the guy.

Still, it will be fun to see if Rodgers puts a little extra zip on the ball when he passes to Finley this season, just to make him put some of his money where his mouth is. Or at least where his mouth used to be.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers neared what was a massive decision that would affect their cap space dramatically for next season. Ted Thompson knew this decision would impact what they do in this year’s NFL Draft and how they approach the rest of the offseason. Thompson also knew that the decision to keep or cut Jermichael Finley was huge and has been talked about a lot.

However, there is one obvious right decision that the Packers should have made – and they made it today …

The Packers kept Jermichael Finley.

There is no tight end on the free agent market right now better than Jermichael Finley. Tyler Eifert would be an upgrade but he will not fall to the Packers while Zack Ertz will probably not be an immediate upgrade.

Jermichael Finley played better near the end of the season and even though he struggled in the playoffs, Finley showed that he deserves a second chance for the Packers this upcoming season. The Packers also have plenty of cap room to improve the roster right now and Finley will be a free agent next offseason anyway.

Dec 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 42-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Packers will still have the cap space to make some moves which should include cutting Cedric Benson and replacing him with Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw is still not that old at age 27 while Benson is a risk to be injured again and no longer needed, especially if Bradshaw becomes a Packer. Brian Urlacher could be a possibility to provide some depth at inside linebacker. His leadership would also be a big boost to the locker room but it seems unlikely that Urlacher would come to Green Bay.

The Packers can now focus on a tight end later in the draft instead of the first round. So just what are the Packers draft options at tight end?

Dec 20, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs tight end Gavin Escobar (88) runs for a first down after making a catch during the second quarter as Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Jordan Johnson (6) defends at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

In the second round, the Packers could look at drafting San Diego State TE Gavin Escobar. Escobar isn’t too far behind Zack Ertz on a lot of people’s draft boards and his ceiling is extremely high. Escobar has good speed and jumping ability for a tight end but I’m still not completely sold on Escobar.

Florida’s Jordan Reed is another potential fit in the second or third round and would be a good pick for Green Bay. Reed is fast for a tight end but he isn’t really much a blocker. If there is one player he reminds me of, it would be former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark. Clark and Reed are both not as big as an average tight end but have great speed and can work out of the slot. The Packers do already have D.J. Williams so Reed might not be much of a fit.

December 27, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins tight end Joseph Fauria (8) celebrates after scoring during the second quarter against the Baylor Bears in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

A late round possibility is UCLA tight end Joseph Fauria who has the best ceiling of any in this draft. Fauria is 6-7′ and has so much room to grow and become an elite tight end. Fauria isn’t the fastest tight end but he can get up and get the ball due to his impressive ball skills and great arm length. Fauria might not be the fastest, but his speed makes him a big play threat.

Fauria also has one of the highest ceilings of any player in the draft and could be a big time tight end by 2014. Remember, Jimmy Graham was not a starter from day 1 in New Orleans. Instead, Graham developed behind veteran Jeremy Shockey before starting in New Orleans and becoming arguably the best tight end in the NFL.

Jermichael Finley could play the Jeremy Shockey with Fauria being the next Jimmy Graham.

Jermichael Finley will continue to be a target for Aaron Rodgers for at least one more season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley made the announcement via Twitter this afternoon:

Ecstatic 2 b back w @packers. Best place on earth. Thank u 2 my agents & family @blakebaratz @jhart5266. I appreciate all that u do. #pack

— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) March 25, 2013

Yup, the Packers ponied up the $3 million he was due to ensure that he stays a member of the team. That money will go toward the more than $8 million the talented and controversial player is due this season. It will also complete the second year of a two-year extension he signed with the team in 2011.

Finley, who had a strong finish to his season last year – a campaign where he caught 61 balls for 667 yards. Head coach Mike McCarthy was so impressed with Finley’s performance last year that he called him out in his season-ending press conference, saying in essence that he was hoping Finley would be back this year with the team.

But just what is the future of Finley? Will the team pursue a long-term contract that would reduce his impact on the salary cap or do they simply let him play out his contract and test the free agent market next spring? Much will depend on his level of play in 2013. In addition, the Packers have to sign Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews to mega-contracts within the year and they may also consider extending the contract of defensive lineman B.J. Raji.

The contract to Rodgers is probably being worked on as we write this. Packers President Mark Murphy called the deal a “priority,” and many are saying that Rodgers will be rewarded prior to the NFL Draft in April.

So, looking to the future, how much would be left for extending Finley’s contract is still up in the air.

But one thing’s for sure, Finley will be around one more year for fans to kick around

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) is unable to make a catch in the end zone while being defended by Minnesota Vikings defender in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field.
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Has anyone else noticed that the journey Jermichael Finley has taken since being drafted by the Packers in 2008 has been almost Shakespearean in its ups and downs, and twists and turns?

The question is, how will this tale end? Will the athletic tight end emerge triumphant, a hero who saves the day, or will he die on his own self-serving sword?

The Packers owe Finley a $3 million roster bonus on Tuesday, March 26, so another dramatic milestone is upon us. Will the Packers follow through with their million-dollar anti-hero? Even as recently as this morning, news outlets were reporting that the Packers have expressed to Jermichael Finley’s agent that they’re “uncomfortable” with his $8.25 million salary.

Finley’s dramatic arc began to rise in 2009, when he caught six balls for 128 yards and a touch in an October ’09 tilt against the Vikings. And following a three-touchdown outburst against the Bears in 2011, it appeared Finley’s stock was set to blast into outer space, especially after he finished the season with nearly 800 yards and 8 scores.

Armed to the hilt with a new two-year contract, Finley went into 2012 as a highly-anticipated breakout candidate – and he promptly fell from flight with a resounding thud. Drops became his calling card; quarterback Aaron Rodgers appeared to lose confidence in his once-mighty target. In response to this adversity, Finley began to run his mouth and point fingers, and his camp at one point even called out Rodgers’ leadership abilities (which, in Green Bay, is akin to claiming Caesar was a lame general).

Alas, the first half of 2012 appeared to out Finley as a bust. Even though he rebounded to finish out the season, post-bye, looking more poised and consistent than perhaps he ever had, pundits and naysayers predicted he’d be run out of Green Bay like a monster stalked by torch-carrying, cheesehead-wearing villagers. But strangely, following the season’s conclusion, head coach Mike McCarthy was complimentary of Finley’s progress, saying at the NFL Combine, “I was very pleased with the way Jermichael played there in the second half and he improved a number of different areas of his game.”

Hark. Is that the smell of redemption?

But the off-season was strangely quiet, apart from various news outlets, bloggers and fans calling for Finley’s head. Even foremost Packers authority the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel predicted Finley’s demise. Were the Packers and Finley even communicating? What would become of him? Would his tale simply fade to black with his outright release?

Then, in late February, Finley stated he would not take a pay cut to stay in Green Bay – that he would “walk” if the team asked him to. At this point it seemed inevitable his Packers story would come to an end. Clearly not a team player, the anti-hero appeared doomed to a tragic end to his Packers career.

Consider: Charles Woodson, warrior of warriors, has been released; Donald Driver, the consummate Packer legend, is obviously no longer welcome on the field of battle, and yet Sir-Drops-a-Lot – the third-highest paid player on the team behind Rodgers and Tramon Williams – still has a place in the kingdom? Surely he would be turned away so that the team would have cap space to sign running back Steven Jackson, or possibly even an edge pass-rusher – a new hero for our story.

Silence. Nothing happened. Calm before the storm? Or just … calm?

“When you look at Jermichael,” McCarthy said at the combine, “and you go on the other side of the ball or you talk to any of the defensive guys that played against him, he’s a matchup challenge for defenses. I think his best routes are when we’re attacking the middle of the field with him. I think he’s unique that way. Big target, excellent in the red zone. I thought he played much better with the ball in his hand after the catch.”

Here’s betting that the Packers pony up the $3 million on Wednesday, and Finley rides back into town, if not on a white horse, to take another run at showing he’s worth the $8 million he’ll count against the relatively tight Green Bay salary cap this season.

Did the departures of Greg Jennings and (to a lesser extent) tight end Tom Crabtree open the door for a triumphant, heroic return? Can Finley redeem himself and rise to legendary new heights in the Packers’ forthcoming quest for another Super Bowl? Another page in this dramatic story turns on March 26.

What do you think will be Finley’s fate? Post your predictions below.

The Packers are expected to pay Jermichael Finley’s $3 million signing bonus Tuesday to ensure he will be with the team for one more season.

For months, Green Bay Packers bloggers, writers and followers of the team have had Tuesday, March 26, circled on their calendars – that’s the day when the Packers either have to tell tight end Jermichael Finley to hit the road or pay him his roster bonus – about $3 million. By doing so, the Packers will commit to keeping the talented, but mercurial player in the fold for at least one more season.

That is unless they release or trade him by the end of today – a scenario at this point that most likely will not occur.

When interviewed about a month ago on whether he felt comfortable with taking a pay cut to stay with the team, Finley said he would walk rather than take a pay cut.

The Packers are expected to make Aaron Rodgers the highest-paid player in the NFL sometime soon.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

But that was before the free agency period during which the Packers held on to its $18 million under the salary cap to ensure the team could pay for its restricted free agents, its draft choices, and Finley, while also having some in the bank to apply to the mega-contracts that are sure to be offered to quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews.

Packers President Mark Murphy called the re-signing of Rodgers a “priority,” which means that the Packers may hold off a bit on the re-signing of Matthews and defensive lineman B.J. Raji.

The bottom line, however, for Finley is the roster bonus he will be due Tuesday.

With the Packers letting backup tight end Tom Crabtree sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and because they let wide receiver Greg Jennings defect to Minnesota, it pretty much cements Finley’s place on the team.

With just a single year remaining on the two-year extension he signed in 2011, Finley is sure to play the year and then test the free agent market come next spring. The Packers are playing the odds that Finley will continue to improve his game and contribute to a Packers offense that benefits by his presence.

Last season, Finley, who battled through drops and curious off-the-field comments, had the best season ever for a Packers tight end. He caught 61 passes for 667 yards.

Though they will only get one more season out of him, the Packers are hoping it’s good enough to help the team to the playoffs and a possible Super Bowl.

That’s the $3 million risk they are most likely prepping to take.

Jermichael Finley is due a $4.45 million roster bonus March 27.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

This has been a tumultuous and game-changing week for the Green Bay Packers, even though they haven’t made a single move to acquire a free agent player.

The Packers lost linebacker Erik Walden to the Indianapolis Colts, they lost wide receiver Greg Jennings to the Minnesota Vikings and they lost tight end Tom Crabtree to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Restricted free agents Sam Shields and Evan Dietrich-Smith were tendered contracts and Robert Francois re-signed with the team – all on the cheap. In addition, linebacker A.J. Hawk restructured his contract so he could stay with the team.

What does that mean for the Packers as they inch closer to the NFL Draft?

Jermichael Finley had 37 catches for 441 yards the final nine games of last season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, nobody’s absolutely sure as free agent deals still could come about (Ahmad Bradshaw?) and, most importantly, the Packers still have to decide what to do with Jermichael Finley who is due a $4.45 million roster bonus March 27. There have been no negotiations with Finley and he was most recently quoted a few weeks ago saying he wasn’t interested in taking a pay cut.

With the Packers allowing Crabtree to walk, one would think that Finley is probably safe.

However, the lack of communication between the two camps makes one wonder what’s going through Ted Thompson’s head. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy really likes Finley as a player and said so at his season-ending press conference. Finley came alive in the second half of last season, but one wonders if that’s enough to convince everyone at 1265 Lombardi Avenue to keep Finley around for at least another year.

Finley is going on the final year of a two-year contract that will count $8.75 million against the salary cap. Is that too much for Ted Thompson’s taste? On the surface, one would have to say yes, mostly because that in addition to the dollars mentioned above there buried beneath all of that ia the history and baggage Finley brings with him. He’s been critical of his quarterback; his agent has been critical of his quarterback; Finley has said he will walk if told he needs to take a pay cut; his agent said Finley won’t walk and that negotiations over the issue would be taken seriously.

But with all that drama in the past, one also wonders if the Packers want to keep a player who is in the final year of his contract and will most likely walk unless the team offers some kind of restructuring deal that could include an extension.

On the field, is he valuable enough to expend that amount? Most say yes. He’s a huge talent who pulls a lot of defensive attention his way and opens the field for other receivers. This is true. In all, last year Finley caught 61 passes for 667 yards. He scored two touchdowns.

Jermichael Finley scored two touchdowns last season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

However, in the second half of the season, he was consistent – though he dropped off the map in the playoffs.

Here was his production the final nine games, including playoffs:

Nov. 18: 3 catches for 66 yards

Nov. 25: 3 catches for 51 yards

Dec. 2: 6 catches for 60 yards

Dec. 9: 2 catches for 16 yards

Dec. 16: 5 catches for 61 yards

Dec, 23: 5 catches for 70 yards

Dec. 30: 8 catches for 72 yards

Playoffs: Versus Minnesota he had 1 catch for 10 yards; versus San Francisco he had four catches for 35 yards.

In total, that’s 37 receptions for 441 yards.

The question everyone needs to ask – is whether that production is worthy of nearly $9 million per year?

Ted Thompson will have final say in this matter and the decision will come soon.

Jermichael Finley is a huge talent whose time in Green Bay without a long-term contract is coming to an end.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I like Jermichael Finley – I really do. I think he’s a huge talent who adds an element to the Green Bay Packers’ offensive machine that has been an immeasurably intangible piece to the entire team’s success.

But I still think, as I’ve written before, that it’s time for him to pack his bags and move on.

Yes, Finley has played well in spots, but he’s had some god-awful games, as well. What it comes down to in the NFL is production and value. Nobody knows this better than Ted Thompson who runs the tightest ship in the league.

Jermichael Finley is the type of player who can be placed inside or out and have an impact.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Finley caught 61 passes for 667 yards last year, with most of his production coming in the final half of the season. The question is whether those 667 yards is worth $8.25 million – the amount Finley is expected to make next season, the final year of a two-year contract. Will the Packers try to get him to do what he said he wouldn’t do – take a pay cut? Will they try to extend his contract and make him one of, if not THE highest paid tight end in the league? Will they cut him loose or might they even try to trade him away?

These are all questions that have been debated across the sports world the past couple of months and questions that will linger until the end of this month when his D-Day (departure day?) comes around.

Today, Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel posted a blog post with numerous quotes from an ever-endearing Blake Baratz – Finley’s agent. His attempt to soften the words of Finley last week when he said he would walk instead of taking a pay cut ring hollow. But at least he tries. Baratz, who himself has used some stinging words against Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, makes Finley out to be the misunderstood child.

I’m not buying it.

To me, Finley comes off as the spoiled child who thinks the world revolves around him.

Again, I’ll say it – I like Finley. But he’s not the Packer type; he struggles with personal relations among teammates (especially the most important, Rodgers), and his arrogance comes across with his antics on the field and his inability to dislodge his foot from his mouth.

Has Jermichael Finley played his final down in Lambeau Field?

The Packers can do better. We know he won’t take a pay cut and if Ted Thompson keeps him around for another year, we all know it’s simply a rent-a-player situation where he will play out his contract and leave. Is it worth the $8.25 million to the team to allow this to happen? Is it worth the $8.25 million to keep the locker room distraction around? Is the 667 yards worth $8.25 million?

I don’t think so.

The Packers can use the draft – heck, they could even use free agency if they wanted to target a player like a Dustin Keller or a even a Fred Davis they might be just as better off in the long run.

Sometimes a change is best for everyone. I think this is the case. Either cut Finley and let him walk, but better yet, trade him and get something now for him.

That way, the Packers could keep A.J. Hawk around – at least he’s affordable, is a standup guy and doesn’t say bad things about his quarterback.

It’s time. It’s D-Day for Jermichael Finley.

Let me know what you think. Leave a comment below, like lombardiave.com on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Will Jermichael Finley be trying to continue to establish a chemistry with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in 2013. We hope not.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Remember about a month or so ago when Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley said his chances of re-signing with his team sat at about 50/50?

Well, those chances seem to be dropping with each passing hour, day and week.

In an interview today with ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Finley was sounding pretty cold about the Packers, saying that they were doing in the “Packer way.” Just what that is, I’m not sure, but Finley seems to know – if you read between the lines, Finley is packing his bags and seems poised to hit the free agent market running.

“The Packers are barely talking to me right now,” Finley said. “I know they’re just doing it the Packer way and playing it close to the vest. I haven’t got a call. I haven’t got a text asking me to take a pay cut or to restructure my deal at this point–not at all.”

Will Jermichael Finley be back with the Packers? The chances seem to be slipping.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

But when asked about the possibility of taking a pay cut, Finley wasn’t about to do his best impersonation of Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger: 

“I’d have to walk for sure, meaning I couldn’t take a pay cut. Maybe I’d restructure if it’s a deal that I like and it makes sense, but I’m not the guy that’s just going to sign anything and let anything pass. I’m not that guy. Other than that, taking a pay cut or restructuring doesn’t sound good to me at this time. I like my deal. I start training in Minneapolis tomorrow and I’m more inspired than ever to start next season off right and be the tight end I know I can be. It’s all business at the end of the day. I just love what I do.”

We wrote here this past weekend that it was time for the Packers to part ways with Finley, and his attitude was just one of the reasons. The other was his salary and the fact that he would be a hired hand for a single season. Yes, he’s a talent, but the Green Bay Packers will be better off without his mouth and his dropped passes.

Time to move on, Ted Thompson. Start eyeing up the tight end talent in the draft.

Jermichael Finley
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Si.com recently paid a visit to and received a personal tour of Jermichael Finley’s home – a tour that was guided by the one and only J-Mike. The videos presented below are part of Sports Illustrated’s “At Home With …” series.

In the first video below, Jermichael guides si.com’s cameras through the dining room, his office, the kitchen and what seems to be the basement man cave, complete with the extra large flat screen televisions that one would expect.

What we see is a home that is functional, but not overly gaudy. Yes, the home has all those extra big screens that one would expect in a football player’s home, but it was the kitchen that seemed the most equipped, though Jermichael said he rarely enters that part of the home.

In addition, si.com takes a few minutes to sit down with Jermichael, who talks about his pleasure in playing for the Green Bay Packers, the quiet neighborhood in which he lives and his happiness in coming home to his castle after practices and games. He says he and his family truly love the home where they live.

With J-Mike’s contract expiring next year, he’s admitted that there is a 50-50 chance that he may be gone to another team this season. Should he have to move on, his home, like Greg Jennings may be for sale.

To see the videos, scroll down.

Take a look at the picture above … I will come back to this …

I want to preface this piece by saying right out that I’ve been a big fan of Jermichael Finley. He’s a good football player, a huge talent who came to the Packers with a large upside. He’s had some fine games as a Packer. He was clearly the best tight end the team has had on its roster and a no-brainer for a starter with the squad.

However, his inability to keep his mouth shut and be the kind of soldier the team needs has soured me. Each week, I hope he steps up and shows what he is capable of accomplishing on the field; I hope deep down that he is able to back up his words with actions.

I’ve been sorely disappointed, as have many Packers fans. We’ve heard him say that he’s all in, that he is going out of his way by meeting with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers the night before each game in hopes of finding that much-needed “chemistry” he feels is missing.

We’ve heard him say that chemistry goes both ways – this is true, but when the quarterback hits him consistently between both eights and he drops the ball, how can that trust ever be solid?

We’ve watched as Finley missed the entirety of training camp and then comes in and picks up where he left off last year – as being a highly inconsistent piece of the Packers puzzle. We all thought he would shake it off and get better. He did do that in the first couple of games of the season. In those first two games he caught 11 passes and two touchdowns, but since then has literally dropped off the Packers offensive map.

Jermichael Finley makes a catch against the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Since playing decently against Seattle (4 catches for 60 yards) and New Orleans (4/54), Finley has been a non-factor.

Here is what he’s produced since those first four games:

Indianapolis – 3 catches for 11 yards

Houston – 2 catches for 12 yards

St. Louis – 2 catches for 31 yards

Jacksonville – 2 catches for 24 yards

Arizona – 1 catch for 6 yards

Finley says he’s being double-teamed, that he can’t get into the flow of the game. Maybe that’s true, maybe not. Either way, players get double-teamed all the time – he isn’t the first.

Now we come back to the photograph at the top of the page. Take a closer look – As Rodgers is surrounded by his teammates and he gives them the pre-game pump-up speech, look at the player bent over tying his shoe or picking grass off his uniform or whatever he seems to be doing – one thing’s for certain, he’s not paying very close attention to what Rodgers has to say.

Maybe it’s just me reading too much into the photograph, but if chemistry starts with respecting teammates and at least paying attention to what they have to say, Finley is failing terribly in this photograph.

Clearly, there’s no chemistry emanating from this photograph.

Coming out of the bye, I hope Jermichael Finley has the opportunity to right his ship; I hope he proves all of us naysayers wrong. I hope he comes out and doesn’t drop a pass and burns up the league the rest of the way. That would give Ted Thompson reason to think that he should keep Finley around.

If Finley doesn’t do that, expect him either to be cut or traded.

One doesn’t treat the league’s MVP and face of the franchise this way and get away with it.

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Aaron Rodgers hits Jermichael Finley over the middle. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Jermichael Finley.

Sometimes I Love him. Sometimes I really, really dislike him.

Whatever you think, he’s going to be key to the Packers’ 2012 run toward their goal of another championship.

Jermichael Finley breaks a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season at Lambeau Field. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I like Jermichael Finley. Yeah he talks too much … unnecessarily … but he is a talent.

So when he came out this weekend to say that he is going to get back to his roots, stop worrying about so many things and wear a T-shirt that says “freestyling,” I wasn’t surprised.

The question many are asking, however, is just what does he mean by freestyling? There’s probably only one thing fans of the Packers will understand as the season gets under way is that Finley simply catches the ball. Though he had more than 700 yards on more than 50 catches last season, those were the most quiet yards and catches in the entire league.

When people point to Finley’s performance in 2011, they will remember just one thing: the drops. In all, he had 13 of them – many coming at the most inopportune time – do you remember last year’s playoff game?

So, when he comes out this offseason and says his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers was off and that he’s intending to freestyle this upcoming season, you’ve got to have a bit of worry.

I say whatever works. If the freestyling thing leads to more catches, more touchdowns and more chemistry with #12, then I’m OK with it. If his performance next year is akin to last year we may see the last of number 88 in Green Bay.

Another question that comes to mind is the reaction of no-nonsense coach Mike McCarthy. I’m just wondering what he thinks about Finley’s comments this season and how well it will sit … my guess is the coach is rolling his eyes and saying something like, “Oh, Jermichael. Why did you have to say something so stupid? Just catch the damn ball!?

These guys are professionals. They are paid millions to catch and run with the football. Mike McCarthy understands that. Aaron Rodgers understands that. Every Packers fan on the planet understands that.

My only hope is that Jermichael Finley understands that.

If it takes freestyling to accomplish that while still being accountable to his team and teammates, then that’s OK.

But if the freestyling means flapping his lips more than he should, then Jermichael Finley should re-evaluate.

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Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley was re-signed by the Green Bay Packers today. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

All the talk over the past few months about the Green Bay Packers slapping the franchise tag on tight end Jermichael Finley came to an end today when it was announced  that the Packers and Finley agreed to a two-year deal that will pay the talented, but underachieving player millions.

Finley confirmed the agreement through a tweet, ”It’s TRUE! Thank you so much to the Packers organization, all of my fans, and my beautiful wife. Happy Bday. Let’s GO Packers!! Back soon…”

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Finley will receive $5.75 million in 2012 and $8.25 million in 2013.

Though he was criticized throughout the season for his seeming inconsistency, team brass, and especially its head coach Mike McCarthy, are still extremely high on the 24-year-old who has what many feel is and incredible upside.

Jermichael Finley is a talent, but has been injured and inconsistent, though still adds an important element to the Packers offensive attack. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

You might have known that Jermichael Finley was at the center of it all … that is the talk of the Packers eyeing the franchise record of 57 points.

“Anything’s possible,” Finley was quoted earlier today in published reports. “Week to week we can put up big numbers. Not only against the Rams. It’s about us every game. I think we can do it every week.”
Finley, gotta love him, isn’t going to hold his opinion in check … no, he calls it like he sees it.
That’s fine, but the tight end should also consider he’s not the epicenter of the Packers offense. Is he a key member?

Absolutely … but not THE linchpin. Remember, the Packers won a Super Bowl without him; but look what he’s added to the offense so far this season – 22 receptions for 301 yards and 3 touchdowns. Consistency, however, has to be questioned, as does Finley’s durability. And while all three of his touchdowns came in one game – the Bears – and his recent drops are a concern, he is a huge threat in the Packers attack.

Nevertheless, isn’t it a bit early to start eyeing records – at least in public? Confidence is one thing; arrogance another. It’s a fine line and for the most part, Finley’s backed his words with his play. He needs to concentrate on making it through the season healthy before talking about breaking scoring records two days before a game with a winless team coming off their bye week. They don’t need any more incentive.

Just for the record, the Packers team record of 57 points was set against Detroit in 1945; the record for yards (628) and first downs (37) were set during at 49-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1962.

Is Mike McCarthy steaming over this one? Probably.

What’s next? Talk about going unbeaten?

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