Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers center Brett Goode (61) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

He’s been with the Green Bay Packers since 2008 and hasn’t missed a single game in his 4.5 years with the team – though he hasn’t started a single game. He hasn’t scored a single touchdown; he hasn’t scored a single point; you mention his name and only the die-hard Packers fan will recognize it.

Today the Packers announced that they signed Brett Goode to a three-year, $2.715 million contract extension. That’s nearly $1 million per season for a guy who sees only a handful of snaps per game.

The key to that statement is “snaps.”

You see, Goode is the long snapper for the Packers, a key member of the placekicking and punting teams – the guy who makes sure the ball ends up accurately in the placekick holder’s hands and in the right spot for punter Tim Masthay.

While we may consider $1 million a lot for this specialized player, it may be one of the best signings of the year. It guarantees that the Packers keep intact a trio of players who are crucial in the team’s special teams proficiency.

The Packers signed punter Tim Masthay to a long-term contract earlier this season and locked up kicker Mason Crosby last year.

The importance of these central players might be compared to the importance of the middle of a baseball team – the catcher, pitcher, shortstop, second baseman and centerfielder. These positions are always occupied by the team’s best athletes and are crucial in the success of a team.

So, today’s announcement of the signing of Goode will provide the Packers with consistency where consistency and athleticism matter.

The signing of Goode was definitely a good thing … maybe the best thing the Packers have done yet this season.