Jennings Signed Through 2012

Some Packers fans might say that Ted Thompson finally has done something right.

The Packers have reportedly signed star wide receiver Greg Jennings to a three-year contract extension through the 2012 season.  Jennings’ current rookie contract was set to expire after the 2009 season, making his re-signing a priority to the offense.  Although the details aren’t out there in the clear, Greg A. Bedard reported that it will pay Jennings upwards of $8 million per year, making him the second-highest paid player on the team behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"“I’m grateful and I understand that I’m blessed,” Jennings said today. “Just to know I’m going to have that financial stability for not only myself but for my family, my children, it’s an exciting feeling. It really hasn’t hit me yet — probably (not) until I get that first check. I’m sure it will sink in sometime soon.“Talking to (Packers contract negotiator Russ Ball) yesterday, I was very appreciative that they signed me to this extension not only because of what I did on the field but it just says a lot about the way they feel about myself, not only as a player but my character, my personlity, who I am as a man.”"

The contract means that the Packers will be in the same situation they were this season again after the 2012 season with an expiring contract for Rodgers’ favorite target.  But this means that the Packers have Rodgers and Jennings together for another four years, which I feel is great for the offense.

I’m glad Thompson actually took care of this without having it deteriorate into some situation with an 11th-hour extension right before the start of free agency.  It leaves more time to get to the other people that need extensions which is a rather large number: Nick Collins, Aaron Kampman, Atari Bigby, Ryan Pickett, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Chad Clifton, Johnny Jolly, Tony Moll, and Will Blackmon.

With most of the defensive players (Collins, Kampman, Bigby, Pickett, Jolly, Blackmon), it has to be seen whether or not they can adjust to the 3-4 scheme.  If they can  and they do it well (and happily), they can be re-signed rather easily, I’d say.  But if they don’t, then they could be gone.  Collins has threatened to holdout of training camp without a new deal, as he missed most of the OTAs with personal issues.  Collins was absolutely stellar last season in the secondary and it would be lovely to see him back in green and gold, but his adjustment to the 3-4 remains to be seen.

Also, the Packers still have five un-signed draft picks, including first rounders B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews.

Thompson, Mike McCarthy, and Ball have some work to do.