In an interview with Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy was very forth coming about who he sees starting at linebacker for the team come next season.
“We line up tomorrow, it’s A.J. and [Desmond] Bishop, and that’s the way we finished,” McCarthy said.
Before the Packers re-signed A.J. Hawk to a five-year contract, there was some speculation that the Packers would let Hawk go in favor of Barnett because of the fact that Hawk was set to make $10 million for the 2011 season while Barnett will be making $6.025 million. As things stand right now, Barnett would be the highest paid backup linebacker in the NFL unless he’s willing to take a pay cut which isn’t all that likely.
Considering that the Packers have depth at the position with nine other linebackers already under contract for the 2011 season, Barnett appears more likely be on his way out than he is to return. Green Bay has already suggested that they will consider shopping once the CBA agreed upon but there’s a chance that he could be cut if they cannot find a team that’s willing to trade for him and he refuses to take a pay cut.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
