Rob Demovsky of ESPN writes that while Packers CB Sam Shields has said that he plans on continuing his NFL career, despite sustaining a concussion that has kept him out since Week 1, Green Bay may have to consider moving on from him next year for a number of reasons.
Shields has reportedly suffered five concussions during his football career dating back to college, so there’s an obvious concern about his health if he continues to play.
Beyond that, Shields is scheduled to make $9 million in base salary and bonuses next year and has missed a number of games the past few years.
According to Demovsky, there’s a feeling from at least some in the Packers’ organization that it’s time to move on even if Shields is eventually cleared.
The Packers officially placed Shields on injured reserve and have said that they could bring him back later on in the season.
Shields, 28, wound up signing on with the Packers as an undrafted free agent out of Miami back in 2010. He’s spent all six years of his career with the Packers and is currently in the third year of his four-year, $39 million contract and stands to make a base salary of $8 million this season.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Shields would free up $9 million in available cap space while creating $3,125,000 in dead money.
In 2016, Shields has appeared in one game and recorded three tackles for the Packers.
We’ll have more regarding Shields’ return and future with the Packers as the news is available.
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