Packers Could Use Franchise Tag To Retain Sam Shields Or B.J. Raji

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the “it’s hard to imagine” the Packers allowing CB Sam Shields to depart via free agency, and adds that “experienced cornerbacks who run in the 4.3s don’t grow on trees.”

Silverstein believes Shields is more of a $7-9 million-a-year player, but adds that using the franchise tag on Shields would give him and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, the impression that they view him as an $11 million a year player. This means that Shields could be targeting something close to $10 million annually in his next contract.

Another idea proposed by Silverstein is to hammer out a long-term deal with Shields and then use the transition tag on DL B.J. Raji. This designation would likely run the Packers $8 million, although it wouldn’t offer them any compensation if he were to sign a contract with another team and leave.

Silverstein expects the Packers to hold “in depth” meetings with both players’ agents at the NFL Scouting Combine this week.

We both players listed in our Top 50 Free Agents list.