Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette writes that re-signing CB Sam Shields is likely the Packers No. 1 offseason priority.
According to Dougherty, the Packers have been in contact with Shields’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, already this offseason. Dougherty expects the two sides to meet again in a few weeks at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine to discuss a long-term deal.
However, it appears as though Shields’ asking price could end up being too high for the Packers as they have 17 unrestricted free agents to address, as well as receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, who are both entering the final year of their contracts.
Dougherty believes Shields could command as much as $8.25 million annually on the open market, which is similar to the contract signed by Tramon Williams.
Should Green Bay be forced to allow Shields to depart, they are expected to give Casey Hayward the first shot at replacing him.
Shields, 26, has developed into a very solid player for the Packers since he went undrafted in 2010. Statistically, Shields’ 2013 season wasn’t off the charts, but he did manage to contribute 61 tackles, four interceptions and 17 passes defensed. According to Pro Football Focus, his catch-allowed rate was 50 percent which ranks as No. 8 in the NFL for qualifying cornerbacks.
We have Shields listed as the No. 30 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
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