Packers Still In Contract Talks With FB John Kuhn

Update:

Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Packers are still in contract talks with free agent FB John Kuhn.

• Dunne adds that there are other NFL teams in contact with Kuhn at this point in time.

Green Bay probably values Kuhn more than other teams, but there is no question that the value of the fullback has decreased considerably in recent years.

Kuhn, 31, appeared in 15 games for the Packers last season and totaled 119 combined yards and a touchdown. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 3 fullback in the league last season.

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Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, citing a a source familiar with the negotiation, reports that Packers FB John Kuhn “will not have a new contract before the start of free agency.”

• Demovsky notes however that the Packers and Kuhn plan to “keep in touch,” leaving open the possibility of Kuhn’s eventual return.

The fan favorite Kuhn specialized as a short-yardage back, as well as in blitz pick-up. Should Kuhn and Green Bay part ways, the Packers’ collection of young backs — Eddie Lacy, Johnathan Franklin and DuJuan Harris — will have to improve on their pass blocking to stay on the field on third downs.

It’s worth noting that Kuhn played a little over 28 percent of the team’s offensive snaps last year, and plays a position that has depreciate in value for a number of years now. However, Kuhn was able to supplement his lack of playing time by contributing on special teams.

The Packers paid Kuhn a base salary of $1.8 million last year, but it seems likely that they could find a more reasonable figure next year.