Sam Shields signs one-year tender

Earlier, we noted the 2013 financial dilemma facing Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields. Should he play this season under the terms of his $2.02 million restricted free-agent tender, or should he push hard -- presumably via skipping the offseason program -- for a long-term deal now?

It appears the sides have reached a compromise, at least for now, following a reported face-to-face meeting between agent Drew Rosenhaus and team officials. Shields signed his tender, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and others, clearing the way for him to participate in this week's mandatory veteran minicamp.

The decision could be interpreted in a variety of ways, but for now it's a good-faith move from Shields. There is nothing preventing the sides from continuing negotiations on a long-term deal if they want. The Packers, of course, have plenty of options at the position in Tramon Williams, Casey Hayward and Davon House. At the very least, however, they can now get a look at all of them during the remainder of the offseason program.

Last season, Shields intercepted three passes during the regular season and two more in the playoffs, including one he returned 52 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.

A shin injury forced him from six games, however, and he played on only 53.9 percent of the Packers' defensive snaps.


(espn.com)