NFL: Pack gives new deal to Poppinga
By CHRIS JENKINS
Associated Press
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers reached agreement on a contract extension for linebacker Brady Poppinga, general manager Ted Thompson said during today's annual shareholders meeting at Lambeau Field.
Poppinga, who is expected to compete with free agent signee Brandon Chillar for the starting strong side linebacker spot during training camp, had one year left on his existing deal.
Thompson said the Packers continue to work on contracts for their unsigned draft picks and running back Ryan Grant, who is an exclusive rights free agent but is looking for a long-term deal after having a breakout season in 2007.
"We are speaking with his representatives and we're trying to get through it," Thompson said. "It is a little bit different, just from a technical standpoint, in terms of how to get through that. But good people are working on it, and we do not anticipate a long-term problem."
The Packers signed fourth-round pick Josh Sitton on Thursday and waived punter Ken DeBauche, linebacker Marcus Riley and cornerback Kyle Ward.