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**Professor** · 03-17-2006, 08:28 PM

league sources confirmed that Vinitieri was brought in for a visit today

there is a bit about it in this article about the pickett sigining

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

Packers sign Pickett, aim for Vinatieri

By CHRIS JENKINS, AP Sports Writer
March 17, 2006

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Green Bay Packers made one free-agency catch official on Friday and were working to reel in another one.

The Packers announced the signing of former St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett to a multiyear contract. And the team brought in free agent placekicker Adam Vinatieri for a visit, an NFL source confirmed.

The person, who requested anonymity because no deal had been struck with Vinatieri, said the kicker was in Green Bay on Friday. Messages left with Packers general manager Ted Thompson and Vinatieri's agent, Neil Cornrich, weren't immediately returned.

Pickett, a 6-foot-2, 322-pound defensive tackle out of Ohio State, led all NFL defensive linemen with 115 tackles in 2005.

Pickett entered the draft as a junior in 2001, and the Rams took him 29th overall in the first round.

In five seasons, Pickett has 401 career tackles (192 solo), 5 1/2 sacks and 17 passes defensed. He has played in 79 consecutive games, including the playoffs.

The Packers also re-signed defensive end Aaron Kampman on Saturday.

Vinatieri, who kicked two Super Bowl-winning field goals for the Patriots, got a chance to test the free agency market after New England declined to protect him with the franchise player tag.

The designation would have forced the team to give Vinatieri a one-year, $3 million offer. Without the tag, the team will not be compensated if he signs with someone else.

Vinatieri, 33, has been named the team's franchise player twice, including last year, when he was paid $2.5 million.

Updated on Friday, Mar 17, 2006 6:44 pm EST

**MickeyG** · 03-17-2006, 08:33 PM

he would be a very nice upgrade over Longwell.

**Professor** · 03-17-2006, 08:38 PM

I would like to know how his all time leader in accuarcy is outside of the dome. Just wondering

**MickeyG** · 03-17-2006, 08:41 PM

not just outside a dome, but in New England non-the-less. He is an amazing kicker.

**Professor** · 03-17-2006, 08:50 PM

clutch is the word

**MickeyG** · 03-17-2006, 08:55 PM

the go from one Mr. Clutch (Favre) to a new Mr. Clutch.

**stormdriver** · 03-18-2006, 07:28 AM

I kinda suspected this when they let Longwell go so easily. I think it's a great move, and we seem to have the money. I look forward to seeing the NFL's current best kicker in green and gold...