02-12-2008, 11:40 AM
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FBF All Star Running Back!
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Lincoln, IL
Posts: 751
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No decision on Williams, Thompson says
No decision on Williams, Thompson says By Pete Dougherty
pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com
The odds look long on the Green Bay Packers re-signing defensive tackle Corey Williams, though they haven't given up on it.
The Packers have been in contact with Williams' agent, and the sides have discussed contract parameters. But considering the possibility Williams could be the most coveted defensive tackle available in a thin free-agent crop this offseason, he could be in for a payday on the open market that General Manager Ted Thompson would consider too steep because of the Packers' depth at that position.
Thompson could use the Packers' franchise tag on Williams by the Feb. 21 deadline, and said Monday he has not ruled out that possibility, though the $6.263 million tender would be high for a rotational player at a deep position. If the Packers don't sign or tag him, Williams becomes an unrestricted free agent Feb. 29.
"I'd say ongoing," Thompson said of the Packers' talks with Mitch Frankel, who is Williams' agent. "It's safe to say there were some differences of opinion of where it was headed. We have guys here, (pro personnel director) Reggie McKenzie and (personnel analyst for the general manager) John Schneider, that have touched base with all those (pending free agents) and certainly have talked to Corey's people and let them know we still like him and still would like to have him on the team."
Though Williams probably was their best pass rusher at defensive tackle, the Packers have an up-and-coming defensive tackle of even more promise in third-year pro Johnny Jolly, who arguably was playing better than Williams before his season ended with a shoulder injury in the 10th game. Jolly had surgery and faces a relatively long comeback, though the Packers expect him ready for the start of training camp at the latest.
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No decision on Williams, Thompson says
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