The Packers just gave quarterback Aaron Rodgers a big contract extension, but he’s not the only player on the team who came into the offseason with their eyes on a deal to keep them in Green Bay for years to come.
Defensive tackle B.J. Raji’s heading into the final year of his contract and he said Tuesday that he isn’t looking to make 2013 his final season in Green Bay. Raji said that he won’t let the contract situation get in the way of his preparation for the season, but made it clear he’d like to stay put.
“Green Bay gave me my first opportunity, my first shot at this thing,” Raji said, via Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Obviously I’ve had a great run here. I love the people here. It’s a great organization, it’s a great city for football. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
The extensions given to Rodgers and linebacker Clay Mattews were sizable, but there should still be enough room to get a deal done with Raji. What complicates matters is the impending free agencies of wide receiver James Jones, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett and cornerback Sam Shields. The Packers will have to make some hard choices about who they hold onto because it’s going to be impossible to keep everyone.
Defensive lineman Datone Jones was drafted in the first round, so either Raji or Pickett could be entering their final year with the Pack.