A year ago, the Packers and Jermichael Finley were posturing for a tussle regarding whether the looming decision to use the franchise tag would result in compensation paid to a tight end or a receiver. Now, the team is making plans for a divorce.
Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Packers have decided to part ways with Finley after the season.
He could be cut, he could be traded. A $3 million roster bonus comes due on the 15th day of the new league year, which begins in March. Since trades can’t happen until the first day of the new league year, the Packers will have a two-week window for finding a trade partner.
Though it could be hard to get someone to trade for the one-year, $7 million remaining on the contract that the parties signed in February, the Packers possibly will be able to ship Finley to a team that would then sign him to a long-term deal.
Either way, Finley soon won’t have to worry about his lack of chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.