This year’s class of restricted free agents includes Packers cornerback Sam Shields.
Undrafted in 2010, Shields has become a key contributor for the Packers in three seasons, drawing a second-round tender.
Shields and the Packers are talking, we’re told, about a long-term deal. For now, nothing is imminent -- and definitely not as imminent as the looming long-term contracts that apparently will soon be signed by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews.
If Shields signs the tender, he’ll receive a little more than $2 million for 2013. Any other team interested in signing Shields to an offer sheet has two days left. There’s currently no indication that any of the unsigned restricted free agents will be signing offers with other teams.