NFL Rumors: Packers Must Re-Sign Star TE Jermichael Finley to Long-Term Deal

The Green Bay Packers have expressed interest in re-signing star tight end Jermichael Finley to a new contact this offseason, his agent said according to Madison.com. This is a great move by the team.

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"We've been speaking and they've made it clear they would like him to be back there and Jermichael's made it clear he would like to be back there," Blake Baratz said. "Now that the season's over there's a little more time to time to focus on the particulars."

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Baratz also mentioned the team would not like to use the franchise tag on Finley.

After missing part of the 2010 regular season and all of last year's playoffs with an injury, Finley returned this season and caught 55 passes for 767 yards with eight touchdowns. He also averaged an impressive 13.9 yards per catch.

Setting career highs in receptions (tied 2010 total), receiving yards and touchdown catches in a year in which Finley had just recovered from a knee injury is pretty impressive. There's no question he has immense talent and is certainly worth locking up long term.

In an offense that is so explosive in the passing game with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Finley has a unique role. He is one of the most physical pass targets Rodgers has, and despite his strength, Finley runs routes very well because of his speed and athleticism.

The Packers have several receivers who excel on deep routes and on the outside of the field, such as Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. Finley is so important because he can go over the middle and keep defenses from taking away the outside of the field.

The NFL is being ushered into a new era where tight ends are becoming a huge part of the passing game. New England Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, along with New Orleans Saints star Jimmy Graham, are revolutionizing the position.

Like those three tight ends, Finley has great height and strength that makes him so difficult to cover in the open field. He's built like a tight end, but runs like a wide receiver.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy recently talked about Finley's role in the offense.

"He's a tight end, but he also plays the 1 receiver situation, and the No. 2 slot sometimes and plays in the 1 slot to the three-man side," coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday.

As you can tell by the above quote, Finley's versatility is exceptional, and having a player that can excel in multiple positions is so valuable to an offense.

Green Bay must re-sign Finley to a long term deal because he gives their offense several dimensions that contribute greatly to the unit's success.

Finley is a young star, and at age 24, he has many years of tremendous performances ahead of him.

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