As far as he’s concerned, [intlink id=”163″ type=”category”]Cullen Jenkins[/intlink]’ career with the Green Bay Packers is over.
He’s a little bitter about it too.
The Packers did not use their franchise or transition tags — the deadline to use them was Thursday — and the team hasn’t approached Jenkins about a new contract.
“I’m 99 percent sure something won’t happen,” Jenkins said. “Not at this point. You get to a point where you want to go where you feel you’re wanted.
“The way everything came down, it’s just time for a new start.”
Okay, Cullen, if that’s how you want to go out…
Jenkins is easily the Packers most attractive free agent, coming off a season where he recorded seven sacks, but there’s a downside to re-signing him.
His previous deal averaged $4 million a season and he’s going to want a raise. On the open market, he’ll probably get it, too. You have to look no further than the New York Giants overpaying defensive end Chris Canty with a six-year, $42 million deal two years ago to know Jenkins is looking for around $7 million per season.
From a business perspective, it makes no sense for the Packers to pay that much. Jenkins is 30 and maybe has two good seasons left before his skills start to decline. Plus, there are questions about his durability — he’s missed 17 games because of injury over the last three seasons.
The Packers also have other options. [intlink id=”1337″ type=”category”]Howard Green[/intlink], who was picked up off waivers during the season, is now the primary early-down, run-stuffer at defensive end. [intlink id=”1042″ type=”category”]C.J. Wilson[/intlink] played well as a rookie and will only improve. [intlink id=”1033″ type=”category”]Mike Neal[/intlink], a 2010 second-round pick, is returning from an injury and has something to prove.
The writing is on the wall. It’s too bad Jenkins has to be butt hurt about it.
Something tells me he’s not the kind of guy to take out an ad in the local papers thanking the organization and fans like [intlink id=”175″ type=”category”]Aaron Kampman[/intlink] and [intlink id=”153″ type=”category”]Al Harris[/intlink] did when they left town.
Seems more like the kind of guy who will whine, complain and hold a grudge against the organization that made him who he is as a professional football player.
That’s unfortunate.
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