Tight end Jermichael Finley left no doubt — he wants to remain a member of the Green Bay Packers.
Finley’s contract will expire after the season and while the Packers have extended both receiver Jordy Nelson’s and guard Josh Sitton’s contracts, there appears to be little progress on a new deal for Finley. That doesn’t seem to matter to the tight end, who isn’t looking to go anywhere.
“I want to stay here, no doubt,” Finley said. “This is a town, this is a team, (an) organization, couldn’t ask for more. If they came to a conclusion (on a contract), I would look into it. I want to be a Packer for life, for sure. Hands down. I think this is the best organization for me.
“You can’t ask for a better city just because there’s nothing to do for one thing. I’m going to be real with you, there’s less trouble you can get into. It’s first class in everything they do — contracts, around the building, everything’s first class. I love it. Hands down, I wouldn’t even debate with anyone about it.”
Finley also said he was fine with the team using the franchise tag on him, which is something most players bristle at. If the Packers use the franchise tag on Finley, they’ll have to pay him more than $7 million for one season.
The fact Finley is okay with the franchise tag is a good indication he’s seeking around $7 million per season, which is a number the Packers may be hesitant to pay. The team has five tight ends on their roster and although none have been as productive as Finley, the Packers’ starter has been fairly inconsistent and, at times, a distraction.
Through seven games, Finley has 25 receptions for 334 yards and four touchdowns. He’s on pace to top his best career season, which was 2009, when he had 55 catches for 676 yards and five touchdowns, but has had a problem with drops, hasn’t had a 100-yard game and simply isn’t the focal point of the offense.
On top of that, he complained about not getting the ball enough earlier this year.
Finley obviously has loads of talent, but the question remains: Will the Packers make him one of the highest paid tight ends in the league?
More so, is he worth it?