Sam Shields is Back or At Least He’d Like To Be

Alright, I love Sam Shields. Much like I love Tramon Williams. Much like I love Al Harris. There’s something about good cornerbacks who play for the Green Bay Packers. Especially, as the first two, when they came from nothing.

The Green Bay Packers cut Sam Shields after he suffered his — I don’t know — 80th concussion, following the the 2016 season. Shields spent most of that season on injured reserve after getting concussed in week 1.

A year away from football, and now Sam Shields wants to play again.

Not surprising. Because Sam Shields is a competitor.

“It’s going to feel great,” Shields said. “You’re going to see the (number) 37 you remembered. Everything you seen in Green Bay, you’re going to see that wherever I’m at.”

Shields has been working out. He rehabbed at UCLA. He says he’s getting in and out of the breaks like he used to.

And you know the guy has speed. Always has.

So what are the possibilities of the Packers or someone else signing Shields?

That depends.

Despite saying that he wants to play, Shields also says if he suffers another concussion, he’s finished. Done with football. And looking at his history, Shields could suffer a concussion at any time. Preseason, week 1, week 12, who knows?

So, as much as I would like to see a true No. 1 corner on the Packers — and Shields is a true No. 1 when healthy — I just don’t think it’s going to happen. I don’t think the Packers would bring him back. While they try to be conservative and risk-adverse, they’re usually among the most injured teams in the league. That simply doesn’t make sense. However, history tells us they probably won’t re-sign Shields.

I’d say, what’s the risk? If the guy goes down again, he’s retired. In the meantime, give him a shot.

I bet Mike Pettine wouldn’t disapprove.