Now that Jermichael Finley is close to receiving the green light for full contact in his return from November spinal fusion surgery, the impending free agent is thinking about a return to the Green Bay Packers in 2014.
"Right now he is a Packer and I know he would love to play his entire career there," Finley's agent, Blake Baratz, told the New York Post. "For the next five weeks or so they have his exclusive negotiation rights. If it doesn't work out in Green Bay for whatever reason then I believe there are a number of teams that could use a talent like Jermichael."
Re-signing with the Packers will be tricky. Finley reportedly has suggested that he's not looking to take a discount coming off neck surgery.
He's not going to be high on the priority list with cornerback Sam Shields and defensive tackle B.J. Raji due to hit the open market. General manager Ted Thompson also will be discussing new deals for wide receivers Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, each of whom is entering a contract year.
If the Packers opt to pass on Finley, he might already have a suitor lined up in the New York Giants.
"He said he would love to be a part of the Giants," said safety Antrel Rolle, who has begun recruiting Finley.
Still just 26 years old, Finley should garner plenty of interest once he proves ready for football activities.
"Jermichael is doing great, is working out, running routes, catching balls, and feels no different than he did pre-injury," Baratz said. "His fusion has to fully heal before he is 100 percent ready for contact, but we are all anticipating that occurring in the coming weeks."
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