Bryan Bulaga isn't such a long shot to stay with the Packers, after all.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Green Bay is expected to keep Bulaga on a five-year deal worth roughly $7 million annually, according to a source close to the proceedings.
It's a big move for the Packers, who viewed the veteran right tackle as a high priority this offseason. Rapoport reported the Packers were willing to go out of their "comfort zone" to retain Bulaga, who was reportedly seeking a contract worth between $7 million and $8 million per year.
Keeping Bulaga, who graded out as ProFootballFocus.com's 16th-best tackle last season, gives the Packers continuity along their line and betters the unit's depth with third-year tackle Don Barclay coming back from knee surgery. Barclay had been the top in-house option to slide into the starting lineup if Bulaga left town.
The Packers' free-agent directive seems clear, keeping their core together rather than make a big splash on the open market. It makes sense, too: The Packers were arguably the NFL's best team before Aaron Rodgers hurt his calf in December. There's no reason to reboot the machine.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast analyzes early free agency news, including Ndamukong Suh to Miami, Devin McCourty's new deal and much more. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.