Packers will shop Barnett after re-signing fellow LB Hawk

Published: Mar 03, 2011 at 08:18 AM

The Packers' re-signing of inside linebacker A.J. Hawk makes Nick Barnett's future in Green Bay look tenuous at best.

A source with knowledge of the situation said Thursday that the Packers will explore trading Barnett, who broke his wrist during a Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions, opening the door for Desmond Bishop to line up next to Hawk and emerge as a core player.

Trading Barnett won't happen until a collective bargaining agreement is reached between the NFL and NFL Players Association, but the eight-year veteran could have value because there aren't that many quality inside or middle linebackers available in free agency.

If Barnett can't be traded, the Packers would explore releasing him, the source said. Green Bay selected Barnett in the first round (29th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Barnett, who's owed $5.5 million next season, has made 100-plus tackles in six of his eight NFL seasons.

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