Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley agreed to a two-year deal with the team Wednesday, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.
Responding to reports of a deal, Finley tweeted, “It’s TRUE! Thank you so much to the Packers organization, all of my fans, and my beautiful wife. Happy Bday. Let’s GO Packers!! Back soon…”
Finley also tweeted, “I could not be happier to have the privilege of being a Packer for the next 2 yrs. Glad to be back with my team & coaches for 1 common goal.”
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Finley will receive $5.75 million in 2012 and $8.25 million in 2013.
Finley, who was scheduled to become a free agent, and the team have been in negotiations for some time. By reaching the deal, the Packers avoided having to use the franchise tag to keep him.
A league source told the Journal Sentinel that the deal was meant to be a compromise, giving Finley more than he would have received if the Packers had franchised him as a tight end ($5 million per year) and less than he would have made as a wide receiver ($9 million).
Other Packers players took to Twitter after the news broke Wednesday.
“@JermichaelF88: Congratulation (sic) my boy,” defensive end Jarius Wynn wrote on his Twitter page.
“Glad to hear the news about @JermichaelF88.. now let’s her (sic) Scott Wells back!” tweeted offensive guard T.J. Lang.
Wells, a center, is also scheduled to become a free agent.
Finley had 55 receptions for 767 yards and scored eight touchdowns this season.
