According to multiple reports, tight end Jermichael Finley has been medically cleared by his personal doctor, but has yet to be cleared by the Packers’ team doctor, who is more cautious when it comes to spinal injuries. Still, Finley is working out, feels good, and would very much like to return to Green Bay, according to Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com. “Tell everybody I’m working as hard as I can to get back to Packer Nation,” Finley said today to Wilde.
Finley, 27, has accumulated 223 receptions for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns in 70 career contests for the Packers. However, as a free agent, he has drawn plenty of interest from other clubs. According to Wilde, Finley has visited the Patriots and Giants, and a handful of other teams have been linked to the tight end as well, including the Steelers, Raiders, and Dolphins.
Agent Blake Baratz confirmed in May that his client could file for the collection of a $10MM insurance policy if he opts not continue his playing career. However, Finley seems positive about his workouts and his health, and at this point, it would be a surprise if he didn’t sign another NFL contract at some point.
Earlier today, Rob Reischel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel examined the Packers’ group of tight ends, which includes Andrew Quarless, Richard Rodgers, Brandon Bostick, and Ryan Taylor. While the team appears ready to enter training camp without Finley, tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot acknowledged that the position is perhaps the most unsettled on the roster, so it sounds as if he’d be open to bringing back Finley, assuming he’s given the medical green light.