So much for a Packers reunion. Actually, so much for the Packers even being interested in a reunion.
Cullen Jenkins has signed with the New York Giants, Kimberly Jones of NFL.com reported Sunday. The deal is reportedly worth $8 million over three years ($3 million guaranteed). And as Tom Silverstein noted, the Packers were never a legitimate player for Jenkins. The former Packers defensive end met with the Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. Green Bay, meanwhile, "checked in" on the situation from afar.
In New York, Jenkins will likely replace Chris Canty, who was a salary-cap casuality last month. And it's Canty, not Jenkins, who apparently is the Packers' target at defensive end. No negotiations have taken place yet, but the team hosted Canty on a visit last week.
The Packers could use a longer, stronger, consistent force at defensive end next to B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett.
While the Packers had some early success with a rotation of young, fresh legs getting pressure up front, they still were not able to replace the void left by Jenkins after the 2010 Super Bowl season. C.J. Wilson was a presence against the run, but finished with only 3 1/2 pressures for the second straight season. Mike Neal rebounded from a frustrating 2011 season and remains an unknown. Jerel Worthy faces an uphill battle after tearing his ACL late last season. And fellow rookie Mike Daniels proved to be a high-energy pass rusher, but is seven inches shorter than Canty.
The position demands a specific body type that Canty possesses. In nine games last year with the Giants, Canty had 26 tackles and three sacks.
Though Jenkins was open to a Wisconsin return, the Packers have decided to focus their attention elsewhere.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/196789861.html
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