From jsonline
TUESDAY, Nov. 7, 2006, 9:25 a.m.
By Tom Silverstein
Packers extend Wells' contract
Green Bay - The Green Bay Packers have rewarded center Scott Wells for his steady performance this season with a multi-year contract extension that will keep him from becoming a restricted free agent in the off-season.
With more than $7 million of salary cap room available, the Packers moved to get Wells signed to a long-term deal before the end of the season so they could count some of the contract against the 2006 salary cap. The Packers have until next Monday to apply new contract money to their '06 cap and worked over the past few weeks to get Wells signed.
An NFL source with ties to the players union said he was made aware of the agreement late Monday night, but did not have details of the contract. It's unclear whether the deal has actually been signed or only agreed upon.
No announcement has been made and attempts to reach Wells and his agent were unsuccessful Tuesday.
The Packers identified Wells as one of the young players it wanted to get signed long-term after he grabbed ahold of the starting center position and became one of the most consistent players on the offensive line. Wells had two snapping snafus Sunday against Buffalo that led to two turnovers, but on Monday offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said he had complete faith in Wells.
"Scott Wells is as dependable and trustworthy a player as we have on offense. I told him that today," Jagodzinski said. "I trust that guy as much as I do anybody on this football team to do the right thing. It was unfortunate that it happened yesterday."
Wells, 25, was entering the final year of a three-year contract signed after he was selected in the seventh round of the 2004 draft. Wells' current deal called for him to earn a base salary of $425,000, half of which he has already earned.
The new deal will call for him to earn significantly more in base salary and will place him under contract for the next couple of seasons. Had he not completed a deal, Wells would have been a restricted free agent after the season and eligible to negotiate with any team in the league.
The Packers are probably not done extending the contracts of possible free agents. Players who may wind up getting new deals include running back Ahman Green and tight end David Martin.
TUESDAY, Nov. 7, 2006, 9:25 a.m.
By Tom Silverstein
Packers extend Wells' contract
Green Bay - The Green Bay Packers have rewarded center Scott Wells for his steady performance this season with a multi-year contract extension that will keep him from becoming a restricted free agent in the off-season.
With more than $7 million of salary cap room available, the Packers moved to get Wells signed to a long-term deal before the end of the season so they could count some of the contract against the 2006 salary cap. The Packers have until next Monday to apply new contract money to their '06 cap and worked over the past few weeks to get Wells signed.
An NFL source with ties to the players union said he was made aware of the agreement late Monday night, but did not have details of the contract. It's unclear whether the deal has actually been signed or only agreed upon.
No announcement has been made and attempts to reach Wells and his agent were unsuccessful Tuesday.
The Packers identified Wells as one of the young players it wanted to get signed long-term after he grabbed ahold of the starting center position and became one of the most consistent players on the offensive line. Wells had two snapping snafus Sunday against Buffalo that led to two turnovers, but on Monday offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said he had complete faith in Wells.
"Scott Wells is as dependable and trustworthy a player as we have on offense. I told him that today," Jagodzinski said. "I trust that guy as much as I do anybody on this football team to do the right thing. It was unfortunate that it happened yesterday."
Wells, 25, was entering the final year of a three-year contract signed after he was selected in the seventh round of the 2004 draft. Wells' current deal called for him to earn a base salary of $425,000, half of which he has already earned.
The new deal will call for him to earn significantly more in base salary and will place him under contract for the next couple of seasons. Had he not completed a deal, Wells would have been a restricted free agent after the season and eligible to negotiate with any team in the league.
The Packers are probably not done extending the contracts of possible free agents. Players who may wind up getting new deals include running back Ahman Green and tight end David Martin.
