What's going on with Shields I thought he was a free agent, did he get franchised or something?
Originally Posted by: Gaycandybacon
As earthquake said, Shields is a Restricted FA (because he's not a vet (4 years) until next year)... (and D-Smith was a FA).
I think the Packers put a 2nd round tender on him, meaning if another team signed him the Packers could match the contract and/or get that teams 2nd round pick (next year?... I think) ...
But no one signed him...
RFAs normally get offered and sign one year deals until they become UFA (unrestricted FA) which will be next season for Shields (and D-Smith)
I think D-Smith signed his one year offer... Shields as far as I know hasn't as of yet... but no other teams can sign him no more.
So Shields has to sign with the Packers or nobody.
Some rumors that Ted Thompson tried to get a long term deal done with D-Smith and Shields before going after the Rodgers and Matthews contract and some rumors the Packers are looking into maybe a long term deal with Raji as well but nothing has looked like it will get done soon but the Packers still could as they got some cap room left over so it could. Just have to wait and see...
Most likely Shields will sign his one year offer sooner or later, unless the Packers are offering him a long term deal that he likes more.