In a somewhat surprising move, the Green Bay Packers have applied only the second-round tender to safety Atari Bigby, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
The $1.545 million tender offer means that the Packers have a right to match any offer Bigby receives. If the Packers choose not to match, theyll receive a second-round draft pick as compensation.
Bigby was regarded as a rising star after a strong performance in the 2007 postseason. Injuries hampered him during the 2008 season.
The Packers also have applied the low tender of $1.01 million to four other restricted free agents: receiver Ruvell Martin, safety Jarrett Bush, fullback John Kuhn, and outside linebacker Jason Hunter. Because each player was undrafted, the Packers would receive only a right to match any offer they receive from another team.
The Packers reportedly decided not to extend tender offers to tight end Tory Humphery and receiver Shaun Bodiford.
(And, in fairness to the Chiefs, the Packers have recently announced the application of the various tenders without including in the release the specific level given to each player.)