Black and Blue all over: Driver skips Packers OTA
May 29, 2009 6:45 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert
Thanks for staying with us during Thursday's intermittent postings. We have some catching up to do, especially in light of Green Bay's first public organized team activity of the spring. I'll get to linebacker Aaron Kampman's continued silence a bit later Friday, but first let's hit the unexpected absence of receiver Donald Driver.
According to Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal, Driver skipped the voluntary session because he wants the team to know he's serious about seeking a contract bump. He has two years remaining on his current deal, which will pay him $3.9 million in base salary for 2009. There is also a $2 million roster bonus.
Seeking additional contract terms has become an annual tradition for Driver, as he had his deal re-worked before the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Although he is in top physical shape, it's hard to imagine the Packers being eager to extend the contract of a 34-year-old receiver who has been supplanted by Greg Jennings as their No. 1 option. The Packers, in fact, have been working on an extension for Jennings this offseason.
Remember, OTAs are voluntary and so Driver has broken no rules at this point. There is no indication he plans to skip the Packers' mandatory minicamp that starts June 22. Until then, he has every right to continue working out elsewhere. If he skips minicamp, then you know the Packers have a real problem.