It's been reported by the Times-Union that the Jaguars have agreed to terms with Aaron Kampman. The terms of the deal are not yet known, but it's likely in the neighborhood of the 4 years, $26 million, $10 million guaranteed deal that the Lions just gave to DE Kyle Vanden Bosch.
This move means Kampman will play on a 4-3 defense in 2010 and return to defensive end, which might have been his top priority this offseason. While the Packers will miss his ability as a pass rusher, assuming it returns next season after his ACL injury, they won't miss his struggles as an outside linebacker. Or the potential risk of overpaying a player on the wrong side of 30. The 3-4 defense was a pleasant surprise last season, but the thing I miss most about the 4-3 defense is watching Kampman play defensive end.
Unfortunately this isn't a discussion on the merits of resigning him. I've been resigned to his departure for the last three weeks. He might have been someone the Packers could have afforded, but money wasn't the main issue. Greg Bedard sent out another tweet about it tonight:
And for the record I'm not saying who is to blame. Sometimes it's just time to move on. For both sides.
Good luck to him. He had a great run as a Packer, and he was their best defensive player for the middle part of the last decade. Now they can focus on finding his replacement: someone to provide a pass rush from the left side of the defense. Maybe that player is already on the roster? Or does this become their top priority in the April draft?