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In one of the more strange and unexpected moves of the Green Bay Packers' 2014 offseason, the team is leaning towards a contract with trouble former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla, according to Rob Demovsky:
The #Packers are learning toward signing TE Colt Lyerla but are still discussing it, according to a source.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 17, 2014
He also notes to not expect a final decision of the signing today, saying Ted Thompson needs more time to think about it.
Lyerla, 21, was considered once as a possible first-round talent but was dismissed from the Oregon football team last year. He is currently attending Packers rookie camp and made waves when his name was surprisingly discovered on the list of tryout players Friday morning. Lyerla quit the Ducks' football squad on Oct. 6 and called his leave a "personal decision." A few days later, Lyerla had his driver’s license suspended after receiving four driving tickets in the last 24 months. Then, on Oct. 23, he was arrested by police after they discovered cocaine in his vehicle.
Looking away from his massive off-field issues, he’s a very physical and athletic player for the position. And of course, that’s something nearly every team wants at the tight end position. On Saturday morning, general manager Ted Thompson talked about bringing Lyerla to camp saying: "He’s a very talented athlete," and "he’s a young man that made some mistakes, but felt like he was worth bringing in."
Lyerla could now join a tight end crop that already includes Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick, and fellow rookie Richard Rodgers.
What do you think of potentially adding Colt Lyerla? Let us know in the comments below.