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As the Green Bay Packers continue preparing for their third preseason game this Saturday against the Eagles, one matter which has gone under the radar is the prospect of extending contracts for a few of their key players. Mike Daniels and Casey Hayward are both in the final years of their rookie contracts, and as such will be unrestricted free agents if the team cannot come to an agreement with the by mid-March.
While there has been no news out of Hayward's camp, a story in today's curds shines a little light on the negotiations between Daniels' agent and the Packers, and it's not looking good right now.
Meanwhile, several other players who are signed for a few years remain in line for key roles on offense - we're talking of course of the Packers' young receivers. Following practice on Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers discussed those players' development and his expectations for them as they look to expand their roles and take advantage of the opportunity to play more snaps that was recently put in front of them.
Mike Daniels, Packers far apart on new contract | JSOnline
Reportedly, the defensive end and his agent are looking for something around $10 million per year, which the Packers have been unwilling to put on the table. If he were to ht his desired number, that would put him in the same range as big names like Cameron Heyward, Cameron Jordan, and Geno Atkins.
Aaron Rodgers calls for young WRs to 'make the jump' and 'play faster' | Packers.com
He addressed exactly what he wants out of his wideouts on Wednesday: "Can you run the right route at the right time"? Really, it's pretty much that simple. Run the route that's called, run it well, and Rodgers will get you the football.
Rodgers expects young receivers to respond | Packersnews.com
Perhaps it's a good thing that Rodgers was throwing all those 50/50 balls early in training camp, as it gave the young players a chance to step up.
Randall Cobb takes hands drill to new (low) level | ESPN
Cobb was laying on the ground catching passes from the JUGS machine to work on his over-the-shoulder receptions, which he may have more of this season as he is called upon to be more of a deep threat.
The Physiology of Torn ACLs (Heal Soon, Jordy Nelson) | Cheesehead TV
Here's a great look at how torn ACLs happen and a reminder that it could have happened at any place and time when a player pivoted on his leg the way Nelson did.
A shorter NFL preseason isn't the cure for ACL injuries - SBNation.com
There really aren't any more ACL injuries now than there were the past few years at this time, it just seems to be magnified because of the high-profile players getting hurt.
Ray McDonald indicted on rape charges by grand jury, Ahmad Brooks charged with sexual battery - SBNation.com
The 49ers' legal issues continue as a result of these terrible allegations , as former San Francisco lineman McDonald and current Niners linebacker Ahmad Brooks were both indicted for crimes involving the same woman at a party late last year.