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Packers talk to Kevan Barlow's agent
By Tom Pelissero
Green Bay Press-Gazette
The Green Bay Packers might find their running back of the future in next month’s NFL draft, but it doesn’t appear the team has ruled out signing a veteran to help fill the void left by Ahman Green.
One option could be Kevan Barlow, who was cut by the New York Jets last month after one subpar season.
Barlow’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, said Monday he had preliminary talks with the Packers on Friday at the University of Michigan’s pro day workout. The odds are long Barlow will sign anywhere before the draft, instead waiting to see where the top rookies land.
“There are two good backs (Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson and California’s Marshawn Lynch) in the draft,†Hendrickson said. “There’s more maybe later on Day 1 or Day 2. But really, there are two good backs, and the rest are marginal, at best.â€
After rushing for |1,024 yards in 2003, the 6-foot-1, 234-pound, sixth-year pro saw his production tail off his last two years with the |San Francisco 49ers. The Jets acquired him with a fourth-round draft pick before last season, but Barlow ran for a career-low |370 yards, fell to third on the depth chart and was released.
It’s unlikely any team will pay anything near the $3.25 million in 2007 or $4 million in 2008 he was due under his old contract.
Hendrickson said Buffalo, Tennessee and Indianapolis also have inquired about Barlow, 28.
Peterson and Lynch, both underclassmen, are considered |first-round locks, but it’s unclear whether either will be on the board when the Packers select at No. 16 overall. For instance, Buffalo, which picks 12th, needs a back after trading Willis McGahee to Baltimore.
There’s not much leftover in free agency. Green (Houston Texans), Travis Henry (Denver Broncos), Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns), Dominic Rhodes (Oakland Raiders), Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia Eagles) and |T.J. Duckett (Detroit Lions), have signed elsewhere.
It is believed Buffalo and Detroit were close to a deal with former Tennessee Titans back Chris Brown but backed off when the price got too high. The Packers have been in contact with Brown’s agent, Wynn Silberman, who did not return a message Monday afternoon.
Even if Packers General Manager Ted Thompson is willing to roll the dice with some combination of Vernand Morency, Noah Herron and Arliss Beach, signing a veteran would provide insurance.
The Packers haven't contacted Corey Dillon, the 32-year-old former Cincinnati and New England back.
“He knows the days of carrying the ball 20 times a game, 25 times a game are gone,†said Dillon’s agent, Steven Feldman. “But he’d like to carry it 10, 12, 15 times.â€
Feldman said Dillon is keeping his options open, but wants to join a team “on the verge of the playoffs.â€
Younger backs with significant playing experience probably are priced out of the Packers’ range. The San Diego Chargers recently gave restricted free agent Michael Turner — the backup to league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson — a reported $2.35 million tender, ensuring the team will receive first- and third-round draft choices from any team that signs him.
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