According to Pro Football Talk, the Green Bay Packers have signed tight end Jermichael Finley to a two-year, $15 million contract. This constitutes the first major contract of the 2012 offseason, although free agency proper won't start until March 13. With Finley signed and Fred Davis likely to be franchised by the Washington Redskins, the free agency market for tight ends is becoming very slim - which is bad news for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,who could use a new tight end.
Kellen WInslow Jr. showed signs of slowing down last season, as he struggled to consistently gain separation, was frequently called for penalties as a blocker and a receiver and seemed to lack the speed he used to have. Injuries have taken their toll on his body, and he doesn't appear to be the weapon he used to be. While the Bucs drafted tight end Luke Stocker high in the third round last season, the rookie failed to impress as either a blocker or receiver in his first season in the NFL, which was also hampered by injuries.
The biggest names likely to hit the market as free agents are Martellus Bennett, a perennial underperformer as a receiver but a quality blocker, John Carlson - a talented tight endwith lackluster production and Jacob Tamme, who briefly fulfilled Dallas Clark's role in the 2010 season.