GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers have 14 free agents to be, and among them are two of the three specialists: punter Jake Schum and long snapper Brett Goode.
Last offseason, the Packers signed kicker Mason Crosby to a four-year, $16.1 million deal.
If they bring back Schum and Goode, it likely would be for minimum deals.
Earlier, we looked at the upcoming free agents on offense and defense. Here’s a look at the specialists with expiring contracts:
Goode: He made a successful return after he tore his ACL late in the 2015 season. The Packers re-signed him on Sept. 5, and Goode didn’t miss a beat despite not taking a single rep in a preseason game or a training camp practice. They cut Rick Lovato, who finished the 2015 season for Goode, though Lovato is eight years younger than the 32-year-old Goode. Expect Goode back on another minimum-type contract. 2016 pay: $885,000 in base salary, no bonuses.
Schum (exclusive rights free agent): Claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Aug. 30, Schum finished 25th in net punting average (39.1). That was more than a full yard less than Tim Masthay, who sent a franchise record in 2015 with a 40.3-yard net average. Still, the Packers dumped Masthay late in the preseason, and he did not kick in the league last season. Schum showed a strong leg but was inconsistent. As an exclusive rights free agent, the Packers can offer him another minimum deal, but don’t be surprised if they bring in some competition for Schum even if they re-sign him. 2016 pay: $525,000, no bonuses.
