GREEN BAY, Wis. -- One of the most popular players in recent Green Bay Packers history has re-signed with the team.
Fullback John Kuhn, whose name elicits cheers of "KUUUUUHN" when he's on the field, agreed to a one-year deal with the Packers on Thursday, according to his agent, Kevin Gold.
In announcing the deal, Gold sent an email with the subject line "KUUUUUHN!"
The contract is worth just over $1 million and includes a base salary of $855,000. The rest is in bonuses.
Although Kuhn carried only 10 times for 38 yards last season, mostly in short-yardage situations, and had just one rushing touchdown, he proved his value as a blocker in key situations. Among his highlights in 2013 were setting key blocks on Eddie Lacy's 60-yard run that helped spark the Packers' comeback in Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys and on Aaron Rodgers' game-winning, 48-yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb in the regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears.
The Packers relied heavily on Kuhn in third-down situations.
Alex Van Pelt, who coached the Packers' running backs last season, put Kuhn's importance into perspective shortly after the season.
"I have to say he's probably the best pass protector, third-down back in the league as far as protection," Van Pelt said. "I don't know if there's anybody that's more sound and doesn't lose blocks. He wasn't credited for one sack [against] this season. When he was in there in protection, he was outstanding."
Kuhn, 32, also has been a core special teams player since the Packers claimed him off waivers in 2007. He was an unrestricted free agent this offseason after completing a three-year, $7 million deal that contained a $750,000 signing bonus.
He's the sixth of the Packers' free agents to re-sign with the team this offseason. The team also brought back cornerback Sam Shields, defensive tackle B.J. Raji, outside linebacker/defensive end Mike Neal, tight end Andrew Quarless and running back James Starks.
