Former Packers cornerback Sam Shields would like to resume his NFL career after not appearing in the league in 2017, according to Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Shields, now 30 years old, suffered the fifth concussion of his career in Green Bay’s 2016 season opener and hasn’t played since. He spent the rest of that 2016 campaign on injured reserve, and the Packers subsequently released him once the season concluded. Shields never drew any interest during the 2017 free agent period, but he’s now back to working on practice fields with the intent of playing in 2018.
It’s unclear if any team will take a chance on Shields, especially given the NFL’s continued focus on head injuries. Shields is confident he will be signed this spring, while at least one personnel executive tells Cohen that Shields could land a deal if his health checks out. Despite his obvious talent, it would be a surprise — given both his injury history and his lack of recent play — if Shields inks anything more than a one-year, minimum salary pact.
Shields, who served as Green Bay’s No. 1 corner for a three-year stretch, agreed to forgo free agency in 2014 by agreeing to a four-year, $39MM deal. A former undrafted free agent, Shields spent seven years with the Packers, starting 62 games and racking up 18 interceptions during that span. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2014.
Packers need to bring him back. Their defense is a joke
He was ok but they can do better in free agency and in the draft.
I like shields but he’s gotta think of the long term effects of theses concussions
Made 33M. Retire bud. Save some brain cells. Get into coaching if you’ve got the drive and acumen.
I second that.
It’s much more long term job security too, you can coach into your 70s