Green Bay Packers signed tight end Jermichael Finley to a contract on Thursday, the team announced.
NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora first reported the deal, which a league source said is a two-year contract.
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"I could not be happier to have the privilege of being a Packer for the next 2 yrs. Glad to be back with my team & coaches for 1 common goal," he also tweeted.
The that Finley will receive $5.75 million in 2012 and $8.25 million in 2013.
Finley, who was scheduled to become a free agent, and the team for some time. By reaching the deal, the Packers avoided having to use the franchise tag to keep Finley.
A league source that the deal was meant to be a compromise, giving Finley more than he would have received had the Packers franchised him as a tight end ($5 million per year) and less than he would have made as a wide receiver ($9 million).
Finley had 55 receptions for 767 yards and scored eight touchdowns this past season.
Other Packers players took to Twitter after the news broke Wednesday.
"@JermichaelF88: Congratulation (sic) my boy," defensive end Jarius Wynn.
"Glad to hear the news about @JermichaelF88.. now let's her (sic) Scott Wells back!" offensive guard T.J. Lang.
Wells, a center, also is scheduled to become a free agent next month.
