TE Tory Humphrey re-signs

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http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/42548917.html

Packers re-sign Humphrey, release Pettway
By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel
Apr. 6, 2009

Green Bay -- Backup tight end Tory Humphrey is back with the Packers after signing a new deal, the team announced Monday.

The Packers also announced that they released end Kenny Pettway. It's somewhat surprising given he turned out to be a very good special teams player after being signed off the street on Oct. 1.

Pettway suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Carolina Nov. 30 and had surgery a short time later. It's unclear if his rehab was going poorly or the Packers just decided he didn't fit what they were doing.

Humphrey, who played behind Donald Lee most of the year and had 11 catches for 162 yards, was a restricted free agent after the season. However, the Packers chose not to offer him a minimum tender offer of $1.01 million and he consequently became a free agent.

When he was not tendered, the Packers said they would consider re-signing him. He probably settled for a minimum wage deal worth $535,000 this year.

Presumably, Humphrey will receive competition from Jermicheal Finley for playing time next season. Finley, a third-round pick last year, wasn't much of a factor, but he has a lot of physical talent and the coaches kept trying to get him involved in the offense late in the year.

One thing the Packers know they'll get from Humphrey is someone who can block. If Finley can't improve at that part of his game, someone like Humphrey will be more of a valuable asset. The Packers will keep three because coach Mike McCarthy uses tight ends freely in both the passing and running offense.

The 6-2, 255-pound Humphrey turned 26 in January.