Packers Sign Chmura to Long Extension

The Green Bay Packers signed tight end Mark Chmura to a five-year contract extension through the year 2003 on Friday.

Chmura, 29, is second to Antonio Freeman on the Packers with 24 catches and 324 receiving yards this season.

It is believed the extension is worth between $13.5 million and $15 million.

By signing Chmura, the Packers fired the first salvo designed to get public sentiment on their side and to get the attention of their remaining 24 players who’ll be eligible for some form of free agency after this season.

“I think when they look at that, they will see, this is a heck of a deal, more so probably for [Chmura] than it is for the Green Bay Packers,” General Manager Ron Wolf said. “I’m hoping we can send a message to the rest of the guys, say, ‘Hey, c’mon let’s get something going here.’ We have a good thing going, let’s get some more guys signed. We’ve got some bucks, let’s go do it.”