The Green Bay Packers Friday signed safety Aaron Rouse and released offensive linemen Kevin Barry and Josh Bourke. Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson made the announcement.
Rouse, a 6-foot-4, 223-pound rookie from Virginia Tech, is the second of 11 selections to sign with the team. Chosen in the third round (89th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft, he joins college teammate David Clowney, a fifth-round pick signed Monday, as the first rookies under contract.
Beginning his collegiate career at linebacker, Rouse made the switch to strong safety as a junior. In 2006, he earned the team's President Award, given to the most outstanding leader on defense. In 52 games at Virginia Tech, he made 24 starts and recorded 217 tackles and five interceptions.
Barry, a 6-foot-4, 322-pound veteran out of Arizona, played in 59 games with eight starts. He originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2002.
Bourke (pronounced "BERK") is a 6-foot-7, 314-pound tackle in his second year from Grand Valley State. He also had joined the team as a non-drafted free agent, in 2006.
