The Green Bay Packers will designate tight end Bubba Franks as the team's transition player under terms of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, made the announcement Monday.
Under NFL rules, the Packers had until 3 p.m. CST Tuesday to designate a franchise and/or transition player.
The Packers will attempt to negotiate with Franks regarding a long-term contract. Until such time, as the Packers' transition player:
- Franks has a one-year contract at the tight end transition tender number set by the NFL;
- The Packers maintain a right of first refusal to match any team's offer received by Franks.
If Franks and the Packers can reach agreement on a long-term contract, that contract will replace the one-year transition tender number.
The team's No. 1 selection (14th overall) in the 2000 draft, Franks recently completed his fifth season as starting tight end. A three-time Pro Bowl selection and a 2004 Pro Bowl alternate, Franks is tied for third among franchise tight ends in career receptions (188, Mark Chmura). Paul Coffman (39) is the only Packers tight end with more touchdown receptions than Franks (28). And, he has not missed a game in five NFL seasons.
