Packers come to terms with Gbaja-Biamila

GREEN BAY, Wis., April 2 (UPI) -- The Green Bay Packers have reached agreement on a multi-year contract with defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.

Coach and General Manager Mike Sherman said the agreement was reached late Tuesday night.

The agreement locks up one of the NFL's top pass rushers for the prime of his career, and also continues the team's long-standing commitment to re-sign its premier young players before they reach unrestricted free agency.

Gbaja-Biamila, who had been a restricted free agent, officially will sign his new Packers contract Wednesday afternoon.

"After much deliberation and prayer, I'm glad that this matter has been brought to a positive resolution," Gbaja-Biamila said. "I really thank God that I will be able to enjoy a long career with the Green Bay Packers, the team that I started with. I'm excited to get back to work and hopefully play a role in helping the Packers return to the Super Bowl, by the grace of God."

Originally a fifth-round draft choice of Green Bay in 2000 out of San Diego State, Gbaja-Biamila has recorded the fifth-most sacks in the NFL over the past two seasons with 25 ½, a feat accomplished though he did not become a full-time starter until Week 6 of last year.

In 2002, "KGB" posted 12 sacks among a career-high 45 tackles, in addition to one interception, which he returned for a touchdown, a career-best four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and four passes defensed.

Now seventh on the Packers' all-time list with 27 career sacks, Gbaja-Biamila will have the opportunity to pass No. 6 Vonnie Holliday (32.0), No. 5 Bryce Paup (32.5), and No. 4 Tony Bennett (36.0), among others, during the 2003 season. The fourth-year pro also will be vying to become the first player in team history to record three consecutive seasons of double-digit sacks.