GREEN BAY, Wis., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- The Green Bay Packers have signed tight end Bubba Franks to a seven-year, $28 million deal, ESPN reported Wednesday.
The team and the three-time Pro Bowl selection had been unable to come to terms on a new deal during the off-season, after Franks declined to sign the one-year qualifying offer as a "transition" free agent. ESPN said final details of the new contract were expected to be completed Wednesday, and Franks was likely to report to Packers camp in time for practice Thursday -- but not to play in Friday's preseason game against New England.
Franks was the Packers' first-round choice in the 2000 NFL draft -- the 14th player taken overall. He has never missed a game, and has started in 71 of 80 games during his five seasons with the Packers.
He has 188 receptions for 1,729 yards and 28 touchdowns.
