National Football League

Packers re-sign tight end Finley

Published Feb. 24, 2012 1:24 a.m. ET

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Jermichael Finley is remaining with the Packers, signing a new contract with Green Bay.

The big-play tight end was set to become a free agent before re-signing with the team on Thursday. Packers general manager Ted Thompson, who drafted Finley in the third round in 2008, announced the move.

In 2011, Finley matched his career high with 55 receptions and had career bests in yards receiving (767) and touchdown catches (8). The reception and yardage totals rank second in franchise history by a tight end, and Finley ranked third in the NFL for tight ends with a 13.9-yard average in 2011 (minimum 40 receptions).

On Wednesday, Finley posted a message on his Twitter that he agreed to return to the team he helped to the NFL's best record last season, 15-1. Finley wrote, ''I could not be happier to have the privilege of being a Packer for the next 2 yrs. Glad to be back with my team & coaches for 1 common goal.''

The Packers were expected to consider using the franchise tag on Finley, who at 6-foot-5, 247-pounds runs and cuts like a wide receiver, but also has problems with dropping passes.

Finley has played in 48 games with 29 starts during his four seasons in Green Bay, missing much of 2010 with a knee injury. He has caught 137 passes for 1,818 yards and 15 touchdowns during his career.

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