Breaking News from GB: Williams gets Franchise tag, Bubba released

The offseason moves are now officially in gear. In what comes as a true surprise -- especially after virtually no contact with his agent -- the Packers slapped the franchise player tag on DT Corey Williams. It was almost a forgone conclusion that the Pack would not want to come up with the coin needed to re-sign Williams as he became eligible for free agency. By being designated with the franchise tag, according to the Packer's website, "Williams has a one-year contract tender offer at the defensive tackle franchise number set by the NFL. The Packers maintain a right of first refusal to match any team's offer received by Williams." The Pack has been increasingly impressed with Williams over the last two seasons. And, given Williams'reaction after the Pack's upset loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game -- where he knelt on the frozen tundra for a while as if to take it all in, just in case it was his last game in a Packers uniform -- it would seem he'd like to stay. It will be interesting to see what the final salary numbers are when the dust settles.

In the other move of the day, and one which fans could probably see coming, eight-year veteran TE Bubba Franks was released. Always a sentimental favorite, Bubba was not the same player over the last few seasons that he had been early in his career, although this last season was a bit of a redemptive one for him. He was again a solid blocker and also showed the good hands which made him such a red zone threat for so many years. Bubba's stats show that he was one of the most productive tight ends in Packers' history. Thanks and farewell, Bubba. We will miss you.

You can read more of the details about both of these personnel moves here.