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Jermaine Gresham visiting with Green Bay Packers

By Keegan Matheson

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The Green Bay Packers are reportedly taking a closer look at free agent tight end Jermaine Gresham. With the roster thin at tight end behind Richard Rodgers and Andrew Quarless doing himself no favors with his arrest earlier in July, the 27-year old Gresham would provide veteran depth if healthy. The visit was first reported by Rand Getlin of NFL Network. 

Gresham appeared in two Pro Bowls for the Cincinnati Bengals after being the 21st overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, but now profiles more strongly as a secondary or blocking option with pass-catching potential. His presence could also be felt in the red zone as part of two-tight-end sets. Gresham is just five months removed from back surgery, so the primary focus of a visit like this between Gresham and the Packers is to collect up-to-date medicals and have the tight end’s back examined in-house.

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After being linked to both the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals over the past month, Green Bay may not offer a starting gig, but they can offer the opportunity of snaps. The Packers saw Richard Rodgers take strides towards the end of 2014 as he gained trust in blocking situations, while rookie sixth rounder Kennard Backman and 2014 holdover Justin Perillo will also factor in behind Quarless. Keep in mind that special teams contributions are as important as ever in Green Bay.

Given the weapons surrounding Aaron Rodgers on offense, will enough footballs find the reserve tight ends over sixteen games? Then again, perhaps Gresham is chasing a winning situation or has be unsuccessful in earning a contract offer that meets his interest elsewhere.

This match would also represent a rather uncharacteristic move for general manager Ted Thompson, whose only foray into free agency this offseason was to retain two of his own in Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga. Thompson has been known to strike unexpectedly on high-profile names such as Charles Woodson and Julius Peppers, but rarely does he choose to address a depth position with a veteran. For Thompson, youth has come first.

Gresham is not the same tight end that caught 64 passes for 737 yards and five touchdowns 2012, but at 27, his talent has not taken a complete nosedive. Signing Gresham could become more understandable if the organization were prepared to move on from Quarless, but to this point, that does not appear to be the case. Regardless, at the low salary that Gresham can demand on what will likely be a one-year deal, it may be worth an uncharacteristic kick of the tire in training camp.

Next: Packers 2015 predictions: WR Randall Cobb

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