After two weeks of training camp, the Green Bay Packers and their top overall draft pick have finally come to terms. Defensive lineman B.J. Raji gets a 5-year deal worth a reported $28.5-million which includes nearly $18-million in guaranteed money. The two sides are expected to finalize the deal this morning (Friday) in Green Bay.
Raji missed 13 days of training camp, the longest holdout by a Packers draft pick since Ross Verba missed 22 days back in 1997.
Raji won’t play in the teams exhibition opener against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday night at Lambeau Field. The Packers will have 6 more padded practices and three preseason games for Raji to try to catch up.
The Packers will work Raji at left defensive end, as well as backing up Ryan Pickett at nose tackle. He’s also a candidate to play in the middle of their 4-3 nickel package on passing downs.