Green Bay, Wis. ? Gilbert Brown reported to the Green Bay Packers’ training camp Tuesday, putting the starting defensive line back at full strength.
The nose tackle was cleared to practice after signing a new contract that had been in the works since Saturday.
Brown, a 10-year veteran from Kansas University, confirmed it’s a six-year deal.
“Green Bay gave me the opportunity to come back and play a couple more years,” Brown said. “I’m happy for that.”
The Packers only would have had to count $475,000 against their salary cap had Brown accepted a $655,000 veteran’s minimum deal with a $25,000 bonus. But the Washington Redskins raised the stakes with an offer to Brown, and the nose tackle and the Packers agreed to a contract reported to contain a $400,000 signing bonus.
That means Brown will count $721,667 against the cap — his minimum base salary of $655,000, plus the pro-rated signing bonus of $66,667.
Brown said Tuesday he was “very close” to accepting the Redskins’ offer.
But Brown said his heart has always been with Green Bay, where he’s played his entire career.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Brown said.
