GREEN BAY, Wis. (Aug. 24, 2005) -- Three-time Pro Bowl tight end Bubba Franks agreed to a long-term contract with the Green Bay Packers, his agent confirmed Aug. 24.
Franks has missed all of training camp while the two sides negotiated a deal after he refused to sign a one-year tender contract from the team as the Packers' transition player.
None of the tight ends in camp distinguished themselves, putting a serious crimp in the Packers' offensive rhythm.
Agent Gene Mato confirmed Franks and the team reached a deal. General manager Ted Thompson refused to comment until the deal was signed.
"It's Green Bay Packers' policy never to talk about negotiations. There's nothing to say yet," Thompson told The Associated Press. "We'll have something to say when a player is signed. Even then we don't say much."
Quarterback Brett Favre, who criticized wide receiver Javon Walker for threatening a holdout, was solidly in Franks' corner, saying the Packers needed to reward their durable tight end.
Franks has appeared in all 80 games and six playoff games in the first five years of his career.
