Tag, you're it?

There’s no question that Aaron Kampman will be missed. Even though the former Pro Bowl defensive end struggled in his transition to outside linebacker, he was still the team’s best pass rusher. So for the next six weeks, the defense will have to find a way to slow down opposing offenses without No. 74 in the lineup. But if you’re looking for a silver lining, here it is – Kampman’s knee injury should ensure that free safety Nick Collins will be back next season. “[GM] Ted Thompson almost certainly would’ve used the franchise tag on Kampman,” opined a person familiar with the situation. “Now, if needed, that tag can be placed on Collins.” The former Bethune-Cookman star is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, but that will only happen if there’s a new collective bargaining agreement. Otherwise, the five-year veteran will be a restricted free agent.

The Packers don’t want to lose Collins, but Thompson has shown little interest in negotiating a long-term deal. “The agent has made it clear that he wants his client to be one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL,” said the source. “Thompson isn’t willing to go there, and now he has another option. He can slap the tag on Collins and keep him around for at least one more season at a very reasonable price.” The franchise tag for safeties last offseason was a modest $6.34 million. “I don’t think Thompson would have a problem paying around that amount,” added the source. “He likes Collins and the defense needs him. He just doesn’t want to commit an eight-figure signing bonus to a player he doesn’t consider to be great.” Now he doesn’t have to.