Jennings, Driver Among Packers With Uncertain Futures
By: Ryan Rodig
Updated: January 14, 2013
On Sunday, Packers players cleaned out their lockers, and prepared for the offseason following a 45-31 loss to San Francisco in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
It could be the last time Jennings and Driver walk out of the Green Bay locker room as members of the team they have combined to play 21 seasons for.
"I wish we could stay together for the rest of our career, go on a run and win some Super Bowls," fellow wide receiver James Jones said Sunday. "But you know, things happen."
In this case, "things" is NFL free agency. Both Jennings and Driver will be unrestricted free agents, and it isn't likely that either will return next season.
While Jennings is sure to find suitors willing to give him a new contract, Driver's playing future is uncertain after recording only eight catches in the regular season, and ending up inactive numerous times down the stretch.
"If the Packers want me back, I'll come back," Driver said to a group of reporters in front of his locker. "At this point it may not work here, but it may work somewhere else."
Driver was asked if he ever imagined playing for another team.
"I haven't thought about it, maybe I never will," he replied.
"The Packers are going to do what's best for the Packers," Greg Jennings said. "That's not going to change whether you're No. 4 (Brett Favre), No. 80 (Donald Driver), No. 85 (Jennings), No. 77 (Cullen Jenkins), that's going to be the case. They are going to do what's best for the Packers. I have to do what's best for myself and my family."
Cedric Benson was brought in during training camp, and became the starting running back until landing on Injured Reserve in October. Benson said he would welcome a return to Green Bay, and cited the team's tradition, winning attitude, and work ethic as big reasons why.
"You know teams that are nice franchises, established teams who expect to be in the playoffs every year," Benson said. "That's kind of what you want to be a part of, especially in the later part of your career."
Jermichael Finley has heard rumors about his future being uncertain for the Packers, but the tight end does have one year remaining on his contract.
"We just got done losing, man," Finley said in response to whether he thinks he will be brought back. "Hopefully nobody thought that far, I'm not thinking that far. Hopefully I am here forever. I'm here next year, as long as I know."
Even after a season he described as "frustrating," Driver said he was happy to be active against San Francisco.
"You didn't know if that was going to be your last game or not," Driver said. "But if it is my last game, it was a true honor just to put that uniform on once again. I wore that uniform for a long time, and it's truly a blessing to be wearing the green and gold."
Meanwhile Jennings, who seems to see the writing on the wall about his future in Green Bay, was asked if it was bittersweet packing up his locker.
"Nope," Jennings replied. "I'm excited about the future."






