Bigby Expresses Desire For Long-Term Contract But Doesn't Hold Grudge

The safety appeared disappointed he couldn't come to longer agreement but maintains he holds no ill will towards the organization.

GREEN BAY – What safety Atari Bigby accomplished, if anything, by choosing not to sign a contract until this past week is up for debate. What he tried to accomplish, at least, was to get a long-term contract.

"I want to find a home too, and I was hoping that Green Bay could be a home," said Bigby after today's first training camp practice. "At least give me a pat on the back saying, 'Atari, you've been here, we appreciate you.' But the business of it didn't work out that way. So I signed my tender to make sure I was here on time for training camp."

The Packers got the message loud and clear that Bigby wanted more job security, but they weren't willing to commit to anything more than a one-year tender.

According to the safety, he doesn't hold any grudges and is hopeful that he can eventually come to an agreement at some point in the future.

"It's nothing personal," said Bigby. "I'm not saying anything bad about the Packers. I still love the Packers. This is my team. Of course, I'm going to try to get what I feel like I deserve."

Even though Bigby reported to camp on time, it can be argued that his decision to not sign a contract and stay away from the team's offseason activities and practices was actually counterproductive. One of the biggest story lines coming out of OTAs and minicamp was the emergence of rookie safety Morgan Burnett who took Bigby's place with the first-string defense.

Presumably, part of the reason the Packers only tendered Bigby at the second round level was because of his rather lengthy injury history. Even Bigby himself admitted it's been a long time since he's been healthy.

"The last time I felt truly healthy? I've got to go way back, way back like before I hurt my ankle, and that was probably the preseason of '08," said Bigby. "That's when I felt like I was bouncing on all cylinders. After that I've been playing catch-up."

Bigby battled through ankle, hamstring and shoulder injuries throughout the '08 season and at one time even intimated that his injuries were worse than either he or the team let on.

Making matters worse, Bigby indicated that he came into camp healthy and only during his conditioning test did he aggravate his troublesome ankle, the reason for which he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list yesterday, and didn't participate in today's first practice session.

Based upon head coach Mike McCarthy's comments, the team is still gathering information on the safety, which could lead some to believe the safety's ankle injury could be more troublesome than anticipated.

"There are some tests that will be done," said McCarthy. "We don’t have all of the answers right now, and that will probably go into next week, to be honest."

Any lingering effects from the safety's injury could impact his ability to land his desired long-term contract. The door has been opened for Burnett, and also complicating matters is the uncertain future of the NFL, now in their final year of the collective bargaining agreement.

"It is what it is," said Bigby. "I'm not trying to look too far into the future. I'm just trying to control what I can right now, and that's getting healthy and servicing my team the best way that I can."

When exactly he'll be of service to the team and return to the practice field remains uncertain.

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Comments (11)

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FITZCORE1252's picture

July 31, 2010 at 11:41 pm

So over this guy. Can anybody tell me what this guy has done outside of several games at the end of '07?

Ideally Morgan would've taken his job and Atari would have been a serviceable backup. With this ankle popping up again, I'm going into this season thinking Bigby won't play. If he does contribute, fine. I'm sure Ted and Coach aren't counting on his availability.

GBP 4 LIFE

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nypacker's picture

August 01, 2010 at 01:55 am

I know that it's frustration that settles in after a while, but I can't help but feel sorry for Bigby. It's not like the guy asked to be injured in the first place. Things happen. I mean the guy looks like he keeps himself in great shape plus he does well on the field during the time he does play. If he can't make it onto the field this season for at least 8-10 games, I think he's never going to get that long term deal. At least with the Packers that is.

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pitts's picture

August 01, 2010 at 06:43 am

winning, playing to the best of your abilites, he needs no pitty trip.were so close again but yet so far to win the big one.as a young kid walking with the players getting autograghs and and a voice sing out i dont want you signing autograghs if you have not show me on the of playfield your ready.coach lombarde. ill never for get it.

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Tarynfor12's picture

August 01, 2010 at 04:20 am

He misses way to much play time.Trying to get a defensive scheme is hard enough without trying to do a He can,He won't,He might guy.If he isn't on that field ready to go after the whole off season,plan without him as he won't be there for us long term seasonally or contractually.Like Jersey Al would say"Turn the Page".

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FITZCORE1252's picture

August 01, 2010 at 04:46 am

"Like Jersey Al would say”Turn the Page”."

OR, perhaps one Bob Seger. He's no J-Al, but I think he may have something to say about who "turn the page' belongs to.
Just sayin'.

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lol

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PackerAaron's picture

August 01, 2010 at 11:53 am

This is the last one of these. Shorten them up big guy.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

August 02, 2010 at 12:01 am

Sure thing Capt. Buzzkillington (don't see the problem, but I'll take your word there is one. You know, out of respect and all).

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LIZNIFE

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DAWG's picture

August 01, 2010 at 06:08 am

It's a little late to play the fidel now isn't it? I understand the contract thing--but hey, if your health is an issue- don't stay away and play hard ass- get in there and fix it and let the cards fall where they may, this didn't work for anyone-fire your agent and fix the shit now-times a wasting for all!-geezz

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DAWG's picture

August 01, 2010 at 06:46 am

AHHHHH- and you want to be the head coach?

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pitts's picture

August 01, 2010 at 06:21 am

give him a long term contract. cutting grass at lambeau,and read a book from lombarde how to be a player on and off the field of dreams get it done.

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pitts's picture

August 01, 2010 at 06:23 am

play ball

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