It was just over a year ago when Sam Shields agreed to a four-year $39 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, and when he did, he negotiated a nice roster bonus into it.

Shields receives a $2.5 million bonus for being on the team's roster on the fifth day of the league year, which falls on Saturday.

The Packers could release Shields to avoid paying him his bonus, but that's not going to happen, especially in light of losing fellow cornerback Davon House in free agency while Tramon Williams remains on the open market. Green Bay can use all the depth at the position it can get.

When Shields signed on the dotted line, he got paid like a Top 10 cornerback and is being counted upon being a long-time starter on the Packers defense, even if he didn't live up to his contract the first season.

Shields played in 14 games during the 2014 regular season, missing two due to injury. His two interceptions and nine passes defensed were the fewest since his rookie season in the NFL. He also added 40 tackles.

According to ProFootballFocus.com (premimum content), Shields graded out as the 71st overall cornerback in the league, finishing with a negative rating against both the run and the pass.

The one undeniable trait that Shields possesses, however, is speed. He brings that dimension to the Packers defense that no one else on the roster can provide.

Also on Saturday, former Packers head coach Mike Sherman returns to the area for a speaking engagement.

The Packers head coach from 2000 to 2005 will deliver the keytone speech at the annual "A Day for Men" program at the Norbertine Center for Spirituality at St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, Wis.

A recent Q&A with Sherman published by the Green Bay Press-Gazette has more details.