UPDATE: Tom Silverstein has since reported that Bishop's deal was signed before the deadline, which is good news from an organizational standpoint in that it saves the team money should a salary cap return.

The deadline to add money towards an uncapped season had come and gone by the time the Packers signed Desmond Bishop to a contract extension. "Multiple sources confirmed that the 26-year-old Bishop had agreed to a contract extension with the Packers that would bind him to the club through the 2014 season," writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "The deal was agreed upon within the last week and believed to have been signed Tuesday." Teams only had until Saturday Jan. 1 to apply money towards this year's uncapped season. Of course, this assumes the NFL revert back to a salary cap with a new collective bargaining agreement.

The future of the other inside linebackers are touched upon by Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "With Bishop expected to keep his starting job, the Packers will have to decide whether to go with Barnett, Hawk or someone else at the other inside spot," writes Demovsky. "Barnett has a base salary of $5.5 million next season plus roster and workout bonuses that total $550,000. He will turn 30 this offseason and has finished two of the last three seasons on injured reserve." Maybe the Packers have to decide who plays a majority of the time at the inside linebacker spots, but the current regime has proved both through their words and actions that they don't have "starters" per se. It remains a possibility that all will share time by playing in different packages.

Weighing in on the inside linebacker situation is Michael Rodney of Packer Update. "If Hawk winds up staying, Barnett would almost certainly be traded prior to the opening of training camp," writes Rodney. "The Packers simply can’t afford to go into next season with so many high-priced players at one position (and we haven’t even mentioned Brandon Chillar, who signed a $22 million deal in December 2009). But it’s not just about money. Bishop, Hawk and Barnett are all starting-caliber inside linebackers and none of the three would be happy in a backup role. So dealing Barnett would nip any potential problems in the bud, and at the same time, add another draft pick to the team’s coffers." I also think this is off-base. While these scenarios could happen, I'm not willing to say they're a certainty. I can see a situation where all are back next year. At the beginning of this season, Hawk was seeing more bench than usual, and he didn't cause any problems.

Could any of the inside linebackers be moved to outside linebacker? "The biggest question if all four do come back is whether to move any of them to outside linebacker," writes Silverstein. "Chillar played some there this year but wasn't good enough against the run. Barnett has the speed to play outside but is better going sideline-to-sideline. Bishop could play the position with enough training, but he's not as fast as the typical right linebacker in a 3-4 defense." This seems highly unlikely. I can see some of them rushing off the edge occasionally or being an emergency option at outside linebacker, but I don't think any of them are full-time outside linebackers.

One key to beating the Eagles is shared by Pete Dougherty of the Press-Gazette. "Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers has looked hard at ... game tapes and no doubt will try to confuse Vick and his line with a mix of disguised blitzes and coverage-oriented calls," writes Dougherty. "But keeping Vick in the pocket is imperative, blitz or not, so the rushers can’t come at him with abandon. That’s what allowed Vick to break out on the three long runs in the final eight minutes against the Giants — the blitzes kept coming, but out-of-control rushers lost contain." You might remember how the Wisconsin Badgers were able to beat Ohio State earlier in the season by keeping Terrelle Pryor in the pocket to much success. The Packers will look to replicate that.

Clay Matthews is former Packer Matt Bowen's choice for Defensive Player of the Year. "Hard for me to overlook Matthews," writes Bowen at the National Football Post. "The 13.5 sacks do stand out, but I have never been a 'numbers guy' when I break down NFL football. I look at players and how they work within the scheme of the defense, their impact on the overall unit and how disruptive they can be throughout the course of a Sunday, and in this case, the entire season. Saying that, I am turning in my ballot today with the Packers’ linebacker getting my vote. He is the best overall defensive football player in the NFL this season." Demovsky said on Twitter that they'll announce the award closer to the Super Bowl.

Charles Woodson has asked Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin to join him in offseason workouts. "Vikings’ and Packers’ fans alike should be thrilled by this situation," writes Max Ginsberg of Purple Pants, Green Jersey. "For the Purple, Harvin will receive tutelage from one of the smartest and most effective defensive backs in the game. For fans of the Green and Gold, the opportunity will allow Woodson to study the tendencies and habits of the rising star."

The Packers have faith their inconsistent offense will pick up, according to Lori Nickel of the Journal Sentinel. "The way the defense is playing, the offense feels a responsibility to play well," writes Nickel. "Quarterback Aaron Rodgers - the leading rusher against the Bears with 21 yards - credited the defense 'for allowing us to have a new season,' and advance to the playoffs."

The NFL's new overtime rules will be in effect for the Packers-Eagles game and they present an abundance of possibilities. "The playoff overtime picture just got even more confusing for the Packers," writes Jayme Joers of Packers Lounge. "And for a team that lost two crushing overtime games in the regular season, there’s way too many “ifs” around for my liking.  I will sleep a whole lot easier if we just win out in regular time."

The Philadelphia media has a view on Aaron Rodgers and the Eagles' young team.

Packers fans are buying playoff gear.

A view from Lambeau Field is provided by John Rehor of Green Bay Packer Nation.

The Packers are in it to win it, says Colleen at PocketDoppler.

Finally, check out this pic of Cheesehead TV's own Corey Behnke in an article over at AOL Fanhouse.