Packers' Bishop says he's excited about new contract

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GREEN BAY - Green Bay Packers’ linebacker Desmond Bishop says he’s excited-and-blessed after signing a four-year, $19-million contract extension yesterday.

The team has not announced it yet, but Bishop told fans on Twitter that staying in Green Bay means more than money. The fourth-year pro became a starter in the fifth week of the regular season, after Nick Barnett went out for the year with an injured wrist. Bishop had 121 tackles in the regular season with three sacks and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.

The new deal gives the Packers four highly-paid inside linebackers for next season. And it’s raising questions about whether the Packers can afford to keep Barnett and-or Hawk for 2011. Hawk – who’s having his best season – is due to make $10-million in the final year of his current contract. Barnett is making six-point-six million a year, and Brandon Chillar is getting four-and-three-quarter million. Barnett told his fans on Twitter that he wasn’t concerned. He said the Packers would have a quote, “four-headed monster inside.” One of them – possibly Chillar – could move to outside linebacker if the Packers do keep all four players.

Meanwhile, the team will start practicing today for their Sunday Wild Card playoff game at Philadelphia.

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