Packers make a Goode signing

Long snapper signs two-year extension with the Packers

Casual Packer fans might not know who Brett Goode is, so they’d probably be stunned to find out that he’s one of the best players at his position in the NFL. General manager Ted Thompson obviously knows just how good the third-year long snapper is and that’s why he signed him to a two-year extension worth $1.6 million on Wednesday. The deal includes a $300,000 signing bonus. Since being signed as a free agent just days before the start of the ’08 season, Goode has been near-flawless on PATs, field goals and punts. In fact, it’s a shock when one of his snaps isn’t perfect. So congratulations Brett! Now let’s hope we don’t hear your name again until you sign another extension.

In other news:

-The extension signed by Desmond Bishop on Tuesday included a $4 million signing bonus and a $1 million roster bonus to be paid on the 30th day of the 2011 league year. This is a good deal for the player and an outstanding deal for the team. Bishop, who had earned less than $2 million since entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2007, will take home almost $7 million in the next calendar year and the Packers were able to lock up an ascending player for the next four seasons at a very reasonable price.

-Cullen Jenkins returned to practice on Wednesday, and while coach Mike McCarthy wants to see how things go on Thursday and Friday before getting too excited, the veteran defensive end seems confident about his playing status. He told Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel there’s no way he would miss the Wild Card game against the Eagles. If true, the defense should get a major boost. Jenkins’ athleticism and pass rushing skills are just the things needed to combat quarterback Mike Vick.

-Four Packers have been named as finalists at their positions for the 2010 NFL Alumni Player of the Year Awards. The three finalists in 11 categories were chosen by Bill Parcells. How prestigious these awards are probably depends on what you think of the Big Tuna, who has been away from the game since leaving the Dolphins’ front office in mid-October. Anyway, here are Green Bay’s nominees: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, receiver Greg Jennings, offensive lineman Josh Sitton and linebacker Clay Matthews (who was also nominated for Player of the Year). Winners will be announced on Feb. 4.