Packers Franchise Tag Williams, Release Franks

The Green Bay Packers have designated defensive tackle Corey Williams as their franchise player and released tight end Bubba Franks. The transactions were announced Wednesday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson. As the Packers' franchise player, Williams has a one-year contract tender offer at the defensive tackle franchise number set by the NFL. The Packers maintain a right of first refusal to match any team's offer received by Williams. Williams played in all 16 games, including nine starts, in 2007 and set career highs with 51 tackles and 32 solo stops. He tied his career high with seven sacks. Source: Packers.com

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McCarthy Signs 5 Year Deal

The Green Bay Packers signed coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday to a five-year contract that runs through the 2012 season. "We have accomplished some of our goals over the past two seasons, but there remains much left to be done," McCarthy said in a statement. "I am excited by the opportunity to meet those challenges and someday return another Lombardi Trophy home to Green Bay." McCarthy, who had a year left on his original three-year deal, reportedly agreed in principle last month to the new contract, which is worth about $4 million per season. "Mike brings tremendous passion, work ethic and structure to his position," general manager Ted Thompson said. "These are the traits we saw in him when he was hired, and we're very happy for the success we have had under his guidance." McCarthy, who signed the deal without using an agent, said the paperwork on his new contract was completed Monday before being announced Tuesday. AP

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Favre Still Undecided On Future

Despite reports he would return for 2008, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre said Wednesday he has yet to decide whether he wants to play an 18th NFL season. "I haven't decided yet," said Favre, who was in Arizona for a Super Bowl-related activity. "We just played a little over a week ago. I'm going to take a few more weeks. Our coaching staff is coaching in the Pro Bowl next week. When they get done, (coach) Mike (McCarthy) and I . . . we'll just discuss it more in a couple weeks." Favre, 38, had one of his best seasons in several years in 2007, leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and their first division championship since 2004. He completed 356 of 535 passes for 4,155 yards, with 28 touchdown passes, 15 interceptions and a passer rating of 95.7. It was Favre's best passer rating since 1996 and the touchdown passes were his most since the 2004 season. In his second year under McCarthy, he managed games well and took better care of the football. AP

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Pack Headed To NFC Championship

Brett Favre somehow spun free from the Seahawks' clutches and stumbled ahead in the snow. Ever the gambler, he flipped a wobbly, underhanded pass that he had no business trying, let alone completing. "That's right!" he shouted. Sure was, for Favre and the NFC championship-bound Green Bay Packers. With Lambeau Field looking like a snow globe, Favre frolicked in the flurries, throwing three touchdown passes as the Packers beat Seattle 42-20 Saturday, the highest-scoring postseason game in Packers' history. Ryan Grant made history, too, recovering from two fumbles that put the Packers down 14-0 after only four minutes to set a Packers' postseason record with 201 yards rushing. He scored three times and Greg Jennings caught a pair of TD tosses. Favre tied his personal best for touchdown strikes in a postseason game. His most memorable pass, though, was his crazy toss that set up another score. AP

Replay Clips: http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d805ecedf

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