Thompson: New contract for Poppinga

Agent for linebacker tells Packer Report it is a four-year extension

The focus of the Packers’ shareholders meeting at Lambeau Field on Thursday was Brett Favre. Lost in the presentations by general manager Ted Thompson, coach Mike McCarthy and other team executives was Thompson noting linebacker Brady Poppinga had recently signed a contract extension.

“Sometimes, he doesn’t get a lot of recognition, but he’s a good player,” Thompson told the shareholders.

The hard-hitting and sure-tackling Poppinga was under contract through the upcoming season. Agent Michael Hoffman told Packer Report that the contract is a four-year extension, effectively keeping Poppinga under contract for the next five seasons.

Hoffman would not divulge specifics of the contract, though sources say the additional four years are worth more than $16 million. That will be in addition to his 2008 base salary of $927,000.

“Brady was thrilled that we could get a deal done prior to starting training camp,” Hoffman said. “He wouldn’t have done the deal unless he felt it accurately reflected his worth to the organization.”

Hoffman agreed the contract provides a vote of confidence to Poppinga, who is staring at a training camp battle with free-agent addition Brandon Chillar at strong-side linebacker.

“That’s true. It’s a great deal for both sides,” Hoffman said. “And Brady has a strong connection to the city, the Packers fans and he’s confident in the direction of the organization and is happy to call Green Bay his home.”