The Green Bay Packers reached agreement on a multi-year contract with defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila late Tuesday night, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced.
The agreement locks up one of the NFL's top pass rushers for the prime of his career, and also continues the team's long-standing commitment to re-sign its premier young players before they reach unrestricted free agency.
Gbaja-Biamila, who had been a restricted free agent, officially will sign his new Packers contract on Wednesday afternoon. Along with Sherman, he then will meet the Wisconsin sports media at 4 p.m. CST in the team's Lambeau Field media auditorium.
"After much deliberation and prayer, I'm glad that this matter has been brought to a positive resolution," Gbaja-Biamila said. "I really thank God that I will be able to enjoy a long career with the Green Bay Packers, the team that I started with. I'm excited to get back to work and hopefully play a role in helping the Packers return to the Super Bowl, by the grace of God."
Originally a fifth-round draft choice of Green Bay in 2000 out of San Diego State, Gbaja-Biamila has recorded the fifth-most sacks in the NFL over the past two seasons with 25.5, a feat accomplished though he did not become a full-time starter until Week 6 of last year. In 2002, "KGB" posted 12 sacks among a career-high 45 tackles, in addition to 1 interception (that he returned for a touchdown), a career-best 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 4 passes defensed.
Now seventh on the Packers' all-time list with 27.0 career sacks, Gbaja-Biamila will have the opportunity to pass No. 6 Vonnie Holliday (32.0), No. 5 Bryce Paup (32.5) and No. 4 Tony Bennett (36.0), among others, during the 2003 season. The fourth-year pro also will be vying to become the first player in team history to record three consecutive seasons of double-digit sacks.
