Meeting with the media following the Green Bay Packers' storm-shortened preseason game Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman confirmed that the team has signed veteran tight end Wesley Walls.
Walls, who was an unrestricted free agent, gives the team added depth at the position, where Bubba Franks is the starter coming off two Pro Bowl seasons.
"I think he can bring an awful lot to us," Sherman said. "We worked him out. He had a wonderful workout, showed quickness out of the break. He has great size, great hands."
Over his 14-year career, Walls has been one of the NFL's most consistent tight ends, racking up 430 receptions for 5,069 yards and 57 touchdowns. Now 37 years old, Walls was limited due to injury last season with the Carolina Panthers.
"The key, obviously, for him is to stay healthy throughout the course of the season," Sherman said.
After Franks, the Packers' tight ends of experience are David Martin, who is looking to rebound from a disappointing 8-catch campaign in his sophomore season, and Tyrone Davis, who is approaching his eighth NFL season.
Davis had to be sidelined in the Hall of Fame game after twisting his knee, but the injury isn't considered serious.
Said Sherman, "I felt there was a need here at this position (tight end)."
Walls is expected to arrive in Green Bay Tuesday afternoon.
