Potential free agent Jermichael Finley of the Green Bay Packers has had sporadic contact with the team since the end of the season and remains hopeful that a long-term deal will get done before the team must decide whether to use the franchise tag on him.

With a complete revolution of the tight end position sparked by Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots and Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints, the need for a dominant TE may become a necessity for some teams.

Finley is looking to cash in on a huge contract, but dropped a number of passes this season. At times he also complained that he wasn’t getting the ball thrown his way enough.

However, he is a match up problem for opposing defenses and after witnessing the success of Gronkowski and Graham teams may reach for his services.

Finley did set career highs with 767 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011 and did improve as a blocker.

While he might not be worth the type of money Rob Gronkowski is, it’s Finley’s contract that is up.

As the Lions, 49ers, and Giants only look to improve the Packers may want to pony up before they lose a potential star.

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