Packers agree to two-year contract with running back Chris Brooks

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers have retained running back Chris Brooks by agreeing to a new contract a week before he was set to become a restricted free agent.

According to Brooks’ representatives, One West Sports Group, Brooks will sign a two-year, $4.85 million deal.

To retain Brooks as a restricted free agent, the Packers would have had to offer him a minimum one-year, $3.52 million tender offer.

The Packers likely would not have made that offer but instead were willing to pay $2.4 million per year and likely include a signing bonus. Brooks would have become a free agent if the Packers had chosen not to offer the one-year tender and it’s possible he wouldn’t have done better on the market.

Brooks was a valuable part of the team as both a third-down back and special-teams player.

He carried 27 times for just 106 yards, but his offensive value was primarily as a pass protector on third downs. Brooks played on 157 passing plays and did not allow a sack. He allowed two quarterback hits and three pressures.

Brooks played 247 snaps on special teams, serving on all return and coverage units. He finished tied for first with 14 tackles.

The Packers have another running back scheduled to become a restricted free agent. Backup Emanuel Wilson will need to agree to a new contract or the Packers will have to make him a minimum $3.52 million tender offer to keep his rights.