The Green Bay Packers have begun discussions with cornerback Sam Shields over a potential new deal with the team, according to reports.
The Packers met with Shields's agent Drew Rosenhaus at the NFL scouting combine this past weekend to talk about the possibility of extending his contract.
The 26-year-old is due to become a free agent on March 11, but the Packers are believed to be keen on keeping him after he produced his best season in the 2013 campaign.
Shields made four interceptions in his 14 appearances, including a vital one in the fourth quarter of the Packers' dramatic 37-36 win over the Dallas Cowboys in December.
Packers general manager Ted Thompson has said that he would like to see Shields return to the team, but refused to answer whether he would consider using the franchise tag on the cornerback.
The talks between the two parties are said to be ongoing and are expected to resume over the next few weeks.
Barney Corkhill
