Green Bay Packers expected to cut Sam Shields

Jan. 17 (UPI) — Cornerback Sam Shields’ days as a member of the Green Bay Packers appear to be numbered.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported Tuesday that he expects the team to release the Pro Bowl defender this offseason.

“Sam Shields, the Packers’ former No. 1 cornerback, will be done in Green Bay,” Demovsky wrote. “The Packers will release Shields, who hasn’t played since Week 1 because of a concussion that landed him on injured reserve.”

Shields’ latest concussion was his second in nine months and the fourth known concussion of his career. He signed a four-year, $39 million contract in 2014. The Packers can save $9 million off of its 2017 salary cap if they cut the cornerback.

Shields, 29, is expected in court on April 24 after being charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested a day after the Packers placed him on injured reserve.

Shields registered just three tackles in one game this season. He had 39 tackles and three interceptions in 2015. He was a member of the 2010 Packers Super Bowl champion squad.