Packers' Lattimore signs restricted free-agent tender

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- With Friday's deadline approaching, inside linebacker Jamari Lattimore signed his restricted free-agent tender Wednesday with the Green Bay Packers.

In early March, the Packers decided to offer Lattimore a low tender worth $1.431 million. By doing so, Green Bay had the option to match any offers that Lattimore could have received from other NFL teams.

Lattimore had already been participating in the team's offseason workout program despite having not signed the tender yet at that point. Now, the 25-year-old, who was originally signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2011, will remain in Green Bay for his fourth NFL season.

Lattimore started four games last season after Brad Jones and top reserve Robert Francois both suffered injuries. He collected two sacks during that span and had a 12-tackle game in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns.

Lattimore could potentially challenge for a starting job next season, though Jones and A.J. Hawk will be the presumed leaders at the start of training camp. The Packers also have 2013 seventh-round pick Sam Barrington at inside linebacker, as well as Victor Aiyewa.

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