ANGEHÖRIGE » return of pass-rushing linebacker Clay Matthews

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Jordy Nelson had a secret on the way to the first practice of Packers training camp. It didnt take long for the rest of his teammates to find out. Green Bays leading receiver now has a deal commensurate with his production after signing a contract extension just before taking the field Saturday morning. "So I was like the last one in the locker room and waiting on the paperwork to come down to get it done. That way, I had some security when I went out to practice," Nelson said. "That was a little bit different, and knowing no one knew (but) me the whole time Im riding down there and on the field." Soon enough, Nelson told fellow receivers and the quarterbacks. Coach Mike McCarthy found out in the middle of practice. Right about the time that Nelson was making a pretty touchdown catch on a long corner pass from Aaron Rodgers, word filtered out on social media. The Packers didnt divulge terms when announcing the signing after the end of practice, and NFL.com reported it was a four-year, $39 million deal with an $11.5 million signing bonus. "He said he re-signed and he was really happy," Rodgers said. "Now he can buy all the land in Kansas. Im very happy." Nelson, a Kansas native who attended Kansas State, posted career-bests of 85 catches and 1,314 yards last season. The 2008 second-round pick has developed into one of the top receivers in the league with his ability to make sideline catches. Rodgers thinks Nelson has top-notch instincts and reactions. "So its fun to see Jordy re-sign for four more. I told him that thats five (years) for him and Ive got six left, so were going to have to do one more after that and stick around a little bit longer," Rodgers said. The signing secures the teams top player at a position that had several high-profile departures in recent years. Reliable veteran James Jones left for Oakland in free agency in the off-season. After the 2012 season, Donald Driver retired and Greg Jennings departed as a free agent for division rival Minnesota. Now the Packers must also decide how to proceed with receiver Randall Cobb, a 2011 second-round pick going into the final year of his rookie deal. "Well, every coach wants his core guys, no doubt about it," McCarthy said. "Like I said before, if I was in charge of the player checkbook, we would have been way over the budget a long time ago." Nelsons extension overshadowed what likely would have been the top story line of Day 1 with the return of pass-rushing linebacker Clay Matthews. He watched during off-season workouts while recovering from a second surgery in the off-season to repair a broken right thumb. Practice Saturday had the Packers lining up Matthews and defensive end-linebacker Julius Peppers — the teams big free-agent acquisition — on the field at the same time. Its the ideal pass-rushing scenario for the team going into 2014. Matthews had what looked like a flexible black wrap protecting his right hand. There were no limitations with the linebacker, other than "just being smart," McCarthy said. The recovery process appeared to be a little frustrating for the long-haired linebacker. The thumb "feels pretty strong and will continue to get stronger with the reps I take on the football field," Matthews said. "This off-season was definitely an uphill battle coming off an injury, but I think that just makes this year that much more special to me." It will likely be memorable one as well for Nelson because of the extension. Lauded for his leadership qualities, Nelson seems content to finish his career in Green Bay. Nelson realizes this is a business. He also said he never considered holding out. "I dont like the word worth," Nelson said, interrupting a reporter who used it in a question. "I dont like the word worth because to be honest with you, I dont think any of us are worth this money. But its your value and the business were a part of." Note: LBs Mike Neal (abdomen) and Nick Perry (foot/knee) were close to being ready for practice, McCarthy said. The linebackers, who should rotate with Matthews and Peppers as pass rushers, had similar injuries last year. Wholesale Jerseys China . Neither made it that far in 2013. Not even close. Federer lost his second match at the All England Club. Nadal exited in the first round, a year after bowing out in the second. Wholesale Jerseys . Vonn had another scary moment at Saturdays World Cup downhill in Val dIsere, ending up clutching her knee in pain after losing her balance and missing a gate. 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JJ Redick scorred 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range and DeAndre Jordan registered 12 points and 11 rebounds in the win.ddddddddddddLos Angeles hadnt won in Miami since March 10, 2008, snapping a five-game skid. Chris Bosh led the Heat with 28 points in their fourth loss in the last five games. Mario Chalmers and Luol Deng each chipped in with 13 points in the setback. ' ' '