He just turned 25 in December.
Yes, he is restricted and is probably going to get a qualifying tender which means the Packers will have the right to match any offer or let him go for draft picks...which for an undrafted free agent would be a bonus.
Apparently they're pleased with Hayward? Hayward has been a steal for them. He's arguably the best corner to date from last years draft. Shields bounced back and had a good year himself. Plus he's restricted and i'm sure he'll get a high tender. He's not going anywhere.
Not the Packers philosophy to get rid of talent unless it doesn't make sense to keep it money wise. Packers prepared themselves with the departure of Jennings this offseason by carrying 6 WRs on the roster this past season...I think they're ready to part ways with Jennings (and Driver for that matter) and they'll draft a WR in the 2nd or 3rd round where they've drafted just about all their receivers the last 6 years. Finley and his agent may be the reason he is let go. Finley has dropped more passes than any TE in the last two seasons and his agent seems to keep blaming Aaron Rodgers for everything which is just unprofessional IMO. Packers also have 4 TEs on the roster. They really have few issues on offense outside of their O-line, their issues lie on defense which is a reason they'll keep Shields and continue to work on their secondary which still needs a safety, 3-4 DE and a linebacker opposite Clay Matthews. If you get rid of Shields you'll have to add CB to that list.
