With Packers facing potential contract impasse with S Bigby, rookie Burnett could be Plan B

Rookie Burnett could be Packers’ Plan B at safety

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers rookie safety Morgan Burnett hasn’t looked out of place running plays with the team’s No. 1 defense in recent workouts.

And if incumbent starter Atari Bigby sits out next week’s mandatory minicamp because of a contract impasse, Burnett will get an even bigger chance to impress everyone.

Bigby is a restricted free agent, and there are no indications that he has signed a tender offer from the team. Packers coach Mike McCarthy says there is “nothing new to report” on his contract situation.

It’s an opportunity for Burnett, a third-round pick out of Georgia Tech whose instincts and ability have caught McCarthy’s eye. Burnett says there’s “a lot” to take in, but he feels he has made significant progress.