The Packers' re-signing of inside linebacker A.J. Hawk makes Nick Barnett's future in Green Bay look tenuous at best.
A source with knowledge of the situation said Thursday that the Packers will explore trading Barnett, who broke his wrist during a Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions, opening the door for Desmond Bishop to line up next to Hawk and emerge as a core player.
Trading Barnett won't happen until a collective bargaining agreement is reached between the NFL and NFL Players Association, but the eight-year veteran could have value because there aren't that many quality inside or middle linebackers available in free agency.
Barnett, who's owed $5.5 million next season, has made 100-plus tackles in six of his eight NFL seasons.
