GREEN BAY, Wis. -– Though Packers WR Greg Jennings said the resolution to a contract extension was “close,” the sides aren’t near finalizing a deal, according to a team source. Even Jennings admitted that several areas still have to be bridged and a deal might not be finalized before training camp.

Jennings, who’s headed into the final year of his rookie contract that will pay him $535,000 in base salary in 2009, said he wouldn’t be bothered if a deal isn’t in place by the preseason, but he added that he wants to avoid any and all problematic scenarios.

“I don’t want it to become a distraction,” said Jennings, who’s entering his fourth NFL season. “That’s what I’m uncomfortable with. I feel like the media could talk about it so much that it could potentially become a distraction. That’s what I want to stay away from. There is some discussion. I’m confident, from my side, that something could be done.”

Jennings is coming off a season in which he racked up career-bests in catches (80) and yards (1,292) and also scored nine touchdowns. He has 178 receptions for 2,844 yards and 24 touchdowns in his career.

In a side note, Jennings said he hopes to launch a sports apparel line and that he plans to do some test marketing in the Green Bay area before trying to expand to larger distribution.

– Steve Wyche

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