Packers sign free agent linebacker Brandon Chillar

Green Bay added some depth and a possible starter to their linebacking corps when they signed former St. Louis Ram Brandon Chillar to a 2-year, $5.4 million deal that will have Chillar wearing green and gold for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.  Chillar will compete for the starting job at strong-side linebacker with last year’s starter, the solid but underwhelming Brady Poppinga.  Poppinga has not yet been re-signed, but the Packers are rumored to be close to a deal to bring Poppinga back on board for another season with the Packers.  That will set up a training camp battle between Poppinga and Chillar.  Whichever player doesn’t get the starting job will probably still play an important role as a backup and a special teams player.