Walker to visit Saints, Broncos
By
Michael Smith
ESPN.com
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Javon Walker has received permission from the team to explore trade opportunities and a deal is expected before this weekend's NFL draft, league sources with direct knowledge of the situation said.
Walker is visiting the
New Orleans Saints on Thursday and is scheduled to visit the
Denver Broncos on Friday.
The Packers are also engaging in trade talks with the
Kansas City Chiefs,
Miami Dolphins,
New England Patriots and
Philadelphia Eagles but conversations aren't as far along as they are with the Saints and Broncos. Walker does not have any visits scheduled beyond the Saints and Broncos.
Walker, who underwent surgery in October on his right knee's injured anterior cruciate ligament, expects to be ready to go by training camp -- just not with the Packers, he hopes.
Unlike last year when he drew the ire of
Brett Favre among others, he promises not to be a disruption, because he doesn't plan to show up at all for training camp.
"If I had to go back there, I'd retire," he told ESPN.com last month. "I don't have to play."
General manager Ted Thompson has said he expects Walker to honor his contract.
"I've spoken with Javon over the course of the spring," Thompson said. "I think I'll let the original statement that we put out stand there. I know that things get said from time to time and I think the less said on something like that, the better."
Thompson did say that he and the team would welcome Walker back.
"I would," Thompson said. "I'm sure the team would. He's very well liked here. I assume you guys would agree with me."