Packers sign former Giants end Holmes

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Unable to develop a pass-rusher opposite Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, the Green Bay Packers signed former New York Giants defensive end Kenny Holmes on Wednesday.

Holmes participated in practice after arriving about an hour into the workout.

Coach Mike Sherman said he hopes to have the 6-foot-4, 260-pound veteran play 10-12 snaps in third-down situations Friday night at Jacksonville.

"Not having been in camp, obviously I'm not going to stress him too much," Sherman said.

Holmes, who signed a one-year deal worth $660,000 and a $25,000 signing bonus, visited the Packers last week for the second time to have his surgically repaired right knee inspected.

A 1997 first-round pick by Tennessee out of the University of Miami, Holmes has 38 career sacks, including five in nine games last year with the Giants before undergoing season-ending knee surgery on Nov. 15.

"My knee feels great. I've been running around here for the last five or six months on it, and I haven't had any troubles with it," Holmes said.

The Packers were concerned about his knee and declined to offer him a contract when he first visited in April. He returned earlier this month and the team offered him the veteran minimum contract. If he makes the team, only $455,000 of his base salary will count against the Packers' salary cap.

Holmes said Sherman didn't have to use much of a sales pitch.

"It speaks for itself, this organization, the tradition it has, the team that they have right now," Holmes said. "I think they have a contending team -- WE have a contending team -- and that alone is enough. My role from what I'm understood is to come in and rush the passer from the left, right, inside. Whatever they need me to do, that's what I'm here to do."

The Packers auditioned several other players to rush the passer opposite Gbaja-Biamila and relieve "KGB" on early downs to keep him fresh, but none have panned out.

There's no guarantee Holmes is the answer, but his experience certainly helps his chances.