We're back with the Packers Daily Links as training camp is about to begin. Here's what's happening in the world of the Green Bay Packers:

Yesterday's biggest news was that first round draft pick and linebacker Clay Matthews agreed to terms on a contract just two days before training camp begins. "According to an NFL source familiar with the negotiations, the contract is worth $10 million and includes sweeteners that could lift the total to $13.25 million," reports Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Jouranl Seintel. "The compensation likely includes bonus money between $7 million and $8 million." After missing so much time during OTAs and mini-camp due to a hamstring injury it was imperative that Matthews finish his deal before training camp so he can get as much practice time as possible. Thankfully his injury was minor, and there's no reason to think he shouldn't be ready to compete at a high level beginning Saturday.

The Packers reportedly cut undrafted wide receiver Jamarko Simmons, which was disappointing considering he was one of the more highly sought after free agents following the draft. The Green Bay Press-Gazette's Tom Peliserro tweeted the following, "Not a huge surprise there. He was hurt and never flashed in practice this spring. Disappointing for a high profile undrafted signing." The Packers still have 10 wide receivers on the roster and have plenty of depth at the position.

Matthews' agreement to a contract only leaves one player left. "That still leaves NT B.J. Raji to sign," writes Brandon at Acme Packing Company. "By this point, it might mean he'll miss the first couple days of training camp at least." Raji set quite a precedent back during the off-season workouts when he said that his agents work for him and not the other way around. If he has a holdout longer than a day or two, he deserves to be criticized after making such bold statements weeks ago.

One of Cheesehead TV's biggest catches over the last couple days was this nugget regarding the urgency, or lack thereof, of Raji's agents in getting a deal done. Aaron Nagler wonders if Raji could miss up to a week of training camp. In the good news department, Tom of the blog Residual Prolixity doesn't think the firm representing Raji is the one dragging its feet.

The Packers have leaving open the option of bringing back tackle Mark Tauscher. "We have three young guys we're excited about, but Mark is someone we've talked to," head coach Mike McCarthy told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "That's why we go to training camp. I would never rule Mark out. He's a great guy, a class act." The guess here is that the Packers are waiting to see the three internal candidates don the pads during training camp. If it becomes clear within the first two weeks of training camp that they don't have what it takes, they might consider giving Tauscher a call. While the Packers maybe haven't closed the door on Tauscher, I have to assume that door is ajar by only the slimmest of cracks.

Safety Nick Collins will apparently not hold out of training camp. "Collins hinted last month that he wasn't happy with his contract, but his agent said Collins will be into camp on time," reports Bill Scott of the Wisconsin Radio Network. Did Collins gain anything by refusing to take part in several off-season practices? I realize he wanted to make a statement, but he could have done it with his mouth and not through actions debilitating to the rest of the team. When Collins doesn't live up to his almost impossible to repeat '08 numbers, everyone should expect to have a very disgruntled safety on their hands next year who won't command the type of contract he wants.

Yesterday was the annual shareholders' meeting, and while no huge news came out of the proceedings, there were a few noteworthy items. The Packers official website has a good run down of what happened. Packers president Mark Murphy talked to the owners about the Packers role in the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. "We're very unique, and we're a very small market, the smallest market in the NFL," said Murphy. "But we're one of the higher revenue teams in the league, and that combination can help us. We can serve as a bridge (between the large- and small-market clubs)."

One of the most anticipated events of the shareholders' meeting every year is Ted Thompson's assessment of the team roster. Thompson addressed the crowd, "Sometimes when you watch ESPN or the instant communication we have nowadays, it's almost like it's all fantasy football. It's not. It's people, and we have good people. We have a good team and we have confidence in this team." This was only a snippet of a much larger speech Thompson gave. Click the link and visit the team's official website for more info.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette has a good notebook of the odds and ends from the shareholders' meeting. After the formal meeting, shareholders were given a tour of the new Ray Nitschke practice field and the Don Hutson Center. The Packers also announced Paul Baniel as their new vice president of finance.

And, of course, the triumphant return of our Railbird sponsored music video, enjoy "Glory" by Umphrey's McGee...