MILWAUKEE (AP)
-- The Green Bay Packers made their first major splash in the free-agent market this offseason, agreeing to terms with defensive back Charles Woodson on Wednesday.
Woodson's agent, Kevin Poston, said the Packers agreed to a seven-year deal for $52.7 million, including $10.5 million in the first year of the contract.
Packers general manager Ted Thompson declined comment.
Woodson's signing comes a day after Brett Favre told the team he would return to play the 2006 season. Favre previously urged the team to make a "statement" in free agency, similar to the signing of Reggie White in 1993.
The team lost out on its pursuit of kicker Adam Vinatieri and linebacker LaVar Arrington before finally landing Woodson.
Woodson, a four-time Pro Bowler, has played eight seasons for the Oakland Raiders, intercepting 17 passes in 106 games.
Woodson hasn't played a full season since 2001, and broke his right leg Oct. 23 against Buffalo. The Raiders declined to use their franchise tag on Woodson in February, making him an unrestricted free agent.
He won the Heisman Trophy at Michigan and was the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft.
The Packers also announced signing free-agent defensive tackle Kenderick Allen, who played in 14 games last season for the New York Giants, recording 21 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.