Reports: Kampman Unhappy With Position Change

Green Bay Packers veteran pass rusher Aaron Kampman has repeatedly declined to discuss being shifted to outside linebacker from defensive end in the team’s new 3-4 scheme, and reports have surfaced that Kampman is not happy with the change. According to Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette and Greg Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, there’s growing evidence that Kampman is not embracing his slated role under new defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ direction. "[Kampman] has got to buy into it first,” an NFL source told the Press-Gazette. Per the Journal-Sentinel, Kampman was originally scheduled to talk with reporters Thursday before changing his mind. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has declined all interview requests since the Packers switched from the 4-3 to the 3-4 as their primary defense. “I think there’s always hesitancy when you’re asked to do something different,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “Aaron was very comfortable in the old scheme. ... I don’t want to be redundant, but I think this defense is going to help Aaron Kampman. I think this is going to create more opportunities for him, the diversity of the scheme.” According to Bedard, Kampman looked “very awkward and stiff” when he was dropping back into pass coverage. With Kampman refusing to discuss the position change, it has apparently created an awkward situation for his teammates who are being quizzed about what’s going on. “I’m not Kampman’s spokesman, so I can’t comment for him,” outside linebacker Brady Poppinga said. “If you want a comment from him, you’re going to have to go talk to him. “I have nothing to say for ‘Kampy’. If you want to talk about me, we can do that. I can’t speak for anybody else. I’m not a spokesman.” Kampman, who’s playing under a four-year, $21 million contract, has registered 50 1/2 career sacks in seven NFL seasons. The former Iowa standout has recorded 37 sacks in the past three seasons, including a career-high 15 1/2 three years ago.