Packers release linebacker Brad Jones, former starter

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Brad Jones was released Friday by Green Bay, ending the former starting linebacker's six-year tenure with the Packers.

Jones took every defensive snap in the season opener against Seattle before being supplanted in the starting lineup with the Packers looking to shore up the inside linebacker position.

By the end of the season, Clay Matthews and Sam Barrington were seeing most of the playing time at inside linebacker in place of Jones and veteran A.J. Hawk.

Jones will likely be remembered by Packers fans for missed tackles and frustrating penalties, including a roughing the passer call on third-and-13 against Detroit in the regular season finale on third-and-13. Calvin Johnson scored a touchdown on the next play.

Jones was a Packers' seventh-round draft pick in 2009, starting 41 games.

Also Friday, a judge in Florida ruled that authorities there had probable cause to search the truck driven on Feb. 3 by Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion in Starke, Florida.

Authorities had charged Guion on felony charges of drug and firearm possession after a traffic stop turned up three-quarters of a pound of marijuana, a 9mm handgun and a bag containing more than $190,000 in cash.

According to court documents, Guion testified that the money came from cashing a paycheck from the Packers. Guion explained that he was driving a new truck back to a hotel and trying to stay clear of pot holes.

Bradford County Circuit Court Judge Phillip Pena said that Guion's rationale "is found not to be credible."

Guion turned into a key player on the defensive line after signing a one-year deal last offseason as a free agent.

Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters at the NFL Combine this week that Guion has taken responsibility for his actions, and that the Packers would welcome the lineman back. The team is monitoring the legal case in Florida.

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