Matt Rotheram creates 'more value' at center

The Green Bay Packers view offensive lineman Matt Rotheram as one of their most promising prospects.

It’s why his weekly salary was almost quadrupled in December. In a rarity for practice squad players, Rotheram’s weekly salary was bumped to $25,588.

Rotheram, at 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, could provide depth as early as this season. His long-term importance is unquestioned for a franchise with three starting offensive linemen scheduled to become free agents in a year.

This offseason, the second-year guard is becoming even more valuable. When the Packers offense worked on its playbook during Friday afternoon’s rookie orientation practice, Rotheram lined up at center.

“It’s his opportunity to create more value,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “Increase his opportunity. We definitely wanted to look at him at center, and probably will continue to do so maybe once we get into the OTAs.”

rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood