It was a move that surprised many. The two weren't exactly close when they were together for the three previous seasons in Green Bay. Mayes was injury-prone and arrogant. The team's second-round pick in 1996, he was regarded as a disappointment for the Packers. Thus, when Holmgren picked him up Aug. 30 for a seventh-round draft pick next year, many around the football world were stunned.
People do desperate things, though, in desperate situations.
Two months later, however, the reunion is working beautifully. What was first a stop-gap measure has become a key acquisition for Holmgren and the best personnel move he's made in his first season as a NFL general manager. Heading into Seahawks' visit to Lambeau Field next Monday night, Mayes is leading Seattle with 25 catches for 392 yards. He has four touchdowns. He caught six passes for 105 yards.