Defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt enjoyed a breakout season in 2002 and, as a reward, the Green Bay Packers broke out the big bucks to keep the emerging young defender for the long-term.

The Packers and Hunt have reached an agreement in principle on a six-year contract worth $25.1 million and including a $6 million signing bonus, ESPN.com learned late Thursday night. The two sides will complete the few remaining details Friday, when the deal will be signed.

Securing a deal with Hunt was key for the Packers, who had designated the four-year veteran a transition free agent last week. The designation carried a $4.689 million salary cap charge. By landing the long-term contract, the Packers can lower Hunt's salary cap number for 2003, perhaps by as much as $3 million.

As has been the case in past years, Green Bay has struggled to squeeze under the NFL spending limit. The agreement with Hunt certainly contributed to the club's ability to do so.

Agent Jimmy Sexton and Packers vice president of finance Andrew Brandt made solid progress on Wednesday toward the agreement and then picked up the negotiations again on Thursday. There were rumors around the NFL in recent days that another team might attempt to pirate Hunt away from the Packers by signing him to an offer sheet that would be prohibitive to match.

That point, obviously, is moot now that Hunt is staying with the Packers for more than the one season required by the transition marker.

Hunt, 27, started just 16 games over the first three seasons of his NFL career and then won the "Eagle" tackle position in camp. He appeared in 14 games in 2002 and started all of them, finishing with career highs in tackles (36) and sacks (5 ½). He also had a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.

The former Kentucky State standout is regarded as possessing great potential and, if his development continues, he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber player. At 6-feet-4 and 303 pounds, he has the size and girth to anchor against the run, but also has good quickness through the inside gaps.

Green Bay chose Hunt with a third-round choice in the 1999 draft. He has played in 53 games and has 109 tackles and 11 sacks.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.