Green Bay Packers Sign Linebacker To 2-Year Extension Ahead Of Free Agency
The Green Bay Packers have been rumored to be aggressive in free agency this offseason. They made the playoffs for the second straight season under Jordan Love. However, the team struggled against the best teams in the league and in their division. They only went 1-5 in the division and were a blocked field goal away from not winning a game against any NFC North rival. One huge area of improvement last year was the defense under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Ahead of free agency, the team signed linebacker Isaiah McDuffie to a two-year extension.
Green Bay Packers Re-Sign Isaiah McDuffie
Isaiah McDuffie has been signed to a two-year, $8 million contract that has incentives up to $9.5 million. He is expected to be the third linebacker on the depth chart. The Green Bay Packers have made it clear they want to keep Quay Walker, and All-Rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper will undoubtedly be a starter next season. McDuffie did start all 17 games last year but only played 64% of snaps. Because of his speed, he was often taken off the field in passing situations.
This seems to indicate that veteran linebacker Eric Wilson will not be re-signed. Paying two backup linebackers is not great team-building. The Green Bay Packers may have signed McDuffie because of his familiarity with Hafley’s system. He was a 2021 sixth-round pick out of Boston College, Hafley’s former program. Furthermore, he has been a contributor on special teams over his four years in the league. Every team needs veterans on that unit, and McDuffie fits the role.
More To Come?
The Green Bay Packers had a successful free agency period last season. They signed Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney last year, and both were key contributors. Jacobs was top five in the league in rushing yards, and McKinney was named first-team All-Pro. Reports have indicated the Packers are going to be active in free agency as they try to build on the success of the past two seasons. Cornerback and wide receiver have been the most heavily rumored positions.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander is likely on the move as the team has started to explore trade options. Former New York Jets cornerback DJ Reed has been heavily rumored to be a target of the team. Tee Higgins is the top wide receiver, but it seems unlikely the Packers will outbid other teams. Over the weekend, rumors of a DK Metcalf trade were swirling, but conflicting reports have made many wonder whether there was any interest at all.
Final Thoughts
The Green Bay Packers look to make another big splash in free agency. However, don’t discount the value of this signing. The team keeps a young player who knows the system and has shown he can contribute to winning.
