Closed deal Verified: An outside linebacker and the Packers have come to a significant agreement on a four-year deal extension worth $208 million.

 

In this installment of our nine-part series analyzing the Green Bay Packers’ roster, we turn our attention to the linebackers.

Reflecting on the Past:

The Packers made headlines by securing outside linebacker Rashan Gary with a hefty four-year, $107 million contract extension last October. Yet, questions linger regarding the value of this investment. While Gary led the team with 9.0 sacks, his performance in the remaining games, including playoffs, was less impressive, tallying just 3.0 sacks.

Preston Smith remained a stalwart presence, starting all 17 regular-season games and contributing significantly with 8.0 sacks, 48 tackles, and notable pass deflections.

Rookie Lukas Van Ness showed promise in his inaugural season, demonstrating his potential with eight tackles for loss, four sacks, and 10 quarterback hits.

On the inside, Quay Walker’s sophomore year showcased flashes of brilliance alongside moments of inconsistency. Despite leading the team in tackles (118) and securing 2.5 sacks, Walker faced challenges with positioning and struggled against opposing interior linemen.

De’Vondre Campbell, a former Pro Bowler, failed to reclaim his past glory, hampered by injuries that limited his impact on the field.

Looking Forward:

With the Packers transitioning to a 4-3 defensive front, Gary, Smith, and Van Ness are expected to shift to defensive end roles in the upcoming season, optimizing their pass-rushing abilities.

This transition holds potential benefits for Walker, who is likely to thrive in a weakside linebacker role, capitalizing on his agility and pursuit skills.

Isaiah McDuffie, coming off a solid 2023 campaign, stands poised to compete for a starting position.

Offseason Strategy:

Campbell’s departure, anticipated due to salary cap constraints, will necessitate replenishing the linebacker ranks.

With an impressive array of 11 draft picks, including five within the first three rounds, the Packers have ample opportunity to bolster their linebacker corps.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the importance of versatility in player recruitment, indicating a strategic approach to adaptability and skill diversity within the defensive front.

In summary, the Packers face a pivotal offseason in reshaping their linebacker unit to align with evolving defensive strategies and personnel needs.