Not big on drafting inside linebackers high or doling out notable extensions at the position, the Packers are counting on some lower-level investments on their defensive second level. Here is some non-Aaron Rodgers Packers news.
Over the past two offseasons, the team has let Blake Martinez walk in free agency and made Christian Kirksey a cap casualty. Green Bay drafted Isaiah McDuffie in Round 6, but GM Brian Gutekunst said the team is considering signing a veteran to bolster this group, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic notes.
The Packers have Day 3 picks Kamal Martin and Ty Summers on their roster, along with recent UDFA Krys Barnes. Despite his undrafted pedigree, Barnes made 10 starts as a rookie last season. Neither he nor Kirksey, however, ranked inside the top 60 at the position, in Pro Football Focus’ view. A six-game starter, Martin fared better. But he played just 208 defensive snaps in an injury-shortened season. The Packers’ highest off-ball linebacker draftee in 15 years, former third-rounder Oren Burks, remains on the team. He is shifting back to inside linebacker after working on the edge more in 2020, Schneidman adds. Burks, however, has not played more than 100 defensive snaps since his 2018 rookie season.
As for available inside linebackers, a number of notable names are out there. K.J. Wright tops the list. The former longtime Seahawks starter may not have a path back to Seattle, with the team having drafted Jordyn Brooks in Round 1 last year and not looking to spend much on additional free agents. PFF slotted Wright as a top-10 linebacker in 2020. Recent Saints cap cut Kwon Alexander remains available, as are ex-Falcon De’Vondre Campbell and longtime starter Avery Williamson. Former first-rounder Reuben Foster, who had a standout rookie season (and considerable off-field baggage and an injury history), is also unsigned.
The Cardinals have made Jordan Hicks available via trade, following the first-round selection of Zaven Collins. Hicks accepted a $3M pay cut this offseason and is due just $2M in base salary this season. The Packers have around $5M in cap space but have yet to sign their first- and third-round picks (Eric Stokes, Amari Rodgers).
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