Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Green Bay Packers projected to sign 1x Super Bowl winning linebacker with concerning injury history

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Feb 27, 2026 12:41 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers are going to have a bit of a different approach to free agency this year compared to the last two off-seasons. In 2024, Green Bay spent significant money on running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney. These signings worked out splendidly as both made the Pro Bowl that year, and McKinney has been named as an All-Pro twice.

Last year, though, the Packers signed left guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs to significant contracts. Unlike in 2024, these signings did not have their desired effects. Both struggled with injuries in 2025 and both contracts are looking like poor investments after one year.

With the salary cap situation the way it is, Green Bay will not be making any big splash moves this off-season. They will, however, be looking at more low-profile free agents who could help the team for less money.

Linebacker Nakobe Dean named an idea free agent target of the Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers projected to sign 1x Super Bowl winning linebacker with concerning injury history 1 Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) ]against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

When the Packers declined the fifth-year option of 2022 first round pick Quay Walker, they explained the decision by saying they wanted to workout a long-term contract with him. That decision was made quite a while ago, though, and so far there has been no extension.

With Walker slated to hit free agency when the new league year begins, linebacker is suddenly a need on Green Bay’s roster. ESPN recently suggested that soon-to-be former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean would be an ideal target for the Packers:

“The Packers are probably going to let linebacker Quay Walker leave after theydeclined his fifth-year option, which means they need an option to play next toEdgerrin Cooper. Dean is still only 25 years old and arguably stronger than Walker in pass coverage. Dean had four sacks, two forced fumbles and 55 total tackles last season.”

Dean is projected to make less than $8 million a year annually on his next contract, which is certainly a price that the Packers can afford once they make the appropriate roster moves to get under the salary cap.

However, Dean has a significant injury history. In addition to the foot fracture he had in 2023, he tore his patella tendon against Green Bay when the Eagles defeated the Packers in the NFC Wild Card game. This injury forced him to miss the first four games of the season last year.

A hamstring injury suffered in December of 2025 cost him the final games of last season as well.

Green Bay, of course, has had some significant injury issues in the recent past. Adding a linebacker, albeit an affordable one, who has only played one full season in four years may not be the best idea.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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