Packers lock up player Jeff Hafley loves ahead of free agency, putting former first-rounder's future in question
The Green Bay Packers have made its first big move of free agency, a week after free agency actually starts. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Packers have re-signed off-ball linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. The contract value is surprising to some degree. It's a two-year, $8 million deal, and it can go to $9.5 million via […]
The Green Bay Packers have made its first big move of free agency, a week after free agency actually starts. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Packers have re-signed off-ball linebacker Isaiah McDuffie.
The contract value is surprising to some degree. It's a two-year, $8 million deal, and it can go to $9.5 million via incentives.
McDuffie is beloved by defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who coached him at Boston College as well. Last year, he played 64.19% of the defensive snaps, the second most among Packers off-ball linebackers (right behind Quay Walker). McDuffie also played 28.28% of the special teams snaps.
A 25-year-old player, he played four seasons at BC and was a Packers sixth-round pick in 2021. His rookie contract was set to expire next week.
Last season, Isaiah McDuffie had eight pressures, 59 tackles, and 26 stops. His biggest weakness is coverage, and he allowed a 130.3 passer rating when targeted.
Implications
The Packers' action to re-sign Isaiah McDuffie is particularly interesting because the team has a big decision to make regarding Quay Walker. Green Bay has two months to decide if it will pick up or not Walker's fifth-year option or try to extend him.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said he intends to keep Walker for the long-term, but that would be a significant amount of capital spent at the off-ball linebacker position, especially because Edgerrin Cooper showed star potential as a rookie.
The Packers still have another linebacker hitting free agency. Special teamer Eric Wilson, who's been in Green Bay since 2022, has signed year to year contracts and will hit the market again.
More free agents
The Packers don't have many important free agents hitting the market next week, and this is ultimately what allowed them to re-sign McDuffie. The top players are kicker Brandon McManus, center Josh Myers (who is expected to leave), defensive tackle TJ Slaton, and cornerback Eric Stokes.
Packers Free Agency Primer: Who hits the market and who will or won’t get back in 2025
Green Bay has 18 players with expiring deals
