The Green Bay Packers announced they signed linebacker Isaiah McDuffie to a new, two-year contract. McDuffie was scheduled to become a free agent later this month. The deal carries a base salary of $4 million per season and includes incentives that could help McDuffie earn an additional $1.5 million based on playing time bonuses. Here’s what the signing of Isaiah McDuffie means for the Packers:

What the Signing of Isaiah McDuffie Means for the Packers: McDuffie’s Record

The Packers selected McDuffie in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In his first two NFL seasons, the former Boston College star played mostly on special teams. His role expanded in 2023. When injuries struck the linebacking corps, McDuffie stepped in and started eight games on defense.

In 2024, the Packers hired Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator and switched to a 4-3 base defense. McDuffie had played for Hafley in his final year at BC. After a strong preseason, McDuffie earned a starting job. He started all 17 games and finished second on the team with 97 total tackles including a half sack, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss.

McDuffie plays the run well but struggles in pass coverage. Pro Football Focus ranked him as poor in coverage but average against the run and above average at rushing the passer. Overall, he was ranked in the bottom 15 percent of qualified linebackers by PFF.

The Packers coaching staff likes McDuffie for his toughness, his smarts, and his all-out effort.

McDuffie also contributes on special teams. He played 125 snaps for Rich Bisaccia’s group, which was actually the fewest snaps he has played on special teams in his career.

The Ripple Effect from the Signing

The Packers had two linebackers who were scheduled to become unrestricted free agents later this month. McDuffie and Eric Wilson. McDuffie’s return makes it less likely that Wilson will be back. McDuffie will turn 26 in July while Wilson will turn 31 in September. GM Brian Gutekunst could still re-sign Wilson, but that means there is less urgency to do so. The Packers could add a linebacker on day three of the draft to replace Wilson with a less expensive alternative.

The Packers now have four returning linebackers, including three with extensive experience. McDuffie joins Quay Walker, who is entering the final year of his entry-level contract, and second-year man Edgerrin Cooper. The fourth returning player is 2024 third-round draft pick Ty’Ron Hopper. The Packers expect Hopper to compete with McDuffie for the third starting linebacker spot with Cooper and Walker being the other two starters.

That also means the need to draft linebackers this year is reduced. The Packers have more depth today than they did before they re-signed McDuffie. The team could still add a linebacker, but there is less urgency to do so with McDuffie returning.

This re-signing makes McDuffie the only remaining player from the Packers draft class of 2021 under contract for 2025. Last year, Eric Stokes, Josh Myers, and T.J. Slaton were also on the roster, but none are under contract for 2025 as of now. It looks like Myers will be testing free agency as he will likely get better offers on the open market than his value to the Packers. Stokes is unlikely to return while Slaton’s situation remains uncertain.

What the Signing of Isaiah McDuffie Means for the Packers: Looking Ahead

If McDuffie keeps his starting job in 2025, he will likely only stay on the field on running downs. Hopper would be the favorite to come into the lineup on passing downs with the hope that he would be better in coverage or on blitzes than the less athletic McDuffie. That would give the Packers three fast linebackers on the field at the same time.

Meanwhile, the return of McDuffie gives the Packers depth, experience, and leadership at the linebacker position. He is still young and should have some more solid years to give to the Green Bay defense. He is a high-effort player with a high football IQ and his return is welcome for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

 

 

 

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