So sad ;Packers are in serious tears of a veteran Linebacker

Packers are in serious tears of a veteran Linebacker 

 

 

 

The Green Bay Packers have a pressing need for a linebacker, as the team has seen a decline in the number of quality

veterans available. Despite a large group of talented linebackers initially available, the departure of several starters,

including De’Vondre Campbell, has left the linebacker corps lacking both a third starter and credible depth.

The transition to a 4-3 base defense under new coordinator Jeff Hafley further emphasizes the need for another starting linebacker. While there were

several promising free agents in the market, such as Patrick Queen and Jordyn Brooks, and experienced veterans

like Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David, the available pool has significantly diminished. In fact, out of the 12 linebackers ranked among the top 60

free agents, 11 have already signed with other teams. Even secondary options like Tyrel Dodson and Cody Barton have secured contracts elsewhere.

It’s not that general manager Brian Gutekunst was negligent in his duties.

Rather, it’s possible that he didn’t find the desired value in the available options, or he may have already identified his

preferred choice in the upcoming draft and is now focusing on adding depth through bargain signings.

The lone remaining unsigned player from our initial rankings, former Miami

Dolphins starter Jerome Baker, stands out as the top available player and a logical fit for the team. Over the past four

years, he excelled under the guidance of Anthony Campanile, who now serves as the Packers’ linebackers coach.

The 27-year-old player continues to be without a contract after making visits to the Titans and Seahawks.

Drafted in the third round by Miami in 2018, he spent all six seasons of his

career with the Dolphins. He played in nearly every game from 2020 to 2022, missing only one game during that

period. However, last year, he missed the final four games due to a freak knee injury sustained during a collision with a teammate.

Here are five additional options, along with their ages as of September 1:

Zach Cunningham, Philadelphia Eagles, 29: Originally a second-round pick by the Titans in 2017, Cunningham led the NFL with 164 total tackles and 106 solo stops

in 2020. He has consistently excelled as a run defender. During his tenure with Philadelphia in 2023, he appeared in 13 games with 10 starts, recording 85

tackles, including two for losses, and four passes defensed. Over his seven seasons in the league, he has logged one interception and forced five fumbles.

 

Out of 66 off-the-ball linebackers who played at least 500 defensive snaps in 2023, he ranked 47th in missed-tackle percentage (13.1 percent; 14 misses) and 22nd in passer rating (94.4).

 

Denzel Perryman, Houston Texans, 31: If the objective is to bolster the run defense, Perryman emerges as a top priority. The Packers have expressed interest in acquiring him. Originally a second-round pick by the Chargers in 2015, Perryman remains one of the premier run-stoppers in the NFL. During his tenure with the Raiders in 2021, Perryman enjoyed a Pro Bowl season, tallying a career-high 154 tackles, followed by a career-best 14 tackles for losses in 2022. In his stint with the Texans in 2023, he recorded 76 tackles, including six for losses, and three passes defensed. Over nine seasons, he has amassed five interceptions and forced four fumbles.

Among 66 off-the-ball linebackers who played at least 500 defensive snaps in

2023, Perryman ranked 54th in missed-tackle percentage (14.4 percent; 13 misses) and 63rd in passer rating (121.4).

Shaq Leonard, Indianapolis Colts, 29: Leonard stands out as the most intriguing available player due to his

past success. Drafted in the second round in 2018, Leonard earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and

secured first- or second-team All-Pro recognition in each of his first four seasons. His 2021 performance was particularly outstanding, with eight

forced fumbles and four interceptions. However, his career took a downturn thereafter. He was sidelined for a significant portion of 2022 due to injury,

and his playing time was limited in 2023 before being released. Leonard then joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where he

contributed 23 tackles in five games (three starts). Throughout 14 total games, he did not register any interceptions, pass breakups, or forced fumbles.

The Green Bay Packers are in dire need of a linebacker, but the available options are dwindling rapidly. Here’s a look at the top six remaining choices:

Jerome Baker: Despite visits to the Titans and Seahawks, the 27-year-old former Miami Dolphins starter remains

unsigned. With six seasons under his belt, he brings a wealth of experience and a knack for impactful plays.

Zach Cunningham, Philadelphia Eagles, 29: Cunningham led the NFL in total

tackles in 2020 and has proven to be a reliable run defender. He offers stability and veteran leadership to any defense.

Denzel Perryman, Houston Texans, 31: Perryman is known for his ability to stop the run and deliver punishing hits. With

a Pro Bowl season and impressive stats throughout his career, he could be a valuable addition to the Packers’ defense.

Shaq Leonard, Indianapolis Colts, 29: Leonard has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, earning accolades like

Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-Pro honors. Despite recent setbacks, he still possesses the potential to make an impact on the field.

Oren Burks, San Francisco 49ers, 29: While Burks may not have lived up to expectations with the Packers, his recent

performance with the 49ers suggests a resurgence. He could provide a solid option for Green Bay’s linebacker corps.

Isaiah Simmons, New York Giants, 26: A former top draft pick, Simmons has shown glimpses of his potential with

impressive stats in recent seasons. Despite a change of scenery, he still has plenty to offer on the field.

As the Packers weigh their options, the urgency to bolster their linebacker position becomes increasingly apparent.

With limited choices available, finding the right fit will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming season.

 

In the 2023 season, he participated in 17 games, starting four, and recorded 54 tackles, one sack, and three passes defended. However, he played over 40 percent of the snaps in just two games.

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), his playing time was distributed across various positions, with 166 snaps in the box, 137 on the defensive line, and 65 in

the slot. Notably, in 2022, nearly half of his snaps were in the slot, while in 2021, he played more in a traditional linebacker role.

Simmons possesses intriguing talent and versatility, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 238 pounds, making him

suitable for linebacker duties. The question remains whether there is a potential fit for him in Green Bay’s defensive scheme.

 

 

Get related article>>>>https://kvibezsport.co.uk/?p=10042&preview=true