Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers tried to re-sign nose tackle B.J. Raji before he hit the free agent market, and this came after it looked like GM Ted Thompson would simply let the disappointing DT walk in free agency and get a change of scenery. But he’s back with the Packers, as a source tells the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein that Raji has accepted a deal to re-sign with the team, and the contract is expected to be a one-year pact.
Raji was offered a one-year deal worth $4 million by the Packers several days before free agency started, but the 27-year-old Boston College product unsurprisingly decided to reject the deal. He was looking for a bigger payday on the open market than just $4 million, but he was interested in signing that contract as a prove-it deal. Raji has plenty to prove after two subpar seasons in 2012 and 2013 following two strong seasons in 2010 and 2011, and it will be interesting to see if the ability to snag a huge contract in 2015 and re-establish himself as a star player will give him enough motivation to have a big year in 2014 under this expected one-year deal.
It’s going to be interesting to see what the exact financial details are for this contract, and I want to see if Raji is making more or less than the $4 million that was reportedly on the table a week ago. He plays a crucial role in the Packers scheme, and they will hope to get more consistent run defense and much better pass rushing out of him next year; he certainly has the raw talent to do that.
Update: The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the deal is indeed a one-year pact worth $4 million.