Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (97) celebrates a fumble recovery during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 22-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers free agent defensive end Johnny Jolly would be a solid veteran addition on the free agent market for a team looking to add a quality 3-4 DE to put in the rotation, as Jolly has talent, experience, and played decently well last season with 21 tackles and a sack. He came into the free agent market at a severe disadvantage with neck and hip injuries, but he’s expected to get clearance and interest soon.
In fact, his agent- and National Football Post writer- Jack Bechta tweeted that Jolly is set to receive medical clearance in two weeks, but he’s still waiting for his hip graph to be healed up. Jolly has already made a full recovery from his neck fusion surgery, so the hip injury is the last hurdle before he can be cleared.
Some fans have been pulling for the Packers to keep Jolly around, and re-signed outside linebacker Mike Neal tweeted his desire for the team to keep him. They signed Letroy Guion to a one-year deal yesterday, but I believe that was a mistake. The former Minnesota Vikings DT has been poor over the past few seasons, and Jolly is the more talented and useful player; hopefully the Packers re-sign him and make sure he gets significantly more snaps than Guion.