The Green Bay Packers defense doesn’t have much to brag about after their 2016 performance. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix can count himself among that rare group.
The Green Bay Packers defense ranked 22nd in the NFL in total yards given up. Due to that, there aren’t many defensive players on the roster that will command big contracts. There also aren’t many players that the Packers will feel pressed to welcome back. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is one of the few in both exceptions.
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Clinton-Dix helped keep the defense from ever crossing the line into dreadful territory. The safety recorded 80 tackles, a half-sack, one forced fumble, five interceptions, and seven pass deflections on the year. The 24-year-old improved in some categories, while taking a step back in others. Clinton-Dix posted career-highs in interceptions and pass deflections, but his sack and tackle numbers were both career-lows.
Despite his tackle totals being lower, Clinton-Dix was clearly one of, if not the most, important players on the Packers defense. He’s more than capable against the run, helping the front seven in Green Bay. The Packers ranked eighth in the league against the run, giving up just 1,515 yards on the ground in 2016.
Meanwhile, his skills against the pass are just as good. Clinton-Dix helps patrol the deep threats. His coverage skills are solid, he’s a hard hitter, and he has good ball-hawking skills.
The contract between Clinton-Dix and the Packers is coming to an end, however. He’s signed through 2017, with an option for 2018. While two years may seem like a lot of time, with the limited amount of star power on the Packers defense, he’s kind of a necessity. Clinton-Dix helps keep the defense afloat, and gives them a veteran player in an extremely young secondary.
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So yes, two more years is plenty of time to work on a contract, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t look to lock him up early. Clinton-Dix is too important to this defense for them to envision a future without him. Start inking a deal now, leaving more time to come to a common ground.