The Green Bay Packers have brought pass-rusher Nick Perry back on a five-year deal worth $60 million.
A lot of analysts are already claiming the deal the Green Bay Packers gave Nick Perry as a massive risk. There’s solid reasoning behind this, as he had just 12.5 sacks combined in his first four seasons. Last year however, the former first round pick collected 11 sacks, while also picking up career highs in tackles (52), interceptions (1), and pass deflections (4). What’s even more impressive is that he did all that in just 14 games.
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With the Green Bay defense already flirting with being below average, this was a necessity. Yes, there are definitely some red flags, but that’s standard when signing anyone to a massive contract.
The one-hit wonder will be stamped on Perry until the beginning of next year. If he can produce, he’ll never be associated with Kris Kross again. However, if he starts the year slow, the critics will get louder and louder. Regardless, this was needed. The Packers defense was barely average last season, and they’re losing Julius Peppers.
Their secondary is average-at-best, and extremely young. The best way to help a weak secondary is with a strong front seven. The problem is, the Packers’ front seven isn’t that strong. Therefore, keeping the few players that helped keep them afloat seems like the right move.
Perry was clearly the biggest team free agent that the Packers could go after. While some may not be comfortably giving him the money, the Packers made the right move. To lose him would have meant a giant step backwards for a team that clearly has a few other holes to fill.
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Now that Perry is back with the team, they can focus on other positions of need. They can turn their attention to the secondary, offensive line, running backs, and tight ends in the draft. They can get more depth for the defensive line and linebacking groups as well. The money may seem high, but so is the talent. Re-signing Perry was the right move.