Green Bay Packers: 5 Free Agents on defense that won't return in 2022

Green Bay Packers: 5 Free Agents on Defense Who Won’t Return in 2022

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 09: (L-R) General manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur and President and CEO Mark Murphy of the Green Bay Packers speak to the media during a press conference introducing Matt LaFleur as head coach at Lambeau Field on January 09, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions is tackled by Krys Barnes #51 of the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Lambeau Field on September 20, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

No. 1: ILB Krys Barnes

There is zero doubt that the Green Bay Packers will lose inside linebacker Krys Barnes in 2022. Undrafted out of UCLA, Barnes improved the team at a position that has lacked true production since the likes of A.J. Hawk. Impressing the team straight out of training camp, Barnes has worked his way up the depth chart to a well-deserved starting role.

The Packers have two players at middle linebacker who are performing at exceptional levels, De’Vondre Campbell and Barnes, who both have expiring contracts. Because Campbell has proved to be an absolute game-changer for Titletown, there’s no way they let him walk in the offseason.

Krys Barnes is the perfect fit in this system, however, his rise in the NFL as a young talent at linebacker is becoming something of notice for teams across the league. The Pack won’t be able to offer him the same financially as any other team in need of a field manager on defense, which is every team.

Between the two of them, the Packers will have to sign the linebacker that gives them the most reliability and security, and due to his experience and outstanding play thus far in the season, it’s going to be Campbell.

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