Free Agency Preview: Rasul Douglas
Over the next several weeks, I will analyze each of the Packers’ unrestricted free agents by revisiting their 2021 seasons, assessing why they should or should not be re-signed, projecting possible contract terms, and making a prediction on whether or not the player will return in 2022.
Next up in the series, Rasul Douglas was signed off Arizona’s practice squad in early October. He went on to lead the Packers with five interceptions. Will he be rewarded with a big new contract that keeps him in Green Bay moving forward?
Season In Review
This rags-to-riches story was so unrealistic that even Hollywood executives would’ve passed on the script. Douglas was released by two teams in the span of eight days before joining the Cardinals’ practice squad on Sept. 3. Four months later, he was one of the Packers’ top-3 defensive players heading into the postseason. The former West Virginia star saved narrow wins against Arizona and Cleveland with late interceptions, and his passer rating against of 46.3 was No.1 in the entire league. The 209-pound Douglas also added much-needed toughness and swagger to his side of the ball.
Why Packers Should Re-sign Him
In today’s pass-happy NFL, a defense can never have too many quality cornerbacks, and with Douglas, All-Pro Jaire Alexander, and Eric Stokes, the Packers would be as deep and as talented at the position as any team in the league. For the past couple of seasons, opposing quarterbacks enjoyed plenty of success targeting journeyman Chandon Sullivan on third down. Replacing him with Douglas would eliminate a weak link and make completing passes much more difficult.
Why Packers Should Let Him Walk
Because of his age (26) and the scarcity of quality corners in the league, Douglas won’t be cheap to re-sign, and based on his career before last season, there has to be some concern that he’s a one-year wonder. He had stretches of good weeks with Philadelphia and Carolina, but he never put together a stretch of good months like he did in Green Bay. Is he simply a late bloomer, or was 2021 a fluke? That’s the question all GMs, including Brian Gutekunst, will have to answer.
What A Contract Might Look Like
$22 million/3 years ($13M guaranteed)
Prediction
Unless quarterback Aaron Rodgers and/or wide receiver Davante Adams are traded, it’s difficult to imagine the Packers having the salary cap space to keep both Douglas and De’Vondre Campbell. In fact, they might not be able to keep either. But if given a choice, the guess here is that retaining an All-Pro inside linebacker will take precedence over a No. 3 corner.
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