Instant analysis: McDuffie re-signs

Exactly one week before the unofficial start of free agency, the Packers re-signed outside linebacker Isaiah McDuffie to a two-year, $8 million contract that could be worth up to $9 million.

The following is an instant analysis of the transaction:

PROS: McDuffie played a career-high 728 snaps last season for a defense that finished in the top 10 in both yards and points allowed. He was adequate against the run and pressured the quarterback on nearly a quarter of his blitzes. He didn’t play quite as much on special teams but still logged 146 snaps and five tackles. Retaining McDuffie gives the Packers a potential starter in the base defense and allows general manager Brian Gutekunst to cross off improving depth at linebacker from the to-do list.

CONS: McDuffie really struggled in coverage. His passer rating against and completion percentage allowed were the worst on the team and among the worst in the league. Today’s signing could also lead to another season on the bench for Ty’Ron Hopper, last year’s third-round pick who played only seven snaps on defense as a rookie. The former Missouri star obviously lacks McDuffie’s experience, but he’s more talented and has a higher ceiling.

VERDICT: As I wrote a few days ago, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s longstanding relationship with McDuffie always made a re-signing possible, even though Hopper would seem to be a ready replacement. It’ll be interesting to see if McDuffie’s staying around will lead to Eric Wilson’s departure. If it does, that’s not a swap that benefits the Packers. While Wilson is five years older, he was better on defense and special teams last season.

I probably would’ve moved on, but it’s hard to quibble with this move. A deal worth between $4 million and $4.5 million a year isn’t unreasonable for an experienced linebacker, even if McDuffie spends most of the next two seasons covering kicks and punts.