Isaiah McDuffie: stay or go?

The Packers have 11 unrestricted free agents who will hit the open market in less than two weeks. Among those is linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, whose future is very much up in the air.

Reasons to stay: McDuffie played for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley in college, and his knowledge of the scheme was apparent last season. The former Boston College star was almost always in the right place, which helped him make 97 total tackles – second only to Quay Walker. Despite weighing 228 pounds, McDuffie plays bigger than his size and will take on linemen. He’s also very good on special teams, where he made his mark in his first three seasons with the Packers.

Reasons to go: McDuffie usually knew where to be in coverage, but he really struggled to complete the play. His passer rating against (129.6) and completion percentage allowed (83.9) were the worst on the defense and among the worst in the entire league. And while McDuffie doesn’t turn 26 until the summer, he might already be maxed out as a player. He probably lacks the physical skills to be anything more than a serviceable two-down linebacker.

Verdict: GO

It’s safe to assume Hafley wants McDuffie to return, so discounting the possibility would be a mistake. But with Walker and budding star Edgerrin Cooper expected to stay on the field for all three downs, there probably won’t be enough snaps available to McDuffie to justify paying him what another team will offer. Plus, Ty’Ron Hopper, a third-round pick in 2024, should be ready for an expanded role on defense next season.