Notes: Douglas Inks New Deal
The Packers are staying busy as free agency heads into its second week. The following is an instant analysis of the latest moves:
? RASUL DOUGLAS SIGNS 3-YEAR DEAL
Rasul Douglas spent only 86 days with Green Bay last year, but he made quite an impression. The veteran corner, signed off Arizona’s practice squad in early October, had five interceptions, including a pair that clinched wins. The former West Virginia star was rewarded for his efforts on Saturday with a 3-year contract worth at least $21.5 million. The return of Douglas, along with All-Pro Jaire Alexander and ascending Eric Stokes, gives the Packers arguably the top trio of cornerbacks in the league. Coordinator Joe Barry now needs to figure out the best way to employ all three. One of the possibilities would be to play Douglas in the slot in the base defense and then have him switch positions with Alexander in the dime package. Regardless of who lines up where, having three quality corners is a luxury very few teams enjoy.
? ROBERT TONYAN SIGNS 1-YEAR DEAL
Robert Tonyan, whose disappointing 2021 season was ended by a torn ACL in Week 8, will return to the Packers and attempt to boost his stock for free agency next March. The veteran tight end signed a 1-year deal on Saturday. Tonyan was a breakout star in 2020, catching 52 passes for 586 yards. He also led all tight ends with 11 TDs. However, with an offseason to study tape, defenses adjusted to the former college wide receiver by taking away the bootleg pass and paying much closer attention to him in the red zone. Tonyan had only 18 catches and two TDs before getting hurt. It’ll be interesting to see if GM Brian Gutekunst looks to add a tight end in the draft since Tonyan could miss a few games to start the season. Young Josiah Deguara and 38-year-old Marcedes Lewis are currently the top healthy players at the position.
? EQUANIMEOUS ST. BROWN TO CHICAGO
The four-year career of Equanimeous St. Brown in Green Bay ended last Thursday when the wide receiver agreed to a contract with the Bears. The ex-Notre Dame star joined offensive lineman Lucas Patrick as the second member of the 2021 Packers to follow former quarterbacks coach Luke Getsy to Chicago. St. Brown never fulfilled the promise he showed as a rookie. Injuries were part of the problem. He missed 28 of 65 games, including the entire 2019 season. The other problem was a surprising lack of game speed. He never played like somebody who ran 4.48 at the Combine. To his credit, St. Brown always gave maximum effort, whether it was blocking down the field or covering kicks on special teams.
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