Nick Perry reportedly re-signs with Green Bay Packers

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly keeping a key free agent in-house in edge rusher Nick Perry, who was in high demand…

The Green Bay Packers have taken care of their own top in-house free agent in edge rusher Nick Perry, a former first round pick out of USC.

After a slow start to his NFL career, Nick Perry has really come on of late. Through the first four years of his career, Perry had just 12.5 sacks. He blew up this past season with 11 sacks and started in a career-high 12 games.

Entering his age 27 season, Perry is clearly ready for a more expanded role. He’s emerging as a very well-rounded player and obviously as a pass rusher, his game has evolved. He could be one of the most underrated players on the free agent market.

Why Should You Like This Move?

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The Packers and their fans should be excited about this move. I know it seems like a pretty significant risk to bring back a guy that was almost non-existent for the first four years of his career, but Perry’s production this past season was something Green Bay couldn’t ignore.

They allowed some other free agents to explore the market, including Perry, but bringing him back has obviously been their top priority.

Perry was expected to potentially make $10 million on the open market, which is actually a pretty good price point for an edge player these days. When you look across the league at what some of the other players are getting and what Perry’s contract is likely to look like, the Packers may be coming away with a bargain here.

Green Bay is not usually expected to be overly active in free agency, especially in the early goings. This is a good move to keep a talented player in-house. The Packers currently have an estimated $39 million-plus in cap space, so we’ll see how much of a hit Perry takes.