Green Bay Packers sign Mo Wilkerson: Free Agency Grade
These aren’t your parent’s Green Bay Packers, cause they’ve just signed another big free agent
Under new leadership in the front office the Green Bay Packers are approaching free agency with more aggression than ever before. Hours after agreeing to a contract with tight end Jimmy Graham the Packers have reportedly agreed to a deal with pass rusher Mo Wilkerson.
The former Jets defensive tackle saw great success in 2015 when he racked up a career-high 12 sacks and a Pro Bowl appearance, but his sack production has fallen off considerably. In the last two years combined he’s accounted for just eight sacks in 25 games.
Pro Football Focus rated Wilkerson the 28th best 3-4 defensive end with his bigest weakness being as a pass rusher. Green Bay is hoping he can turn that around while still being an asset in the run game, in which he was the 23rd best.
Green Bay has needed help with their pass rusher in recent years, accounting for just 37 last season. Their leading pass rusher Clay Matthews is 31 years old, and the team is expected to look at linebackers in the upcoming NFL Draft.
B. . DL. Green Bay Packers. MO WILKERSON
I’ll wait to see how Wilkerson’s contract comes out financially before giving the Packers an “A” grade on this signing. They fill a major need, but at what cost? Clearly this is an organization that wants to prove itself to quarterback Aaron Rodgers before his current contract runs up.
Next: Packers sign Jimmy Graham, cut Jordy Nelson
Like the Graham deal, let’s see if the Packers structured it so they can get out and have enough to pay their franchise quarterback.