The Green Bay Packers made yet another rare venture into free agency on Wednesday, reportedly signing former San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker Ahmad Brooks.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, it’s a one-year deal that could be worth up to $5 million.
The #Packers are signing LB Ahmad Brooks to a 1-year deal that can be worth up to $5M, source said. Another(!) GB free agent signing coming.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2017
Brooks, 33, spent each of the past eight seasons in San Francisco prior to being released earlier in August. The former Pro Bowler has recorded five-plus sacks in each of those eight seasons. His best performance came back in 2013 when the former Virginia standout put up 60 tackles, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
He adds another pass-rushing threat for a Packers team that has struggled in that category over the past several years. A natural outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, Brooks should start opposite veteran Clay Matthews once he learns the nuances of the Packers’ defense.
This comes after an offseason in which Green Bay added Martellus Bennett from the New England Patriots in free agency. General manager Ted Thompson and Co. have avoided free agency like the plague in the past. It’s nice to see them go away from that archaic model to help build up their talent level.