The Green Bay Packers finally got aggressive in free agency, retaining one of their own in pass rusher Nick Perry on a long-term deal.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers and Perry agreed on a five-year deal worth $60 million.
Cashflow on Packer OLB Nick Perry's five-year, $60 million deal: $20.8M in Year 1; $28.0M thru 2 years; $39M thru 3 years. Very solid.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2017
Perry broke out in a big way last season in his contract year. After notching just 12.5 sacks in his first four seasons, he racked up 11 in 2016. Additionally, Perry tallied 52 total tackles and one interception.
Keeping him in the fold, especially for the price, was a big move for the Packers, who have more work to do in order to fix a broken defense.
Last year, Green Bay gave up more passing yards than any team in the league minus one. Never more was this weakness seen more vividly than in the NFC Championship Game when the Atlanta Falcons used and abused the defense in their 44-21 blowout win.
The amount of guaranteed money Perry received suggests the Packers aren’t concerned his big season had more to do with wanting a new contract than anything else. He’s a player on the rise, they hope, who will elevate the defense to new heights in years to come.