NFL Free Agency: Should the Green Bay Packers sign Pernell McPhee?
Sep 15, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns running back
Trent Richardson(33) tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee (90) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
McPhee can bring sacks
What stands out with Pernell McPhee is his ability to find the quarterback. Even with limited opportunity in 2014, he still managed to register 7.5 sacks. McPhee only participated in 515 defensive snaps for the Ravens last term.
In contrast, Clay Matthews recorded 11 sacks last year after playing 898 snaps and Julius Peppers had 7 sacks from his 808 snaps.
On average, McPhee made a sack every 68.67 plays. Matthews made a sack every 81.63 plays and Peppers every 115.43 plays.
McPhee would undoubtedly receive more playing time in Green Bay, and he would have the potential to reach double-digits in sacks. Rotating him with Matthews and Peppers is a scary prospect.
Surprised nobody wants Pernell McPhee. Ravens OLB. Only 26. On a per-snap basis, PFF graded him equal to Justin Houston in 2014.
— Bryn Swartz (@eaglescentral) March 5, 2015
The 6-2, 274-pounder would bring versatility to the Packers defense. In 2014 with the Ravens, he spent time at outside linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle. The current established nose tackles on the Packers roster, B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion, are set to hit free agency.
McPhee could be effective splitting time at nose tackle and outside linebacker in Dom Capers’ defense.
NFL Analyst Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report had this to say of McPhee:
"“This man is only 26 years old with a ton of tread on his tires and no major injury concerns as he reaches his prime. Pro Football Focus graded him as the best player on a defense that it graded second in the NFL and ranked him second among all 3-4 outside linebackers last season.”"
Assuming the Packers brought back Raji or Guion or dipped into the draft at the nose tackle and inside linebacker positions, the defensive unit could improve greatly.
Mike Daniels and Datone Jones would be the defensive end starters; Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers would be able to split time with Nick Perry and Pernell McPhee at outside linebacker and they would be supported with an improving secondary.
Outside linebacker might not be a pressing need on defense right now for the Packers, but McPhee’s versatility and talent could make the signing worthwhile.
Of course, it all comes down to the price tag…
Next: What would he cost?