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Green Bay Packers: Which free agents re-sign, walk in 2016?

By Freddie Boston

Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) celebrates after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) in the second half during a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. The Packers won 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) celebrates after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) in the second half during a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. The Packers won 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) rushes during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
October 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) rushes during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /

LB Nick Perry

If Neal departs, Perry will likely return to Green Bay. This would perhaps be the riskier move due to his injury history, but there’s no denying Perry is a talent when he stays healthy.

Perry is the better player of the two, and he is three years younger than Neal. Over the span of his four-year career, Perry has made 100 tackles, 12.5 sacks and forced five fumbles. They aren’t the numbers the Packers hoped for when spending a first round pick on him in 2012, but his overall play is better than Neal’s.

The biggest red flag with re-signing Perry is his health. Throughout his career, he’s been unable to kick the injury bug, missing 18 regular season games in four years. His durability has improved, though. After missing 15 games in his first two seasons, he’s sat out of just three the past two years.

If Perry hits the market, there will be a number of teams looking to get his signature. Pass rushers are in high demand in the NFL, and Perry has the talent to help a number of teams. If he can stay healthy, Perry can be a productive player.

Ultimately, I expect the Packers to bring him back. It’s tough to give up on talented young pass rushers.

Prediction: Re-signs

Next: Mason Crosby

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