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Green Bay Packers: Playing devil’s advocate on pending free agents

By Freddie Boston

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers guard Trai Turner (70) blocks Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Packers 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers guard Trai Turner (70) blocks Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry (53) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Packers 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Perry

Nick Perry was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In his four seasons with Green Bay, Perry has tallied 100 tackles, 12.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in the regular season, with an additional six sacks in the postseason.

Why he should re-sign: Perry is the Packers’ best linebacker set to hit free agency. As the Broncos proved in the Super Bowl, a strong pass rush is one of the most important pieces of a championship roster.

The Packers were No. 7 in sacks last season with 43. That’s a strong ranking, and Perry played a part in his. He’s a young, talented pass rusher and you don’t let those kind of players out of town.

Why he should walk: 

Perry has never lived up to his first round status and has been plagued with injuries throughout his career. He’s yet to complete all 16 games in a season and has missed 18 games over four years.

Availability is a concern, but Perry’s performances when healthy haven’t been consistent. His 12.5 sacks in four years is far below what the Packers were hoping for when using a first round pick on him.

Next: James Jones

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