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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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January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Mike Neal (96) before a NFC Divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Mike Neal (96) before a NFC Divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Neal

Mike Neal was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft and signed a two-year extension in 2014. At 28-years-old, he would be entering his third contract in Green Bay if brought back.

Why he should re-sign: Pass rushers are crucial on defense, and Neal is a reliable part of the rotation. He hasn’t missed a game since 2012. Over the past three seasons, he’s posted 13.5 sacks. The numbers won’t blow anyone away, but he is an important player on defense.

Bringing him back would give the Packers depth at linebacker. With Julius Peppers recently turning 36-years-old, the Packers need players to rotate in.

Why he should walk: There will likely be a decision to make between Neal and Nick Perry. Perry is the better pass rusher, and he’s also younger. While Perry has stayed healthy in recent years, he can only be counted on to get three to four sacks a year. Perry, on the other hand, has higher upside as long as he can finally stay healthy.

At 28-years-old, the Packers might be best off moving on from Neal if a cheap contract can’t be agreed.

Next: James Starks

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