Lombardi Ave
FanSided

Tundra Tracker: Green Bay Packers stories you must read

By Raymond Rivard

Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
26 of 36
Next
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

DT Nick Fairley

On talent alone, Nick Fairley is deserving of a contract. The major red flag is with his attitude, with questions over his commitment and effort arising throughout his career. After playing a key role (when healthy) on the Lions’ No. 1 run defense two years ago, Fairley was rewarded with a contract of just one year worth $5 million.

Last year Fairley was ranked 23rd among interior defenders by Pro Football Focus. From a talent perspective, it’s a surprise to see him still on the market. There’s likely two reasons for this. The first is that teams aren’t willing to offer him a long-term, pricey deal due to his character concerns. Second of all, there is a deep class of defensive linemen in this spring’s draft.

But if the Packers can get Fairley on the cheap, which is highly likely at this stage, he would offer good depth at a position of need. B.J. Raji won’t be around in 2016 and Mike Pennel will sit out of the first four games with suspension. At worst, Fairley would be a depth player who the Packers could dispose of a year from now. But if he plays to his highest level, the defensive line would get much stronger.

Next: A need at inside linebacker

Home/Aaron Rodgers