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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 /
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Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) reacts to returning an interception in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) reacts to returning an interception in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

ILB Karlos Dansby

Green Bay needs a coverage linebacker that can hold up against tight ends and running backs in the middle of the field. Finding one will allow Clay Matthews to move back to outside linebacker where he can get after quarterbacks off the edge.

Signing a 34-year-old to fill that void is far from ideal, but Karlos Dansby proved he still has enough left in the tank, and at worst could give the position added depth. Dansby was recently released by the Cleveland Browns, which will be music to Ted Thompson’s ears. As he was cut, signing him wouldn’t count against the Packers next year when determining which teams receive compensatory picks.

Among inside linebackers, Dansby ranked third in coverage by Pro Football Focus with a grade 87.6. Bingo. His run stopping didn’t live up to the same standard, but that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be a role for him in Dom Capers’ defense.

This feels like a Patriots-esque move, signing a veteran player to patch a hole on the roster. Dansby wouldn’t be the ‘answer’ at inside linebacker and the Packers would still be advised to add a rookie at some point in the draft, but signing the former Brown would give them some relief at the position.

Next: The Packers had interest

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