Green Bay Packers: Top 7 moves made this offseason
4. Signing Muhammad Wilkerson
The move: With one of his first big signings since taking over as general manager, Brian Gutekunst strengthened the Packers’ defensive line by bringing in former New York Jet Muhammad Wilkerson. Wilkerson signed a one-year, $5 million deal.
Analysis: Talk about low risk.
If Wilkerson doesn’t play well, the Packers won’t re-sign him when he hits free agency next offseason. That’s the worst case scenario.
Now imagine the best case. What if Wilkerson, who played one of the best years of his career in a defense led by Mike Pettine, rediscovers the level of play that earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2015, as well as a pair of second-team All-Pro honors in 2013 and 2015.
Green Bay’s defensive line was already one of its biggest strengths. Mike Daniels has arguably been the team’s best defensive player for a number of years. Kenny Clark made a big second-year jump and has star potential.
Wilkerson not only adds more experience to this defense, but also a lot of potential. If the starters along the line can stay healthy, it could be one of the best defensive lines in the entire league. A trio of Wilkerson, Daniels and Clark? All three working under new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine?
The defensive line will be a lot of fun to watch this year.