Packers make smart decision to re-sign Dean Lowry

Defensive lineman Dean Lowry has signed a contract extension, and this was the right move by the Green Bay Packers.

Dean Lowry was one of many defensive players set to become free agents for the Green Bay Packers in 2020, but he will now be under contract beyond then.

On Tuesday, the team announced via their official website that they had signed Lowry to a contract extension.

With defensive tackle Mike Daniels also set to hit free agency in the offseason, depth was a concern for 2020. But with Lowry now under contract beyond this season, the Packers will feel much more comfortable with their defensive line depth.

Lowry hasn’t missed a game since his rookie year in 2016, and has 19 starts over the past two seasons. In his three-year career with the Packers, Lowry has seven sacks (with a career-best of three in 2018), 84 tackles, 14 quarterback hits and six pass defenses.

And who could forget his fumble-recovery touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2017 season? It was a crucial play in the game that helped Green Bay win and keep its season alive.

Green Bay’s defensive line is arguably its biggest strength, and Lowry will be competing for a starting job at training camp. And with Lowry, Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, Montravius Adams, Tyler Lancaster and rookie Kingsley Keke, the Packers have talent, and importantly depth, along the defensive line in 2019.

But even with Lowry re-signed, the Packers will still face some tough decisions in free agency next year, with Mike Daniels, Blake Martinez, Bryan Bulaga and Kyler Fackrell among the players with expiring contracts.

But general manager Brian Gutekunst has made sure to not leave this deal too long. Lowry is an important part of the defensive line, and the Packers have ensured this season won’t be his last in Green Bay.