Packers land free agent inside linebacker Christian Kirksey

The Packers have reportedly signed inside linebacker Christian Kirksey.

The Green Bay Packers have wasted little time making moves in free agency. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Packers have signed linebacker Christian Kirksey to a two-year, $16 million deal.

The Packers had visited with Kirksey, who was already a free agent after being released by the Cleveland Browns last week.

This move comes as no surprise considering the team’s big need at inside linebacker. This is an area the Packers needed to strengthen this offseason, and now they have.

Kirksey has been hit with injuries over the past two seasons, but if he can stay healthy, he can be an excellent starter in the middle of Mike Pettine’s defense.

So, what does this mean for Blake Martinez?

It sure looks like his time in Green Bay has come to an end. Bringing back Martinez will be expensive and the fact they’ve made a move immediately for another inside linebacker suggests they’ve made the decision to move on. Martinez will be free to negotiate with other teams when the “legal tampering” period begins later today.

Will Kirksey be the Packers’ only signing at inside linebacker?

According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, the Packers “going to be all over” Cory Littleton in free agency, along with the Oakland Raiders. That being said, it could be challenging to compete with the Raiders considering how much cap room the two teams have. That makes this signing make even more sense for Green Bay.

GM Brian Gutekunst has shown his willingness to double down at positions of need since taking over from Ted Thompson in 2018, so he may decide to do so again at inside linebacker. Whether that’s in free agency or the draft remains to be seen.

Signing Kirksey is a good start. We now await the details of the contract he has signed.