Re-signing De'Vondre Campbell is a MUST for the Pack

Last season, in the midst of wondering what type of decision Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was going to do, they made a move that would end up being one of the biggest steals in the 2021 NFL season. The Packers signed linebacker De'Vondre Campbell to a 1-year $2 million deal.

After the first week of the season, star pass rusher Za'Darius Smith goes down with a major injury sidelining him for the entire season. Campbell then becomes the leader of the defense and proved that there was a key piece missing the past year- a great ILB.

Leader of the Pack

Campbell ended the season with two sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He lead the Packers with 102 solo tackles, which also landed him fifth overall in the NFL. The outstanding season Campbell produced took notice by many people, including AP poll voters. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month in October. Then in January, the breakout LB was voted first team All-Pro for the 2021 season.

Campbell has proven he knows how to lead a defense and that he fits in perfectly with new defensive coordinator Joe Barry's scheme.

Pack Up And Go?

Hopefully no. But we don't have an answer yet. By not resigning Campbell before the 3 p.m. deadline on Monday February 21st, his contracts voids and $880,000 is dead cap for the Pack in 2022. This might be taking a while because Green Bay's front office has major decisions to make. Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Robert Tonyan, Kevin King, De'Vondre Campbell, Za'Darius Smith, Rasul Douglas, Corey Bojorquez and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are all unrestricted free agents- and that's just the starters.

Right behind Rodgers and Adams, Campbell should be their number one priority to resign this off-season is they want to come back and be able to compete on defense again in the 2022 season. The All-Pro held the defense together all season. If you happened to watch the Packers at Lions game week 18, a game where he rested, the defense looked lost without him.

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The Green Bay Packers have plenty of decisions to make this off-season, especially since they are already $53 million over the cap before cutting and/or trading anyone. But it's looking like a no-brainer to make it a priority to get a multi-year deal done with De'Vondre Campbell.