With 18 players who have expiring contracts and more than $15 million in salary cap room, the Green Bay Packers finally got off their asses and re-signed someone to a long-term deal. That someone is linebacker Brandon Chillar, who received a four-year, $21 million extension today.
Chillar will see $7 million in guaranteed money.
Although he’s been limited by a broken hand in recent weeks, Chillar has been a valuable contributor for the Packers this season. Early in the year, Chillar was taking major reps away from A.J. Hawk, starting four games and seeing more field time than Hawk because of his superior cover skills.
Chillar broke his hand against Minnesota on Nov. 1 and didn’t play in the next four games. He’s played sparingly the past two weeks, seemingly because he’s still wearing a cast and because Hawk’s play has picked up.
Despite the setback, Chillar is only 27 and a valuable contributor to the Packers defense and special teams, when healthy. When his cast is removed, he’ll likely return to his role as the main cover linebacker in the Packers’ nickel defense. It wouldn’t be surprising if Chillar began to take snaps from Hawk again, either – perhaps supplanting him as a starter by the beginning of next season.
On the year, Chillar has totaled 38 tackles and one sack.
We’ll take a look at the Packers remaining expiring contracts and the future of the collective bargaining agreement over the next few days, so be sure to check back.
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