In a move that could be considered a minor surprise, the Green Bay Packers re-signed outside linebacker Erik Walden.
Terms of the deal haven’t been released, although there is speculation it’s for one year and at or near the veteran minimum. There was little-to-no interest in Walden by the Packers or anyone else during free agency and it’s easy to see why.
After starting strong, Walden’s play regressed after a domestic incident with his girlfriend in November. Whether that affected his play or a sickness that caused him to lose 15 pounds is debatable, but Walden lost his starting job to Brad Jones at the end of the season. He played sparingly in week 17 and the Packers’ playoff loss to the Giants.
Walden, who finished with 86 tackles and three sacks in 2011, could still be suspended by the NFL for the domestic incident even though he pleaded no contest.
He’ll join an underwhelming group of players that includes Jones and Frank Zombo competing for a job opposite Clay Matthews. The Packers will probably draft another outside linebacker as well.