Look at the Green Bay Packers wheeling and dealing like man men in free agency! Maybe not the move that’s going to get your panties wet, but the Packers did re-sign outside linebacker Mike Neal on Wednesday.
Neal got a two-year deal that’s worth $8 million, including a $2.5 million signing bonus.
Hi Green Bay!!! I'll enjoy your winters for two more years!!
— Michael J. Neal (@mneal96) March 12, 2014
Neal will count $3.75 million against this year’s salary cap and $4.25 million next year.
We like this move.
Neal was the Packers second-best outside linebacker in 2013. He finished with five sacks, a career-high, and outplayed former first-round pick Nick Perry.
The great thing is, last year was Neal’s first at outside linebacker after moving from defensive end. He’ll only get better as he gets more comfortable with the position.
Neal also managed to stay healthy for all 16 games for the first time in his career in 2013. That’s not only astonishing for Neal, but it’s astonishing for any Green Bay Packers outside linebacker.
As you well know, both Clay Matthews and Perry are going to miss four-to-six games every year. Having an outside linebacker who can actually suit up for 16-plus games is a rare commodity in Green Bay.
One last tidbit — Neal’s negotiations with the Packers probably sped up after it was reported the Chicago Bears were interested, this morning. They settled for safety M.D. Jennings instead in a bold and impressive move.
“He’ll only get better as he gets more comfortable with the position.”
HA !
Just keep saying it… maybe it will come true.
There’s no place like OLB…
There’s no place like OLB…
There’s no place like OLB…
Mike Neal played in 46 games with 23 starts as a Boilermaker. He also set multiple Purdue weight-lifting records including a 510-LB. bench press & a 615 LB. squat!
He was born in Gary Indiana so GB for him is somewhat close to home. I read that it was the Pack & Cardinals interested in him a week ago.
Slacker, logic dictates. Though it will be interesting to see if his performance arc continues along the same path with Kevin Greene gone.
Depending on the details of the contract, this is definitely a smart move for the Packers, and Neal was #2 on my list of FAs the Packers should resign, after EDS.
You HAVE to have at least 3 effective OLBs in this defense, and after Matthews and Perry, Neal is the only decent pass rusher at that position that we have. He has to improve against the run, however.
This also gives the Packers more latitude with Perry. If he can’t stay healthy and perform this year, he might be out the door.
Oh, but I am calling bullshit on that tweet there, Mike.
NO ONE is enjoying these winters.
If Raji, EDS, Jones, Quarless, and Finley stay unsigned through Friday Night, I think the Packers will get their choice of these guys back at rational pricing.
A move by TT that is solid. A good player for depth and spot starts. Situational pass rushing. Can never have enough of those.