Letroy Guion and B.J. Raji.
The Green Bay Packers decided to address their nose tackle spot for the 2015 season on Monday and now reportedly have deals with both guys. Like Guion, Raji is got another one-year deal. This one is worth $3.5 million.
#Packers are expected to bring back free agent DT BJ Raji on a one-year deal, source said. He missed last year after surgery on his bicep
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 30, 2015
After playing out his rookie deal (and turning down an extension worth a reported $8 million annually), Raji got a one-year, $4 million deal from the Packers last offseason. He was coming off his worst season as a pro at the time (17 tackles, no sacks).
Raji promptly came back and tore things up during training camp, both figuratively and literally. Perhaps motivated by his prove-it one-year contract, he looked like a mad man early on in camp. Then, of course, he tore his bicep and missed the entire season.
So it must have felt like déjà vu for Raji this offseason.
Coming off a lost season. No one calling. Sign another one-year deal with the Packers.
If Raji can stay healthy, this is actually a great signing for the Packers. Not only should he be motivated again, but we fully expect Guion to get suspended by the Ginger Hammer for his drug arrest.
The Packers will need someone to man the nose while Guion is out. When he returns, they should have a pretty nice rotation that will allow both guys to stay fresh.