The Green Bay Packers have agreed to a three-year deal with defensive tackle Letroy Guion worth $11.25 million, according to NFL Insider Adam Caplan.
Guion recorded 21 combined tackles this past season and three tackles in the postseason. The former fifth-round draft pick was in his second season in Green Bay after being drafted by Minnesota. Guion has shown the ability to be effective both against the run and the pass, and he recorded 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble during the 2015 season.
The Packers have some major decisions to make in free agency this offseason, and reports have already surfaced about the divide between the front office and the coaching staff regarding player personnel decisions. The Packers have reportedly locked up Guion, and defensive tackle B.J. Raji is likely the next target on the defensive line that general manager Ted Thompson will look to sign.
Raji was expected to be the priority this offseason, and it's unknown if Guion's new deal will affect Raji's chances of signing a contract to stay in Green Bay. The Packers invested a first round pick in Raji in the 2009 NFL Draft, and he has proven to be a strong run stopper in seven seasons with the Packers.
The Packers front office will likely try to lockup Raji as well this offseason, but don't expect Thompson to get into a bidding war over him, as he won't overpay for the defensive tackle. The Packers defense could lose some key players this offseason, as two outside linebackers in Nick Perry and Mike Neal are predicted to depart, according to Pete Dougherty of USA Today Sports.
The Packers defense finished 15th in the league in terms of yards allowed per game, and while they will lose some talent in free agency, the organization will likely focus heavily on the defensive side of the ball in the upcoming 2016 NFL draft.
