With the end of the 2024 regular season approaching and the Packers clinching the playoffs with their shutout against the Saints, it is getting to be that time where players who contributed to a successful season become considered in next years signings. That also means that those who did not contribute to the level that the Packers coaching staff were hoping are going to be considered for cuts in 2025. In taking a look at all of Green Bay’s potential departures, a particular Packers linebacker stands out as one of the players that the coaching staff should prioritize keeping in Green Bay another season.
Packers Eric Wilson Should Be Atop List of Potential Re-Signees For 2025
The Green Bay Packers have $15.5 million in cap space in 2024 and will have $62.7 million in cap space in 2025. Wilson is nearing the end of his three-year contract and is making his presence known this season. From being an experienced NFL veteran to improving special teams to offering a positive presence on the defensive side of the ball, it just makes sense to bring back the veteran linebacker next season.
Special Teams Improvement
Wilson signed with Green Bay in 2022 and came on the scene as a solid asset to the special teams unit, which Green Bay has historically struggled with. Over the course of 2022 and 2023, he was the Packers leader in tackles on special teams and served to be a core piece on what is typically a unit of players trying to prove themselves. While he approaches the age of 31, the Packers may limit his role on special teams. However, he has proven to be valuable time and time again wherever he ends up on the field and he has shown his value this season in other facets of the game.
Packers Linebacker and His Presence As A Rusher
While Green Bay has not been at their best as a whole defensively, one area of the defense that has not been excelling this season is the pass rush. Green Bay’s win rate as a pass rushing unit ranks 27th in the NFL as Lukas Van Ness and Rashan Gary have continued their struggles on the outside. Meanwhile, when Wilson has been on the field, his pass rushing has ranked above average as he is 20th of 180 linebackers in pass rush grade. If Green Bay is to let go of Wilson in the offseason, they will be adding to a problem that has made itself evident as the season has persisted.
Titletown also ranks 6th in the league in their win rate in stopping the run, which is not Wilsons’ strong suit. To make up for it, Wilson has two sacks on the year and a forced fumble in the limited amount of snaps he has been receiving.
Veteran Presence of the Packers Linebacker
While rising star Edgerrin Cooper has been lights out for the Packers and remains ahead in the depth chart over Wilson, you can credit a lot of Cooper’s success and both of his defensive player of the week awards to the veteran linebacker. Wilson has proven he has learned to become a mentor on the Packers and has learned from some of the best in Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr from when he entered the league in 2017. Much of the ins and outs of the linebacker position can be passed on from Wilson to the athletic talent of Cooper, which is an investment that essentially knocks out two birds with one stone.
The moral of the story is that from a defensive outlook, Wilson is the man to pay for his contributions this season and the inevitable vlue he will provide to a young team looking to take back the NFC North next year.
Main Image: Steven Bisig – USA Today Sports
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