The Green Bay Packers have apparently agreed to terms on a contract with linebacker Christian Kirksey.
Former Browns’ LB Christian Kirksey has agreed to terms on a 2-year, $16 million dollar deal with the Green Bay Packers, per his agency @SPORTSTARSNYC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
According to Adam Schefter, Kirksey’s agency announced the signing. From the details available, the deal appears to be for 2 years, with a total value of around $16 million, or about $8 million per season.
For the Packers, Kirksey offers a veteran linebacker who can play in the heart of the defense. While officially listed as OLB, he has been an ILB at times in his career. For the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Kirksey produced 148 and 138 tackles respectively. This ability to finish plays is important for a team lacking any experience in that regard. Currently, Green Bay only has inside linebackers under contract, Curtis Bolton and Ty Summers. Both will be entering their second NFL seasons, and the team need not spend significant draft capital in obtaining either.
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The only downside with Kirksey is his health. He has only played a combined 9 games over the past two seasons. This poses some risk but the Packers are clearly in a desperate situation at the position. The team clearly needs to address the inside linebacker position this offseason. The reports are that Green Bay was interested in Cory Littleton. However, they will clearly not be the only ones vying for his services. If the market is too high on Littleton, the Packers may miss out and may not be able to fill the position in free agency. If they have to go through the draft, at least Kirksey provides a veteran presence that can be relied upon.
In advance of free agency, this move provides some insurance at a high-priority position.
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