Packers Lock in Isaiah McDuffie with Three-Year Deal

GREEN BAY, WI – The Green Bay Packers have re-signed linebacker Isaiah McDuffie to a three-year, $13 million contract with $7 million guaranteed, ensuring a key defensive piece stays put through 2027. GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed the move, a win for a team looking to build on its 11-6 season.

McDuffie shined in 2024-2025, playing 667 snaps (fifth on the team) with 85 tackles and a sack as a starter alongside Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper. His eight-tackle, one-pass-breakup game against the Bears in Week 18 was a highlight—proof this fifth-round gem has become vital. Reddit user u/Solace1984 nailed it: “McDuffie’s the heartbeat of the LBs.”

Why keep him? The Packers’ linebacker depth—Walker, Cooper, McDuffie—is finally solid under Jeff Hafley, and losing him would unravel that stability. He’s a “glue guy,” starting on defense and pitching in on special teams—a must for a young playoff squad. At $4-5 million per year, some X fans like @Pack2theFuture suggested letting him test free agency, but his value outweighs the cost.

The deal’s $4-5 million 2025 cap hit, softened by a signing bonus, fits Green Bay’s $64 million cap space perfectly. It’s a smart, Gutekunst-style move to keep the defense steady while eyeing bigger free-agent splashes. For fans like me, who’ve cheered since the Favre days, seeing No. 58 stick around brings hope for that next Lombardi run. Go Pack Go!