Should the Packers Re-Sign Isaiah McDuffie? The Case For and Against Keeping the Reliable LB

As the Green Bay Packers look toward the 2025 season, one of the key decisions they must make is whether to re-sign linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in Green Bay’s defense over the past two years, starting 25 games, including all 17 in 2024. However, with his rookie contract expiring, McDuffie is set to hit the open market. Should the Packers prioritize bringing him back, or is it time to move on? Here’s a look at both sides of the argument.

Reasons For Re-Signing Isaiah McDuffie

1. Experience and Reliability
   McDuffie, drafted in the sixth round of 2021, has carved out a solid role in Green Bay’s defense, playing over 1,200 defensive snaps over the last two seasons. As a starter for all of 2024, McDuffie has shown he can handle a significant workload. Despite being a relatively unheralded pick, he’s proven that the Packers trust him in important situations.

2. Special Teams Value
   In addition to his work as a linebacker, McDuffie is a vital contributor to the Packers’ special teams, logging nearly 800 special teams snaps across four seasons. Even if McDuffie doesn’t remain a starter in 2025, his value on special teams would make him a worthwhile asset to the roster, especially given the Packers’ recent emphasis on this phase of the game.

3. Youth and Durability
   At just 25 years old, McDuffie is still entering his prime, making him an appealing option for the Packers as they continue to build with young players. Additionally, McDuffie has been remarkably durable, missing only one game over the past three seasons — an important trait for a position that often deals with physicality.

4. Cost-Effective
   McDuffie is likely to come at a reasonable price. Despite his starting experience, he’s not likely to generate a bidding war in free agency, which could work in the Packers’ favor. If he’s willing to return at a modest salary, keeping McDuffie could offer solid value for a team looking to invest elsewhere.

5. Toughness and Run Defense
   McDuffie is known for his toughness, particularly against the run, where he has excelled in handling blocks and maintaining gap integrity. His reliability in defending the run makes him an important part of the Packers’ defensive foundation.

Reasons Against Re-Signing Isaiah McDuffie

1. Lack of Impact Plays
   While McDuffie has been a reliable presence, he hasn’t made a significant impact in coverage or as a playmaker. In 2024, he was ranked among the worst linebackers in coverage, allowing completions on 84.4% of targets and giving up five touchdowns. With modern NFL offenses emphasizing passing, the inability of McDuffie to cover tight ends, running backs, or even wide receivers effectively is a considerable concern.

2. Limited Disruptive Plays
   McDuffie finished the 2024 season with just 28 “stops” — tackles that result in an offensive failure — a career high, but still one of the lowest among linebackers with significant playing time. Full-time linebackers need to make more game-changing plays, and McDuffie has yet to develop that aspect of his game.

3. Competition From Younger Players
   The Packers have already invested heavily in younger linebackers, including Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper, both drafted last season. With Cooper and Quay Walker projected to be the starters in 2025, McDuffie’s role could be relegated to a backup or special teams contributor. Additionally, Hopper is seen as a player with more upside and could be ready to take on a larger role next season. Moving on from McDuffie could create more opportunities for these younger players to grow.

4. Cap Space Considerations
   The Packers will need to manage their salary cap carefully in the coming years, especially if they are committed to developing younger talent. Using valuable cap space on a middling linebacker like McDuffie might not be the best investment, especially when other options may be available at a similar price point.

5. Veteran Options
   Another player in the mix for a return is veteran Eric Wilson, who made more splash plays in 2024 and is a respected leader on special teams. If the Packers have to choose between McDuffie and Wilson, they might lean toward the latter, given his experience and ability to make more high-impact plays.

What Would We Do?

If we were in charge of the Packers’ front office, the decision to re-sign McDuffie would largely depend on his willingness to return at a significant discount. Given the Packers’ investment in young linebackers and the relative lack of impact McDuffie has had, it might be wise to move on and focus on developing Cooper and Hopper. However, if McDuffie is available on a budget-friendly deal, his reliability on special teams and as a defensive role player could make him an asset worth keeping.

Ultimately, the Packers have a few solid options, and the decision will hinge on balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. The future at linebacker looks promising with young talent on the roster, so the Packers should only re-sign McDuffie if the price is right and if they believe his value as a veteran presence can still contribute to the team’s success in 2025.