Isaiah McDuffie Re-Signed

[tynimiller]

Coop out stated him in four starts in his first year. More solo tackles and more sacks in fewer snaps played than McD last year. McD is credited with starts in all 17 games. McD had 3 years experience going into last season and statistically was outplayed by Coop. If the Packers drafted players with Coops ability in the first, they would be a defensive powerhouse. Instead they employ their supernatural abilities to project the abilities of the players they draft in the first after they’ve “developed” a player. I have very limited resources and I can do better than they do. My only guess as to why the Packers draft the way they do in the first is old ways of thinking, misguided arrogance from the Rodgers years and stubbornness. I value production, ability and athleticism. I had Coop, Lloyd, Bullard, Pratt and King on my list last year. Morgan was not on my list.

Oh my word…nothing you said one contradicted what I said about McDuffie, no one is saying he’s better than Cooper.

The “you can do better” is hilarious, go over to the thread I made and post your top 50 or 100 right now. Everyone thinks that they know everything but only speaking in hindsight 90% of the time.

I live for the draft process and prospects, would love to have more fellas here sharing their grades, round thoughts and rankings - it is my favorite time of the year.

If you can do better there are 32 organizations that absolutely would pay you very well to be a scout. Trust me I got close to being a low tear regional scout assignee - it is insanely tough to get into the level you have to be knowledge wise transcends anything many could imagine.

 

[tynimiller]

I’m not sure I want to attempt to respond to all that but I will say my very first impression is McDuffie contract was a little on the high side. I know I know this will probably be taken as a slight on McDuffie. It’s really not I like McDuff however I see a contract like Eric Wilson and he’s a more complete player (yes I realize he’s older but I’d highly doubt he couldn’t play at a high level 1 maybe 2 more years.
Had I put cash down and guessed at an Isaiah contract I would’ve said something like 3yr/$8.5Mil but a nice 50% type guar. I completely understand that each season brings an elevated pay scale though. Isaiah has earned it and they obviously really liked him.

It only seems high gross total, chances are VERY high that he likely doesn’t even see the second year. Unless he yet again proves to answer the bell and have a nose for the ball.

 

[OldSchool101]

Why Packers extended Isaiah McDuffie contract again

Green Bay handed a second contract extension in as many years to Isaiah McDuffie, locking up a core special teamer and a growing defensive player.

packerswire.usatoday.com

 

[tynimiller]

Again for the price, you get a captain of Special Teams and a solid (not great) LB who has been consistent at worse and has shown growth in areas of weakness. McDuffie has answered the bell when called on to play higher snaps, but remains limited (albeit seemingly less than years back) given his athletic profile. He has also been an iron man like LB availability wise.

Hopper is all but a lock to not see a second contract from us barring some big turn happening IMO with this

 

[El Guapo]

Hopper is all but a lock to not see a second contract from us barring some big turn happening IMO with this

I like McDuffie's heart and wish that we could clone it to pass out to others on the team. That said, your statement above speaks volumes. If Hopper was ready to take this role then I don't think McDuffie would have been extended. Hopper either needs to step up in a huge way or this will be his last season. Mediocrity doesn't win championships, or even playoff games.

 

[tynimiller]

I like McDuffie's heart and wish that we could clone it to pass out to others on the team. That said, your statement above speaks volumes. If Hopper was ready to take this role then I don't think McDuffie would have been extended. Hopper either needs to step up in a huge way or this will be his last season. Mediocrity doesn't win championships, or even playoff games.

Yup, I honestly wouldn't be shocked if we woke up and saw news that Hopper was traded to someone...I mean at this point if I could have a team swap us their 6th for him and a 7th I'd take it. I'd take a 7th straight up too honestly....just don't see it in him.

PRAYING he proves me wrong.

 

[OldSchool101]

Yup, I honestly wouldn't be shocked if we woke up and saw news that Hopper was traded to someone...I mean at this point if I could have a team swap us their 6th for him and a 7th I'd take it. I'd take a 7th straight up too honestly....just don't see it in him.

PRAYING he proves me wrong.

I agree. I always like to apply the draft expenditure to performance to gauge our players value. Mostly Hopper has been buried on a talented depth chart, but also by year 2 he should’ve been a riser and he can’t seem to rise above a fixture on Teams. Ok granted the guys in front of him are talented and experienced also, so some allowance there.

Hopper came in almost the size of a heavier Strong Safety at 230lb.
That’s really not ideal at all, even for a physical player for him. That works in college but Pro level these guys are too big and too fast. Would we want Hopper on Defense trying to tackle Tucker Kraft at 256lb with a head of steam in an open field? That’s just the reality of the game today as the RB’s and TE’s are about his size or much bigger and now actually faster than he is. I agree with another poster that at LB 4.68 speed isn’t terrible, but that’s nowhere close to impressive at 228lb in the modern NFL. His RAS speed score is hyper inflated when adjusted for his counterparts across the league. Not many Off Ball LB’s fall under his weight into 225lb or 220lbs running the 40 yard dash. I saw an article speaking to his blazing speed on Reddit and I kinda chuckled.

 

[tynimiller]

McDuffie extension is another sign of comittment to special teams in a big way.

I mean they handed low tier starting offball money to a guy they know if all stay healthy likely sees maybe 15-20% of defensive snaps but likely a TON of teams snaps. Yes McDuffie is a known commodity if needed to start and like many know he is one of the smartest football IQ guys we have that if God just gave him a little more juice physically would be a no doubt starter in the league as an offballer.

 

[OldSchool101]

I’m going to put a thumbs down on this move for Isaiah. Not because he’s a bad player, but because this is an overpay imo. His Cap hits are basically 5Mil per year for 2 seasons. I have his services worth about 60% of that $number. If that was $3Mil annual I’d say it’s a worthy investment.

This isn’t personal as Isaiah has overachieved his 5th Round draft expenditure. I’d do it all over except
I’d offer him a $3mil extension (at most) and tying another $500K incentives to snaps or performance related measures. That or I’m spending a RD4-RD5 pick at Off-Ball LB in the 2027 draft and walking away.

 

[Heyjoe4]

It only seems high gross total, chances are VERY high that he likely doesn’t even see the second year. Unless he yet again proves to answer the bell and have a nose for the ball.

Hmmm, I thought McD was an above average LB in the run game. He’s not a cover guy, and I think that’s reflected in his deal. And the Packers can exit after a year if needed.

Until a better talent comes, McD is a reliable backer. Seems he’s around the ball a lot. I’m glad he’s staying for now.

Curious - Franklin replaced Walker. How is Franklin in cover?

 

[El Guapo]

He is a reliable backup LB in case of injury - really good against the run, pretty bad against the pass. He is a top special teams player, which the team realizes is important. I'm okay with the money spent.

 

[tynimiller]

Hmmm, I thought McD was an above average LB in the run game. He’s not a cover guy, and I think that’s reflected in his deal. And the Packers can exit after a year if needed.

Until a better talent comes, McD is a reliable backer. Seems he’s around the ball a lot. I’m glad he’s staying for now.

Curious - Franklin replaced Walker. How is Franklin in cover?

LOL you just quoted my post from 2025 when he got his first extension.

Many here have been critical of my appreciation of McDuffie - you won't find me unhappy with him for sure.

Franklin can cover, he's very athletic.

 

[Heyjoe4]

LOL you just quoted my post from 2025 when he got his first extension.

Many here have been critical of my appreciation of McDuffie - you won't find me unhappy with him for sure.

Franklin can cover, he's very athletic.

I don't tecall your post from last year, but yeah McD has stayed healthy and he's stayed around the ball. Those two things can take a guy far in the NFL.

Good to hear about Franklin. I hope he is an improvement over Walker. I liked Walker. He just stopped developing and a new start for him and for the Packers is a good thing.

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't tecall your post from last year, but yeah McD has stayed healthy and he's stayed around the ball. Those two things can take a guy far in the NFL.

Good to hear about Franklin. I hope he is an improvement over Walker. I liked Walker. He just stopped developing and a new start for him and for the Packers is a good thing.

I think Zaire and Quay are actually
2 very comparable players. Both appear to be a relative liability in Pass protection on the face, but what many don’t factor is those are mostly passes inside 5-10 yards or shorter higher % throws. Both allowed about the similar TD and Passer rating on a per snap basis. Career wise Z allowed at 99% passer rating, which is actually moderate level. Both are in Pass protection around 55-60% of total snaps.

 

[OldSchool101]

I’ve heard some argument elsewhere about wear n tear or age. One good aspect concerning Z is he was barely used across his entire rookie contract. He didn’t pop until the last 4 seasons where his usage skyrockets.

What I like about Zaire is he’s a little better than Quay when used downhill. Z forced 23 Sacks, Fumbles and INT combined since 2022. He’s a highly disruptive player.

As a comparison to someone we’ve witnessed regularly? Q had 68% of Z snap count, he logged 14 Sacks, Forced Fumbles and INT, so Quay was only slightly behind on a per snap basis %.

Summary. History has shown that these (Q vs Z) are very comparable LB’s. Z had substantially higher usage across 2022-2025 (32% higher). Yes Z had more missed Tackles but in reality if you leveled their snap count it was only about 5 missed tackles across each season more. I believe his shorter arms caused some of that.
Yet to his credit, he had an extra Sack or FF or INT per season and those kinds even the score for me. Z was slightly higher Disruptive but Q ran slightly cleaner finishing Tackles.

For me these 2 LB’s should be very similar $$. Like a $1-2Mil type variance yearly probably favoring Quay due to his raw age being better.

Zaire
9.0Mil average; $3.75Mil guaranteed

Quay
13.5Mil average; $28Mil guaranteed

From my limited research, Brian did a really good job finding an inexpensive version of Quay at a more moderate cost and ability to walk away anytime.
I wouldn’t expect Zaire to automatically be better than Quay though, he’s more a best attempt at meeting Quays impact.

PS. Zaire is an absolute beast when it comes to staying involved through purely willing himself into each play. He’s in every frame of every play and his effort is unmatched. That’s a trait that’s highly desirable because he’s the definition of rallying to a Tackle.

 

[tynimiller]

I’ve heard some argument elsewhere about wear n tear or age. One good aspect concerning Z is he was barely used across his entire rookie contract. He didn’t pop until the last 4 seasons where his usage skyrockets.

What I like about Zaire is he’s a little better than Quay when used downhill. Z forced 23 Sacks, Fumbles and INT combined since 2022. He’s a highly disruptive player.

As a comparison to someone we’ve witnessed regularly? Q had 68% of Z snap count, he logged 14 Sacks, Forced Fumbles and INT, so Quay was only slightly behind on a per snap basis %.

Summary. History has shown that these (Q vs Z) are very comparable LB’s. Z had substantially higher usage across 2022-2025 (32% higher). Yes Z had more missed Tackles but in reality if you leveled their snap count it was only about 5 missed tackles across each season more. I believe his shorter arms caused some of that.
Yet to his credit, he had an extra Sack or FF or INT per season and those kinds even the score for me. Z was slightly higher Disruptive but Q ran slightly cleaner finishing Tackles.

For me these 2 LB’s should be very similar $$. Like a $1-2Mil type variance yearly probably favoring Quay due to his raw age being better.

Zaire
9.0Mil average; $3.75Mil guaranteed

Quay
13.5Mil average; $28Mil guaranteed

From my limited research, Brian did a really good job finding an inexpensive version of Quay at a more moderate cost and ability to walk away anytime.
I wouldn’t expect Zaire to automatically be better than Quay though, he’s more a best attempt at meeting Quays impact.

PS. Zaire is an absolute beast when it comes to staying involved through purely willing himself into each play. He’s in every frame of every play and his effort is unmatched. That’s a trait that’s highly desirable because he’s the definition of rallying to a Tackle.

Yeah the monies point to the fact that even if Zaire is just Quay 2.0 the value is immensely better with him.

 

[GreenBaySlacker]

I’ve heard some argument elsewhere about wear n tear or age. One good aspect concerning Z is he was barely used across his entire rookie contract. He didn’t pop until the last 4 seasons where his usage skyrockets.

What I like about Zaire is he’s a little better than Quay when used downhill. Z forced 23 Sacks, Fumbles and INT combined since 2022. He’s a highly disruptive player.

As a comparison to someone we’ve witnessed regularly? Q had 68% of Z snap count, he logged 14 Sacks, Forced Fumbles and INT, so Quay was only slightly behind on a per snap basis %.

Summary. History has shown that these (Q vs Z) are very comparable LB’s. Z had substantially higher usage across 2022-2025 (32% higher). Yes Z had more missed Tackles but in reality if you leveled their snap count it was only about 5 missed tackles across each season more. I believe his shorter arms caused some of that.
Yet to his credit, he had an extra Sack or FF or INT per season and those kinds even the score for me. Z was slightly higher Disruptive but Q ran slightly cleaner finishing Tackles.

For me these 2 LB’s should be very similar $$. Like a $1-2Mil type variance yearly probably favoring Quay due to his raw age being better.

Zaire
9.0Mil average; $3.75Mil guaranteed

Quay
13.5Mil average; $28Mil guaranteed

From my limited research, Brian did a really good job finding an inexpensive version of Quay at a more moderate cost and ability to walk away anytime.
I wouldn’t expect Zaire to automatically be better than Quay though, he’s more a best attempt at meeting Quays impact.

PS. Zaire is an absolute beast when it comes to staying involved through purely willing himself into each play. He’s in every frame of every play and his effort is unmatched. That’s a trait that’s highly desirable because he’s the definition of rallying to a Tackle.

I like the move a lot. I'm guessing the character of quay had some factoring in, behind the scenes. The way quay handled parting ways, with that tweet .. yeah good bye....

 

[OldSchool101]

I like the move a lot. I'm guessing the character of quay had some factoring in, behind the scenes. The way quay handled parting ways, with that tweet .. yeah good bye....

Yes and it really makes the LB room solid. By extending McDuffie GB is going in with a 4th year Starter, plus Cooper as a 3rd year Starter and Franklin is now a 5th year Starter. Plenty of experience and reason to be optimistic.

One way we could look at this signing is it allows us to wait at LB until Day 3. Might pipeline a 5-7th Round LB if Hopper doesn’t continue to see growth and becomes expendable. Yet it allows us to focus on other positions with those 11 draft selections.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think Zaire and Quay are actually
2 very comparable players. Both appear to be a relative liability in Pass protection on the face, but what many don’t factor is those are mostly passes inside 5-10 yards or shorter higher % throws. Both allowed about the similar TD and Passer rating on a per snap basis. Career wise Z allowed at 99% passer rating, which is actually moderate level. Both are in Pass protection around 55-60% of total snaps.

It surprised me that Walker wasn't better in coverage. He had the athleticism for it. At times, it seems like he didn't know where he was on the field, or that he had misdiagnosed a play. He is an above average LB, and likely at his ceiling.

 

[OldSchool101]

It surprised me that Walker wasn't better in coverage. He had the athleticism for it. At times, it seems like he didn't know where he was on the field, or that he had misdiagnosed a play. He is an above average LB, and likely at his ceiling.

True. I think early on I heard Gannon will employ a higher % of Nickel + Dime. So my early guess is that will minimize some usage of LB’s in Pass coverage. Edgerrin is a good option though.
One thing about GB is we have a lot of good Run support options for DB’s that can play both Run and Pass. I suspect we’ll see some more of our additions getting involved. Such as St Juste, Cisse or Domani Jackson. Depending on which Domani we get, he was one of the better disruptive CB’s in college. As in you don't trick that guy, he was blowing up Georgia Receivers before the play got momentum, but he’s assertive and instinctive enough to step up against the Run also.

I still think GB quietly got much better depth all across the Defense (except Offball). Nobody we added was a headliner, but yet everyone we added is good enough to act like a Starter early on.

 

[milani]

True. I think early on I heard Gannon will employ a higher % of Nickel + Dime. So my early guess is that will minimize some usage of LB’s in Pass coverage. Edgerrin is a good option though.
One thing about GB is we have a lot of good Run support options for DB’s that can play both Run and Pass. I suspect we’ll see some more of our additions getting involved. Such as St Juste, Cisse or Domani Jackson. Depending on which Domani we get, he was one of the better disruptive CB’s in college. As in you don't trick that guy, he was blowing up Georgia Receivers before the play got momentum, but he’s assertive and instinctive enough to step up against the Run also.

I still think GB quietly got much better depth all across the Defense (except Offball). Nobody we added was a headliner, but yet everyone we added is good enough to act like a Starter early on.

I am of the belief that when you do not think you have someone significant to sign, sign someone! There has to be players on the field.

 

[Heyjoe4]

True. I think early on I heard Gannon will employ a higher % of Nickel + Dime. So my early guess is that will minimize some usage of LB’s in Pass coverage. Edgerrin is a good option though.
One thing about GB is we have a lot of good Run support options for DB’s that can play both Run and Pass. I suspect we’ll see some more of our additions getting involved. Such as St Juste, Cisse or Domani Jackson. Depending on which Domani we get, he was one of the better disruptive CB’s in college. As in you don't trick that guy, he was blowing up Georgia Receivers before the play got momentum, but he’s assertive and instinctive enough to step up against the Run also.

I still think GB quietly got much better depth all across the Defense (except Offball). Nobody we added was a headliner, but yet everyone we added is good enough to act like a Starter early on.

Well Nixon and Valentine have had their chances on the perimeter and are average CBs, IMO. To his credit, Nixon did have a lot of PBUs last year. But the grief/benefit ratio with Nixon is off. It seems that in every game he's good for one truly disrupting PF, sometimes two. And while most PFs are stupid and avoidable, his are over the top stupid.

I'd be very happy if Cisse and St. Juste have an immediate impact and are starting by midseason. I know, that seems like a pipe dream. Whatever, a guy can dream……..

 

[gopkrs]

I don't know if there is a universe where you play two slot corners, but Nixon might be better there than on an island.

 

[OldSchool101]

That’s true. We don’t want to completely erase what makes Nixon a good player personality wise either, but I agree that he draws too many PF’s. If we could just get some mitigation of that down to 5-7 PF goal in a season as an area of focus? He’d really be a slightly above average yo good CB. I agree negative plays like PF to factor somewhere in the occasion.

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't know if there is a universe where you play two slot corners, but Nixon might be better there than on an island.

Amen. Well there would be scenarios to do that in Dime Personnel hybrids. Nixon imo would be 1 of the top 10 Slot CB’s in the league. His lateral ability and ability to frustrate Receivers inside 5 yards could be employed more effectively in the Slot. Matter of fact that almost his problem. It’s like he’s still acting like he’s inside 5 yards with his physicality but past 5 yards you can’t do that.