The Green Bay Packers and the rest of the NFL are about to enter the “legal” tampering period. During this time, it is expected that there will be numerous rumors and/or contracts announced prior to the official opening of free agency on March 15. The Packers, like all NFL teams, have some decisions to make regarding their own free agents: which do they attempt to bring back, and which ones do they let walk? One NFL writer identified the single free agent one each team that they should avoid bringing back, and the one he identified for the Packers is not all too surprising.
The Green Bay Packers Should Not Re-Sign Dean Lowry
In an article published by Bleacher Report, David Kenyon believes that Green Bay should avoid re-signing defensive lineman Dean Lowry. In his article, Kenyon writes of Lowry:
“Counting stats generally aren’t a great measure for interior linemen. Pointing out that Dean Lowry notched 43 tackles with a half-sack does not accurately show if he performed well in his role. However, it’s hard to ignore that Green Bay’s late-season defensive surge happened with Lowry hurt or playing low snaps. He’s not worth re-signing at $6.8 million, especially with Devonte Wyatt on the roster.”
Kenyon hit the nail on the head with his analysis of how much better the Green Bay defense played without Lowry. With Devonte Wyatt receiving more playing time, the defense played much better up front.
Even a look at the stats, though, show a large drop-off from Lowry in 2022 compared to his last two seasons. In 2020, he had 3.0 sacks, two tackles for loss, and 36 total tackles while starting all 16 games. In 2021, he was even better, recording 5.0 sacks, 42 tackles, and five tackles for loss while starting all 17 games. Last season’s poor production in 15 games played is no indication that he is on the rise. Rather, his play is declining.
For a team that is looking to reset/rebuild/retool/whatever phrase they want to use, there is no reason to re-sign Lowry. Rather, they should let their first round pick Wyatt get the majority of the snaps and add more quality depth behind him.
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