Ahmad Brooks didn’t remain a free agent for a particularly long period of time.
Just five days after the San Francisco 49ers released him, the veteran linebacker signed with the Green Bay Packers. NFL Network media insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that his contract with the Packers is for one year and could total $5 million.
The #Packers are signing LB Ahmad Brooks to a 1-year deal that can be worth up to $5M, source said. Another(!) GB free agent signing coming.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2017
Green Bay Packers Sign Linebacker Ahmad Brooks
Brooks, 33, was a mainstay on the 49ers linebacking corps over the previous eight seasons. In that span, he never finished with fewer than five sacks and recorded career highs in that statistic (8.5) as well as tackles (52) in 2013. His 51.5 sacks ranks third in 49ers franchise history behind Charles Haley and Bryant Young.
In Brooks, Green Bay is getting a hard-nosed, cagey player who they hope has a few good years left in him. The Niners’ decision to part ways came mainly from their move to the 4-3 under the new coaching regime. But Brooks finished as the team’s top player when it came to sacking the quarterback over the past four seasons.
At the very least, the addition of Brooks brings depth to a pass rush that lost a few key players via free agency in the off-season. Julius Peppers, whose 7.5 sacks was second on the team behind Nick Perry, departed for the Carolina Panthers. The team also parted ways with Datone Jones, who signed with their NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings.
Green Bay’s linebacking corps is also dealing with some nagging injuries during the preseason. Perry and Clay Matthews left last week’s game with the Broncos, a 20-17 defeat. Fourth-round pick Vince Biegel, who underwent foot surgery in May, is still on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
The Packers’ preseason concludes Thursday when they welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Lambeau Field. Ten days later on September 10th, they host the Seattle Seahawks in the 2017 regular season opener (4:25 PM ET, FOX).
