Part of the reason for the Green Bay Packers’ improvement from nine wins to 11 in 2024 was a defense that finished fifth in yards allowed (314.5 per game) sixth in points against (19.9). Now the team is making sure that one of its breakout stars from 2024 will return.

On Monday, the team announced that it agreed to a two-year deal with linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, who finished second on the team with 97 tackles last season. McDuffie, who was a sixth-round pick in 2021, was set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 12. But he was happy to accept a two-year, $8 million deal that includes escalators up to $9.5 million. The 2024 season was a breakout campaign for McDuffie, who started all 17 games for the first time in his career. He also added three tackles for a loss, three quarterback hits, three passes defended and a forced fumble. The former Boston College Eagle tied for 11th on the team in Approximate Value (8) and doesn’t turn 26 until July.

His previous career highs included eight starts in 2023 with 86 tackles, five TFLs and one pass defended.

The Packers still have a number of free agents to re-sign, many of whom were in the same draft class as McDuffie. First-round cornerback Eric Stokes, second-round center Josh Myers, and fifth-round defensive tackle T.J. Slaton are among the biggest names from that 2021 Draft class. Other notable Green Bay free agents include running back AJ Dillon and fellow linebacker Eric Wilson.