There have been rumblings and swirling rumors about Elvis Dumervil to the Packers. The exit of Julius Peppers, along with news of the surgery to Packers’ number one pick in the forth round, Vince Biegel, have accelerated the rumors. The Packers now have Clay Matthews and Nick Perry at the OLB position but after that there are a number of question marks. The Packers believe in Kyler Fackrell and Vince Biegel should be good to go, but should they bring in Dumervil? If they do, what will his role be?
1. Veteran presence
Elvis Dumervil would be a veteran presence for young linebackers like Kyler Fackrell and Vince Biegel. That value cannot be understated as the Packers lost a leader in Julius Peppers. Peppers was not dominant but was a real leader on a defense that has been one of the youngest in the league for years. Dumervil would have that kind of experience, while the last couple years have not been kind, Dumervil is three years removed from a 17 sack season. Julius Peppers, when he came to the Packers was a few years removed from an 11 sack season…everyone in Chicago thought he was finished…they were wrong.
Dumervil would add leadership to the linebacker corps, no doubt, but is that enough?
2. Situational Rusher
Elvis Dumervil has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league for years. Lately his sack production has dropped off, but he only played 8 games in 2016, a big reason he only got 3 sacks. Of course, he is not going to be the same dominant player he was in his younger days…neither was Peppers, but he could be a guy that, will add a handful of sacks as a situational rusher.
3. A Complement to Matthews and Perry
Elvis Dumervil would not have to come into Green Bay and be the be-all end-all of the defense. All he would have to do is be insurance if Matthews or Perry went down and if not, he would be a great complement to the tandem. I think Dumervil would experience a renaissance in Green Bay similar to the one Julius Peppers did. If Julius hadn’t played in Green Bay, would he seriously have had the chance to go back to the Panthers this year? When it comes to aging, once-dominant vets…Dom Capers is “Dom Capable”. He knows how to use him and Mike McCarthy will manage his reps. I think Dumervil could be a nice signing.
When it comes down to brass tacks, I am really not sure the Packers are actually interested. There were rumors that the Pack was talking to LaGarret Blount, who just signed with the Eagles. Do I think signing Dumervil is necessary? No. Do I like the idea? Yes. It will be up to Ted Thompson and the Packers brass to decide if they agree. Regardless…the team can’t go wrong with a guy who’s middle name (literally) is Kool.
Go Pack!