Very few are arguing that Trevathan would have been a bad signing for the Packers, although I do think he is vastly overrated. Although the Bears signed two decent free agent line backers, so I imagine they will make each other better. The point is that signing Perry has no bearing on Trevathan. If the Packers wanted Trevathan, they could have easily made it happen while signing Perry, while making a few other moves. The reality is that they must not have wanted Trevathan, for whatever reason, at least not at his market value even if that is perceived to be affordable.
Do you know for a fact that Perry wasn't offered any longer contracts? Perhaps he decided to bet on himself to have a better year and cash in with much bigger money next offseason? That certainly happens.
We will simply have to disagree that Perry isn't worth the few million dollars that he will likely get paid. It's basically no risk. If he doesn't work out or goes on IR, he will probably only be paid a few million. That's hardly a big risk on a team that needs more linebacker talent. If he provides some pass rush and run defense throughout the season, and most importantly, delivers decent pass rush in the playoffs, he will easily be worth the $3.5-5 million he will be paid. That's the the market for young pass rushers that are potentially on the rise. If Perry can stay slightly more healthy this season than last, he will probably earn more than $5 million per year in 2017. The bottom line is that if signing Perry is a "risk," it is a very minor risk in the big scheme of things. I think keeping Julius Peppers around at his salary is a much bigger risk, and even that isn't a huge risk beyond this season.
Originally Posted by: DoddPower