The Green Bay Packers have managed to take care of two of the cornerstone pieces this offseason with extensions for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews.
Defensive tackle B.J. Raji is one of the next in-line for a new contract from the Packers. However, it appears as though Raji is going to have to prove to the Packers one more time that he’s worth it. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Packers are tabling talks of a long-term contract with Raji. Instead, the team will let him play out the final year of his rookie contract before making a decision on whether to give him a big deal.
Raji has stated his desire to remain with the Packers and he’s the only top 10 pick from the 2009 NFL Draft to be selected to the Pro Bowl. His best season with the team came in 2010 when he posted 39 tackles and 6.5 sacks. The Packers are making some minor tweaks to their defensive scheme in hopes of Raji returning to his Pro Bowl form.
If Raji can piece together another season like that this year, he’ll ultimately get the contract he’s seeking whether it’s from the Packers or another team.