GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Coach Mike McCarthy wants Clay Matthews to move back to outside linebacker next season, which could mean the end of Mike Neal and Nick Perry with the Green Bay Packers.
Both outside linebackers are scheduled to be free agents in March.
With Julius Peppers expected to return for a third season in Green Bay, the Packers might decide to let Neal and Perry leave this offseason.
Last spring, the Packers declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Perry’s rookie contract, and Neal was in the final season of a two-year, $8 million contract. Perhaps the Packers will re-sign one of them, but having both back seems unlikely.
Here's a look at Packers who will be free agents on defense (the offensive breakdown can be found here):
Unrestricted
Neal: After an injury-filled start to his career, the former second-round pick played in all 16 games for the third straight year. He played on 72.5 percent of the defensive snaps, most among the outside linebacker group. He totaled a career-best six sacks (including two in the playoffs). It’s his second foray into free agency. 2015 pay: $3 million base salary and bonuses.
Perry: The former first-round pick matched his regular-season sack total of 3.5 with another 3.5 in the two playoff games combined, but he failed to play a full 16-game regular season for the fourth time in his four-year career. In a backup role, he played just 33.9 percent of the defensive snaps. 2015 pay: $1,412,625 base salary, no bonuses.
B.J. Raji, NT: For the third time in as many years, the former first-round pick heads into the offseason without a contract. He returned on one-year deals each of the last two seasons but is looking for a long-term contract this time around after playing in all but one game this season (he missed all of 2014 with a torn biceps). However, he’ll turn 30 before next season begins. 2015 pay: $2.75 million in base salary and bonuses.
Letroy Guion, DT: The Packers were deep in negotiations on a long-term deal at this time last year but Guion’s arrest in February ended that. With Raji back, Guion moved from nose tackle to end but was not as effective. It’s unlikely the Packers will bring back both Raji and Guion, but Guion could come a bit cheaper. 2015 pay: $2.75 million in base salary and bonuses.
Casey Hayward, CB: Although he had a solid year and played 88.1 percent of the defensive snaps, the Packers might be inclined to let Hayward walk given their youth and depth at the position. Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, the first two picks in last year’s draft, both look like they can play. Someone will offer Hayward a big contract. 2015 pay: $841,352 bases salary, no bonuses.
Sean Richardson, S: After a second neck injury landed him on injured reserve, there’s a good chance his career with the Packers (and possibly in the NFL) is over. 2015 pay: $2.55 million in base salary and bonuses.
Restricted
Andy Mulumba, OLB: The former undrafted free agent played less than 100 snaps on defense and special teams combined and was active for only seven games, including playoffs. 2015 pay: $585,00 base salary, no bonuses.
Exclusive rights
Chris Banjo, S: Led the team in special-teams tackles (21) and snaps played (74.3 percent) and was named a playoff captain. 2015 pay: $585,000.