There is a hole in the middle of the Packers’ defense. The team cut ties with former First-Team All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell this offseason after three seasons. The move saved Green Bay over $10 million in cap space. But now, the Packers need to find a productive player to take his place. In totality, Campbell was an experienced defender that provided great leadership. However, he battled some injuries and was ultimately being paid too much.

If the Packers are ready to go win a Super Bowl, they should sign an experienced player that is hungry to make an impact. That player, despite his injury woes over the last few seasons, should be Shaq Leonard.

Why Leonard Should Be Trusted

In his last two seasons with the Colts and Eagles, Leonard has missed 17 games due to either injury or being a free agent. The 28-year-old appears to be healthy after starting three games down the stretch for Philadelphia on the backend of 2023. This is still one of the better linebackers in the NFL. The four-time All-Pro recorded over 120 total tackles and at least three forced fumbles in four of his first six seasons with the Colts. Even when he wasn’t totally 100% for both the Colts and Eagles last year, he still recorded nearly 90 tackles. He is still very productive.

Would He Start Alongside Quay Walker?

Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley would be wise to pair Walker with Leonard in the middle of the defense. Walker is one of the great, young players in the league. He has recorded nearly 240 tackles in total over his first two NFL seasons. He has great sideline-to-sideline speed and intangibles. Pairing Walker’s athleticism with Leonard’s experience and savvy would be perfect. Plus, Isaiah McDuffie, who is coming off of a career year, is a steady player in that room too.

Having Leonard join a defense with Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, Preston Smith, Quay Walker, Jaire Alexander, Keisean Nixon, and Xavier McKinney would be special. This would be the most talented Green Bay defense since 2010. Packers fans know what happened that season. Perhaps a one-year, $8 million deal works the best in this current situation.