Nick Perry, Packers Reportedly Agree on Long-Term Contract

Nick Perry reportedly will return to the Green Bay Packers after signing a long-term contract Thursday.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported the deal, saying bringing Perry back was a "key priority" for the Packers. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports confirmed the report, noting it was a long-term agreement and should be announced Thursday.

Perry, 26, set career highs in every major category last season. He recorded 52 tackles and 11 sacks, finally realizing the promise that made him a 2012 first-round draft pick. The former USC standout spent his first five NFL seasons in Green Bay.

"I think once you put together what you can get out of the game, things get slower for you, things come to you," Perry told reporters of his breakout. "Certain things that you haven't seen before, definitely you pick up on things a lot more quicker. So it's a combination of things. Opportunities, all of that stuff."

Pro Football Focus ranked Perry 19th among all edge pass-rushers during the regular season. The 2016 season proved a stark contrast to his first four years in the league, which were mired in inconsistency and low sack totals. He recorded 12.5 sacks in his first four seasons and never had more than four in a single campaign.

Given Perry has never played a full 16-game schedule, it's fair to wonder if his 2016 was a one-year blip on the radar. But Perry did exhibit toughness down the stretch, playing the final two regular-season games and the entire playoffs essentially with one hand. He recorded three sacks in two must-win games that earned the Packers an NFC North title and added a sack during the team's postseason run.

The performance was enough for the Packers to hand him a long-term contract. The Packers recorded 40 sacks in 2016, good for sixth in the NFL. They will look for Perry to perhaps take on a bigger role as Julius Peppers considers retirement.

Pass-rushers always make a premium on the open market, and Perry took advantage of having a big season in a walk year. The Packers will have to hope this doesn't turn into a Paul Kruger situation where a one-season breakout leads to disappointment with a new contract.