Bryan Bulaga Re-Signs with Packers: Latest Contract Details and Reaction

The Green Bay Packers made an investment in Bryan Bulaga five years ago, taking him with the 23rd pick in the 2010 NFL draft. The right tackle has returned the favor by opting to stay with the franchise despite the allure of free agency.

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Bulaga has agreed to a five-year, $33.75 million deal, which equates to $6.75 million per season.

Mike Roemer/Associated Press

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had one of his best seasons in 2014, winning a second MVP award, thanks to the work of a revamped offensive line. Bulaga was a key component of the Packers' resurgence, having one of the best years of any offensive lineman.

Per Rob Reischel of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing Pro Football Focus' rankings, Bulaga was the second-best pass-blocker among right tackles in the NFL last year.

Paul Imig of Fox Sports Wisconsin wrote in February that Bulaga's status with the Packers and lack of options for the team was likely to help his negotiating power:

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At the moment, the Packers don't have a replacement ready to step in at right tackle if Bulaga isn't re-signed. Derek Sherrod is gone, and JC Tretter needs more experience before being considered as a full-time starting right tackle. Don Barclay, a restricted free agent, is better suited as a swing lineman capable of performing in a variety of roles rather than as a starting right tackle.

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Coming off of that kind of season at 25 years old, Bulaga was in line to get the biggest offer possible. It was also an important year for him to prove that he could stay healthy, after playing a total of nine games from 2012-13.

Bulaga talked about the importance of being able to stay on the field and how that helped the offensive line play like a more cohesive unit, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky: "Two years on IR, it's tough. So to have a have a year like this -- we were just actually talking about it -- everyone stayed relatively healthy, and for me just to have one of these years to go out and play and play well and stay somewhat healthy besides the concussion and a little knee. Besides that, it's been great."

The results certainly showed on the field, as both Rodgers and running back Eddie Lacy were terrific and helped the Packers get to the NFC Championship Game. With wide receiver Randall Cobb also back in the fold, the Packers did well to retain key players in their offense.

There's risk with any contract, but that's especially true for a player like Bulaga. He may be one of those talented-but-injury-prone stars who never fully lives up to the potential. Green Bay saw the best of him last year and couldn't resist the upside of a long-term deal.

Now, Bulaga just has to hold up his end of the bargain.