Teams wanting to sign free agent linebacker Blake Martinez may have to pay at least eight figures per year to get a deal done.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Martinez – an unrestricted free agent coming off three-straight 140-tackle seasons – is seeking “at least $10 million per year” on a new deal.
The Packers aren’t currently willing to meet those demands, which likely means Martinez is headed for the open market.
A fourth-round pick of the Packers in 2016, Martinez emerged as a full-time starter during his second season and has started all 48 games the last three seasons. He ranks first in the NFL in total tackles since 2017, producing 443.
The Packers’ charting had Martinez down for 203 tackles in 2019, a new team record.
If Martinez leaves, the Packers will have to rebuild the position from the ground up, with only Oren Burks, Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton leftover at linebacker. It’s possible a mix of free agency and the draft could provide answers.
The Journal Sentinel reports the Packers are also interested in Cleveland Browns linebacker Joe Schobert, who may command $10 million or more per season in free agency.
At the combine in Indianapolis, the Packers did their homework on inside linebackers, holding meetings with top prospects such as Kenneth Murray and Patrick Queen.
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