The Green Bay Packers made a big splash in NFL free agency on Monday, moving to retain a key member of their defense ahead of the 2022 season. After failing to re-sign Za'Darius Smith, the Packers locked down a huge new deal for linebacker De'Vondre Campbell. According to Ian Rapoport, Campbell is set to pocket $50 million over the next five seasons.

That's a massive payday for Campbell, who was one of the team's most productive players on defense last year. The Packers were riddled by injuries on that side of the ball in 2021, with the likes of Jaire Alexander and Smith both having dealt with long-term injuries. Campbell stepped up massively for Green Bay, featuring in 16 games for the team.

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In 2021, Campbell recorded 146 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 pass defenses, 2.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in his first season with the Packers. He'd spent his previous five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him in the fourth round in the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Minnesota. He signed a one-year deal with the Packers last offseason and proved he was worth a significant investment after a sensational season. His play netted him a brand new five-year, $50 million extension with the Packers, set to run through the 2026 season.

With Campbell locked in to place, the Packers defense will look to build upon a successful 2021 campaign. Of course, the loss of Za'Darius Smith is a blow, but knowing that the 28-year-old Campbell is in place for the long haul should reassure fans concerned about the state of the defense.