The Packers have found another defensive playmaker.
A year removed from linebacker Edgerrin Cooper playing at a level high enough to garner All-Pro votes, and after acquiring All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason blockbuster trade, linebacker Isaiah McDuffie is turning in the kind of performances that are going to generate that kind of buzz this season.
Packers LB Isaiah McDuffie in midst of dominant season
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs against Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
Inside linebacker Isaiah McDuffie’s breakout performance against the Vikings is garnering national praise.
“McDuffie stuffed the stat sheet during Green Bay’s blowout win over the Vikings,” NFL analyst Tyler Sullivan writes for CBS Sports, awarding McDuffie a Game Ball for Week 12. “He helped make life difficult for J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota offense, leading the Packers in total tackles, while getting in on a half-sack. McDuffie also made a diving interception off McCarthy midway through the fourth quarter.”
McDuffie’s stellar performance is exactly what the Packers need, especially with a daunting closing stretch loaded with elite running games looming and standing in Green Bay’s way of a postseason berth.
So far this season, McDuffie has been dominant in coverage, holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 57.8, while being as steady as they come missing only two tackles while ranking as Pro Football Focus’ No. 16 ranked inside linebacker in the sport.
If McDuffie continues on this upward ascent, he’ll follow in Cooper, Parsons, and safety Xavier McKinney’s footsteps with All-Pro caliber praise. He could also figure prominently in Green Bay’s playoff push.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is sacked by Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) and defensive tackle Warren Brinson (91) during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images