Defensive tackle B.J. Raji turned down a contract offer from the Packers for the 2016 season in favor of taking a “hiatus” from the league that he says will last through at least the 2016 season.
Raji said in a statement that he didn’t feel like he could give the Packers or any other team the necessary commitment during the season while family members were dealing with health issues. On Tuesday, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that the team has stressed putting family first and that Raji is “exercising it” by making this decision.
McCarthy also said that he expects Raji will make a return at some point in the future.
“I think he’ll play again,” McCarthy said, via ESPN.com. “But it would have to be at the right time. He needs to go through this process of his life. But he’s also open to other challenges and opportunities out there. But this is purely a family-focused decision.”
Raji is currently a free agent and would be free to sign with any team when and if he decides to return to the NFL.
