Asked whether his absence from OTAs, which are voluntary, was also related to his current contract, Clinton-Dix indicated he's not sweating the lack of a long-term deal right now, nor is he feeling any added pressure heading into what has turned into a contract year.

He's entering the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, an option the Packers picked up about a year ago. He said he remains focused on learning a new defense he's very excited about.

"It's fun," he said. "Schemed up. I'm going to have fun playing it, man."

As for whether he needs to play "catch up" due to the time he missed, Clinton-Dix cracked jokes about what he likes on his burgers and fries. While away, he had his playbook tablet with him, watched all the practice film, and stayed in communication with the coaches to get questions answered.

At the start of the offseason program in mid-April, and when he was announced as the 100th-ranked player on the NFL Network's "Top 100" list, Clinton-Dix confessed he didn't follow up his 2016 All-Pro season the way he wanted to in 2017. Statistically, his interceptions dropped from a career-high five to three.

He believes Mike Pettine's defense could free him up to make more plays, but he said the proof will come when the games actually start in three months.

"I know my value to this defense, and it's something for y'all to see," he said. "I guess we'll see when we play Chicago and on from there.