AP

From the moment the Packers went against stereotype and signed former Bears defensive end Julius Peppers, the question became how they’d use him.

That has been answered, for now.

According to Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Peppers would work with the linebackers in practice, but would have multiple roles in the Packers defense.

While Peppers is athletically versatile enough (and good enough against the run) to play as a base end in a 3-4, that would also be a bit of a waste of his gifts.

By limiting his snaps (McCarthy said he’d play fewer than the 800 he played for the Bears last year) and using him as a hybrid “elephant” rusher opposite Clay Matthews, it gives them the possibility for a more dynamic rush.

McCarthy was also able to joke and say “We’re just crushing it in free agency this year,” but the out-of-character addition, along with moving B.J. Raji back to nose tackle, should help solidify the Packers defense.