Joining Packers “pumps new life” into Whitney Mercilus

Former Houston outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus spent his entire NFL career with the Texans, until he was released on Oct. 19. Quickly picked up by the Green Bay Packers, the change of scenery “pumps new life” into Mercilus.

“Not each franchise is equal in regards to everybody loves to do their different thing,” Mercilus said, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. “With that being said, I’m just grateful to be here, been accepted with open arms, love it. The energy, it’s amazing. Honestly it’s like, I don’t know, it just pumps new life [into you] because I’ve only see the same four walls for years and to see something different is pretty cool.”

Mercilus signed with the Packers on Thursday and said the Packers’ 5-1 record was a factor along with being in an atmosphere where “you’re being appreciated and they’re doing everything to invest in you and you want to invest back into that.” He added he had heard from the Steelers and Chiefs before ultimately choosing Green Bay.

Whitney Mercilus joins a Packers team that was in desperate need of depth at pass rusher with Za’Darius Smith on injured reserve after back surgery and Preston Smith yet to practice this week due to an oblique injury suffered against the Bears. The Packers already lost Randy Ramsey and Chauncey Rivers to season-ending injuries.

Mercilus was drafted by the Texans in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Illinois. In nearly 10 seasons in Houston, Mercilus had 357 tackles, 57 sacks and 13 forced fumbles. His best season came in 2015, racking up 52 tackles and 12 sacks. He finishes his time with the Texans second in franchise history in sacks.

In three seasons at Illinois, Whitney Mercilus recorded 81 tackles and 18 sacks. He broke out as a junior, recording 57 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. He was recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media. In addition, he won the 2011 Ted Hendricks Award, 2011 Bill Willis Award, and 2011 CFPA Defensive Performer of the Year.

Mercilus now joins a Packers team that is 5-1, a stark difference from the 1-5 Texans team he was released from. Green Bay faces off against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, though its not clear whether Mercilus will play given his mid-week arrival.