He said in his rookie year that he was going to keep the weight he put on for the Combine because the Packers wanted him between 260 and 270. If true, he was abiding by instructions. Having one OLB in a 3-4 at 270 is not unheard of.
His "attitude" about the position was one pre-draft comment about preferring to keep his hand in the dirt because that is what he was used to doing. But as long as he was chasing after the QB, he didn't care. Its amazing the power this one quote had taken on given his struggles. Its a good thing he didn't admit to being a Bear fan because everyone on this board would be accusing him of sabotage in that case.
He could be malingering behind the scenes, but other than new and public complaints that he is missing the offseason, we have no evidence. Notice that no one has asked McCarthy or Moss whether or not Perry is cleared to practice. The reason they haven't asked is the offseason; McCarthy and Moss don't need to answer. We found out about other players because they or they agents talked.
He could have delayed surgery against team advice, hoping it would heal itself. But the odds are long that he is still recovering from something related to his foot unless he damaged something else training in after the season.
I think there is one piece of evidence that they do not trust Perry in the defense: he clearly played better on the right, but he didn't get a full time gig there even after Matthews was hurt. Whether its assignments, health or attitude, they haven't devoted him to his favorite side. Which means they still have doubts. Whether its more than health and rep related, we might have to wait to know.