News Packers Team Notes

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers past offseason success shows good things can be worth waiting for

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Making a big splash early can be fun, but the Packers have a good record of waiting for the right deal to come their way.

It sure doesn’t look like the Seattle Seahawks are in a hurry to trade D.K. Metcalf.

Beat-by-beat reporting on the situation reveals — so far at least — a slow-developing market for Seattle’s extra-large wide receiver, and with no cap crunch pushing the Seahawks to get a deal done so they can spend in next week’s free agent bonanza, this thing could drag on for a while. Heck, it may never resolve in a way that involves the Packers acquiring a star player in a trade rather than sending one out of town for once. Who knows? Maybe Metcalf is back in Seattle this year, or off to some other team willing to cough up the bounty of picks the Seahawks seem to want.

Whatever ends up happening, Packers fans should know better than most that patience is a virtue when it comes to offseason success. Just look to history, both recent and not-so-recent, to see what waiting can bring you.

In 2023, Aaron Rodgers announced on March 15 that he intended to play for the New York Jets that season, but Brian Gutekunst held on until April 26 before shipping him to New York, extracting a good deal from the Jets in the process.

Just two years prior, the Packers were still shopping for talent in mid-summer and found quite a free agent hit when De’Vondre Campbell signed on June 9. He was such a late addition that he was barely a factor early in training camp before ascending to the top linebacker job and playing at an All-Pro level that season. Sure, it didn’t work out for the Packers and Campbell (or the 49ers and Campbell, to be honest) after that one magical year, but he was still a signing worth waiting for.

Back in 2016, the Packers had a visit with free agent tight end Jared Cook on March 15, but didn’t come to terms with their eventually playoff hero until almost two weeks later. They finally inked a one-year deal on March 28. (Although maybe they should have taken a little while longer and hammered out a two-year contract, as the team initially wanted. Theoretically they could have then avoided the whole Martellus Bennett debacle.)

And finally, let’s go all the way back to 2006, when Charles Woodson signed so late in free agency that he was practically a footnote to two other big storylines on the front page of the Green Bay Press-Gazette the day the news broke. He signed April 26, 2006, and the sports page the next day featured a single column on the news, focusing instead on Brett Favre’s return to the Packers that season and the upcoming NFL Draft, where the Packers were rumored to be interested in taking future talkshow participant and moderately successful linebacker A.J. Hawk with the fifth overall pick.

The point is, good things can come to those who wait, and if the Packers think Metcalf can be the next big thing in Green Bay, they should be willing to wait out the Seahawks if that’s what it’s going to take.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...ss-shows-good-things-can-be-worth-waiting-for

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Open Thread: What do you expect from the Packers in free agency?

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Call your shot. Make a prediction

It’s time for some free agency predictions!

The Green Bay Packers need help at several positions, the most important being wide receiver, defensive end, defensive tackle and cornerback. While the free agent receiver and defensive tackle markets aren’t great, I fully expect the Packers to be “in the mix” for quality edge defenders, of which there are many, and top cornerbacks, like Byron Murphy, Paulson Adebo or D.J. Reed.

Ultimately, I think Green Bay addresses defensive tackle in the draft, considering how deep the position is this year. Receiver is tricky, considering that speed is going to be a premium trait that they look for in any player they add to that room in 2025.

My final prediction: The Packers sign a splash defensive end and cornerback this week. Anything beyond that is just icing on the cake.

Drop what you think the team is going to do in the comment section.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2025/3/9/24381428/green-bay-packers-2025-free-agency-predictions

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Seattle Seahawks trade wide receiver D.K. Metcalf to Pittsburgh Steelers

Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Packers didn’t pull the trigger on the two-time Pro Bowl receiver.

The D.K. Metcalf saga is over, and it’s not ending with the star wide receiver as a member of the Green Bay Packers.

The Seattle Seahawks have traded Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, reportedly for a second-round pick. As a part of the deal, Metcalf has agreed to a new contract, reportedly worth $150 million over five seasons.

The Packers have been linked to Metcalf repeatedly over the past couple of weeks as the disgruntled receiver expressed his desire to get out of Seattle, and for a long time it looked like the Packers had the goods to get a deal done. Compensation reports varied, but most centered around the Seahawks getting a draft pick and a young wide receiver in return.

Given that the Packers wide receiver corps is nothing but young, they seemed like natural suitors. For whatever reason, though, they didn’t ultimately pull the trigger on the trade.

That squares with general manager Brian Gutekunst’s remarks earlier this offseason. Broadly speaking, Gutekunst said he prefers not to trade for older players because they often demand two kinds of compensation to get the deal done: the initial trade and then the expensive contract extension that follows. We know Gutekunst values his draft picks, but the economics of avoiding the mega-contract are worth remembering, too. Drafting a young player gives you a prospect under team control at an affordable price for at least four years.

Metcalf joins the Steelers as one of the most productive receivers in the NFL over the past few seasons. He’s compiled 6,324 receiving yards since the Seahawks selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 12th most in the NFL in that span. His 48 receiving touchdowns since 2019 rank fifth in the NFL in that time.

His best season came in 2020, when he logged 83 catches for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl that season and was named a second-team All-Pro.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...tsburgh-steelers-news-2025-free-agency-update

 

[Green Bay Packers]

NFL Free Agency: Day 1 signings, rumors and news tracker

Photo by Duane Prokop/Getty Images

We have all of Monday’s free agency news covered for you here at Acme Packing Company

Beyond our Green Bay Packers coverage, we’re going to use this article to drop in all of the league-wide news from the first day of the “legal tampering window” of free agency today. Officially, teams are allowed to speak to players’ representation, but not players directly, at noon Eastern on Monday. Unofficially, a lot of these talks started two weeks ago when the league gathered in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. Expect things to move quickly.

Beyond just contracts that have been executed, we’ll bring you rumors that link players to teams and any trades or cuts that occur today. As of Monday morning, Over the Cap has six NFL teams over the salary cap — which they need to be under by the start of the new league year on Wednesday. Some teams will need to manipulate their cap space just to participate in free agency at all, so more talent could be hitting the market shortly.

Quarterbacks​

• Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers
• The Steelers are reportedly in negotiations with Aaron Rodgers
• Jimmy Garappolo has re-signed on a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams to back up Matthew Stafford
• The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to sign Nick Mullens to a two-year, $6.5 million contract
• Former Minnesota Viking Sam Darnold is close to signing a three-year, $110.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks
• Justin Fields has signed a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed with the New York Jets
• The Philadelphia Eagles have traded Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick
• Josh Dobbs signed a two-year deal with the New England Patriots
• Zach Wilson will sign a one-year, $6 million deal with the Miami Dolphins

Running Backs​

• Pittsburgh Steelers RFA Jaylen Warren was offered a second-round tender by the team
• The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a one-year contract with former San Francisco 49er Elijah Mitchell
• Samaje Perine re-signs with the Cincinnati Bengals on a two-year, $3.8 million deal
• The San Francisco 49ers extend Patrick Taylor Jr. another season
• Javonte Williams signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys
• The Los Angeles Chargers are hoping to land Najee Harris

Receivers​

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have retained Chris Godwin on a three-year, $66 million contract
• Former Miami Dolphin Braxton Barrios has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Texans
• Dyami Brown, the Washington Commanders’ breakout postseason star, has signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Josh Palmer has agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal with the Buffalo Bills
• Houston Texans sign receiver Justin Watson
• Report: The Los Angeles Rams are planning on releasing Cooper Kupp
• The New York Giants have re-signed Darius Slayton to a three-year, $36 million contract
• Michael Gallup will visit the Washington Commanders on Tuesday
• Former Buffalo Bill Mack Hollins has signed with the New England Patriots
• Ashton Dulin is re-signing with the Indianapolis Colts

Tight Ends​

• Former Jacksonville Jaguars Evan Engram is visiting the Denver Broncos today
• Johnny Mundt has signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars
• The San Francisco 49ers sign Luke Farrell to a three-year, $20.25 million deal
• The Jacksonville Jaguars have added a second tight end today in Hunter Long

Offensive Linemen​

• Report: C Josh Myers will not be re-signing with the Green Bay Packers
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers G Ben Bredeson re-signs on three-year, $22 million deal
• T Braden Smith reworks deal with Indianapolis Colts to keep him under contract for 2025
• Arizona Cardinals G Evan Brown re-signed on a two-year, $11.5 million contract
• Former San Francisco 49ers tackle Jaylon Moore has agreed to sign a two-year, $30 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs
• The Chicago Bears have agreed to a three-year contract with Drew Dalman that makes him the second-highest-paid center in the NFL
• Former Pittsburgh Steeler Dan Moore has signed an $82 million contract with the Tennessee Titans
• Morgan Moses has agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots for three years and $24 million
• The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to sign former Baltimore Ravens lineman Patrick Mekari
• Former San Francisco 49er Aaron Banks has signed with the Green Bay Packers
• The Washington Commanders have traded for Leremy Tunsil and a fourth-round pick to the Houston Texans for a second-, third- and fourth-round pick
• Swing tackle Chuma Edoga is signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Center Robert Hainsey has agreed to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Kelvin Beachum Jr. has re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals
• The Los Angeles Chargers have extended center Bradley Bozeman
• Ryan Kelly has signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year deal

Defensive Linemen​

• Sheldon Rankins signs one-year deal with the Houston Texans
• Davon Godchaux was traded from the New England Patriots to the New Orleans Saints for a seventh-round pick
• The Atlanta Falcons have released Grady Jarrett
• Former first-round pick Jonathan Allen is visiting the Minnesota Vikings today
• B.J. Hill is returning to the Cincinnati Bengals on a three-year, $33 million contract
• Javon Kinlaw has agreed to a contract with the Washington Commanders, whose general manager Adam Peters was with the San Francisco 49ers when they drafted Kinlaw in the first round
• The Carolina Panthers are working to land Milton Williams, one of the top overall free agents in this crop
• Milton Williams has agreed to a contract that will pay him $26 million per year with the New England Patriots
• Poona Ford will be going to the Los Angeles Rams on a three-year, $30 million deal
• The Pittsburgh Steelers have released Larry Ogunjobi
• Dayo Odeyingbo has signed with the Chicago Bears
• Report: The Green Bay Packers are likely to lose T.J. Slaton
• The recently-released Grady Jarrett signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears
• Sebastian Joseph Day is re-signing with the Tennessee Titans
• The New York Giants signed Roy Robertson-Harris to a two-year, $10 million deal
• Former Green Bay Packer T.J. Slaton has signed a two-year, $15.1 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals
• Khyiris Tonga is going from the Arizona Cardinals to the New England Patriots
• The Los Angeles Rams lost Bobby Brown III to the Carolina Panthers
• Dalvin Tomlinson will be released by the Cleveland Browns
• The Los Angeles Chargers have signed Teair Tart to a one-year deal
• Tershawn Warton has signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Carolina Panthers — one of the biggest surprises of the day
• The Buffalo Bills have signed Michael Hoecht to a three-year, $24 million deal

Edge Rushers​

• Khalil Mack is returning to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal
• The Green Bay Packers, along with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers, are reportedly interested in the Indianapolis Colts’ Dayo Odeyingbo
• Haason Reddick has agreed to a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for one-year, $14 million
• Former first-round pick Derek Barnett has signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans
• Dayo Odeyingbo will sign with the Chicago Bears
• Josh Sweat has agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals
• Former Minnesota Viking Patrick Jones II agrees to two-year deal with Carolina Panthers
• Malcolm Koonce is returning to the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year deal
• The Houston Texans have agreed to sign Darrell Taylor to a one-year contract

Linebackers​

• Robert Spillane, a former Las Vegas Raider, is signing with the New England Patriots
• Former Denver Bronco Cody Barton is going to sign with the Tennessee Titans
• The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Malik Harrison to a two-year deal
• Oren Burks will sign a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals
• The Arizona Cardinals have signed former Cincinnati Bengal Akeem Davis-Gaither
• Dre Greenlaw has joined fellow former San Francisco 49er Talanoa Hufanga with the Denver Broncos

Cornerbacks​

• The Carolina Panthers gave Jaycee Horn an extension that makes him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history
• Jourdan Lewis has signed a record-breaking slot cornerback contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars
• Former New Orleans Saint Paulson Adebo has agreed to a contract with the New York Giants
• The New England Patriots paid Carlton Davis $20 million per year
• Houston Texans sign former Denver Bronco Tremon Smith to a two-year, $7.5 million contract
• Detroit Lions are expected to sign D.J. Reed on a three-year, $48 million contract
• The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with Isaiah Rodgers
• Released cornerback Darius Slay has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Donte Jackson has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-year, $13 million deal
• Former Baltimore Raven Brandon Stephens has agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with the New York Jets
• Las Vegas Raiders slot cornerback Nate Hobbs has signed with the Green Bay Packers
• Charvarius Ward is going to sign a three-year, $60 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts
• Michael Jackson is re-signing with the Carolina Panthers on a two-year deal

Safeties​

• Tre’von Moehrig has agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Panthers
• The Jacksonville Jaguars signed former Houston Texan Eric Murray to a three-year, $22.5 million deal
• All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga has signed for three years and $45 million with the Denver Broncos
• Former Minnesota Vikings Camryn Bynum is landing with the Indianapolis Colts on a four-year, $60 million deal
• The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with Jeremy Chinn

Specialists​

• Pro Bowl punter Tress Way re-signed by the Washington Commanders
• The Dallas Cowboys have kept long snapper Trent Sieg on a three-year, $4.45 million deal
• Punter JK Scott is extended for the Los Angeles Chargers

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...day-1-signings-rumors-and-news-tracker-update

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers free agency tracker: News, rumors, and information

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers will probably be in the market for a cornerback during free agency. We’re tracking all of the rumors here.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stated in his end-of-the-year press conference that the team wants to be aggressive this offseason. With $44.6 million available in cap space, there’s no reason why the team couldn’t make a splash in free agency in 2025. There are simply no excuses.

The biggest question that the Packers will have to answer this offseason is what they’re going to do at the cornerback position. Starter Jaire Alexander is due $17.5 million in 2025, despite playing less than half of the team’s games in three of the last four seasons. Releasing him, even before June 1st, would have Green Bay north of $6 million in immediate cap space, though, it would then open a hole on their depth chart at the position.

As far as the team’s outgoing free agents go, none are considered must-signs outside of kicker Brandon McManus, who finally gave the team the stability they’ve been searching for since Mason Crosby began his decline. Outside of McManus, only one full-time player — center Josh Myers — is set to have his contract expire this offseason.

Keep up to date with all of the free agency rumors and news this cycle in our stream, which will update as new information drops.

Packers 2025 Unrestricted Free Agents​

• RB AJ Dillon
• TE Tyler Davis
• T Andre Dillard
• C Josh Myers
• DT TJ Slaton (signed by Cincinnati Bengals)
• LB Isaiah McDuffie (re-signed)
• LB Eric Wilson
• CB Eric Stokes
• CB Corey Ballentine
• CB Robert Rochell
• K Brandon McManus (re-signed)

Packers 2025 Restricted Free Agents​

• TE John FitzPatrick

Packers 2025 Exclusive Rights Free Agents​

• RB Emanuel Wilson (tendered)
• WR Bo Melton (tendered)
• T Kadeem Telfort (tendered)
• DE Aaron Mosby (tendered)
• S Zayne Anderson (tendered)
• P Daniel Whelan (tendered)

Packers 2025 Free Agent Signings​

• G Aaron Banks
• CB Nate Hobbs

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...ckers-free-agency-news-rumors-and-information

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Who is left in Day 2 of NFL free agency?

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

At this point, MVS makes a lot of sense for the Green Bay Packers

With the first wave of free agency behind us, one that sucked up most of the talent off of the board, it’s time to revisit how many difference-makers are really left out there on Day 2 of a weak class. Below are Pro Football Focus’ best available free agents, including their overall ranks in the remaining class, in the Green Bay Packers’ biggest positions of need: wide receiver, defensive tackle and defensive end. Following the signings of guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs yesterday, it’s doubtful the Packers take another swing on the offensive line or at cornerback.

Remaining Wide Receiver Free Agents​

• #1 Amari Cooper
• #2 Stefon Diggs
• #10 DeAndre Hopkins (signed with Ravens)
• #16 Keenan Allen
• #39 Diontae Johnson
• #50 Mike Williams
• #51 Tyler Lockett
• #56 Elijah Moore
• #59 Demarcus Robinson (signed with 49ers)
• #61 Mecole Hardman
• #64 Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• #67 Brandin Cooks
• #68 Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (signed with Dolphins)
• #71 Noah Brown
• #78 Tyler Boyd
• #90 JuJu Smith-Schuster
• #92 Nelson Agholor
• #95 Van Jefferson
• #96 Olamide Zaccheaus

There’s some argument that the Packers could still take a look at the players ranked in the top 10 here, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins, but it seems more likely that Green Bay would rather let their young players continue to develop with on-the-field reps than divert those to veterans who will almost certainly command a decent amount of targets. Honestly, the receiver who makes the most sense for the Packers here is former Packer Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who has the frame that Matt LaFleur demands in his run-first scheme and also has the speed to replace what the team is missing from the loss of Christian Watson, who is expected to be out until at least Week 12 of the 2025 season with an ACL tear.

Remaining Defensive Tackle Free Agents​

• #12 Javon Hargrave (planning on signing with Vikings)
• #14 Levi Onwuzurike
• #23 Calais Campbell
• #48 Maliek Collins
• #68 Ta’Quon Graham
• #75 Kevin Givens
• #79 Roy Lopez
• #91 Greg Gaines

Considering how deep the defensive tackle class is in the upcoming draft, it seems unlikely that the Packers would sign an interior player here. Honestly, I’d bet that Green Bay would take a swing on a defensive tackle in the first rounds in April over paying one of Javon Hargrave or Levi Onwuzurike, the only real needle movers left on the market.

Remaining Defensive End Free Agents​

• #18 Von Miller
• #19 Za’Darius Smith
• #20 Joey Bosa
• #22 Azeez Ojulari
• #25 DeMarcus Lawrence
• #28 Dante Fowler Jr.
• #35 Matthew Judon
• #36 Dennis Gardeck
• #45 Preston Smith
• #47 Joshua Uche
• #55 Charles Omenihu
• #57 Brandon Graham
• #63 Carl Lawson
• #77 Emanuel Ogbah
• #83 Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
• #84 Deatrich Wise Jr.
• #86 K’Lavon Chaisson
• #88 Anthony Nelson (signed with Buccaneers)

Update: The San Francisco 49ers have released Leonard Floyd

Update to the update: The Atlanta Falcons have signed Leonard Floyd

The Packers are desperate for pressure, especially at the defensive end position. Aside from Rashan Gary, Green Bay is below average across the board in terms of pressure production at the position. If they don’t add someone, either by free agency or trade, there’s no promise that a player better than Kingsley Enagbare or Lukas Van Ness will be available to them with the 23rd overall pick, as edge rushers fly off the board on Day 1 of the draft.

With that being said, there are not many proven pass-rushers who are coming off of productive 2024 seasons left. Von Miller sounds nice in theory, but are the Packers willing to pay all that money for a designated pass-rusher who hasn’t started a game since 2022? Za’Darius Smith and Green Bay clearly have history, but can they get over it? If not, a flier on Joshua Uche as a thrifty designated pass-rusher might be their best plan of action.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...oard-targets-update-tracker-green-bay-packers

 

[Green Bay Packers]

NFL awards the Green Bay Packers a compensatory draft pick

Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Packers will have eight selections in April

On Tuesday, the day before the new league year, the NFL officially announced who would be receiving compensatory picks for the upcoming NFL draft. If you’re unfamiliar with the compensatory draft pick process, the league awards third- through seventh-round draft choices with a formula that includes, among other things, the salaries of players that clubs lost in free agency the year prior.

The Green Bay Packers received a compensatory seventh-round pick from the league, which was to be expected. The signings of running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney last season canceled out the loss of guard Jon Runyan Jr. and safety Darnell Savage Jr. in free agency last year. The pick the Packers are getting is for the loss of tackle Yosuah Nijman, who signed with the Carolina Panthers on a deal that averaged $4 million per season.

For what it’s worth, the New York Giants were awarded a fourth-round pick for losing Xavier McKinney. The Las Vegas Raiders’ would-be selection for Josh Jacobs was canceled out by the signing of quarterback Gardner Minshew.

If you’re wondering how the Packers are shaking out in the 2026 compensatory calculation, they’re net negative. The loss of defensive tackle T.J. Slaton has been overshadowed in the formula by the additions of guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs. So don’t get your hopes up that Green Bay will get an extra pick in 2026, unless some more of their unrestricted free agents end up signing significant contracts elsewhere.

Full List of Green Bay Packers 2025 Draft Picks​

• 1st round, #23
• 2nd round, #54
• 3rd round, #87
• 4th round, #124
• 5th round, #159
• 6th round, #198
• 7th round, #237 (Pittsburgh, Preston Smith trade)
• 7th round, #250 (compensatory)

As a reminder, the Packers don’t own their original seventh-round pick, as it was traded away to the Tennessee Titans for backup quarterback Malik Willis. Green Bay then received a seventh-round pick via the trade deadline move that sent edge defender Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers own their original draft picks from the first through sixth rounds.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...aft-2025-picks-selections-update-compensatory

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers didn’t tender their only restricted free agent

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

John FitzPatrick hits unrestricted free agency

In October, the Green Bay Packers signed tight end John FitzPatrick off of the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. With three years of NFL service under his belt, because he spent his rookie on the Falcons’ injured reserve, he was the Packers’ lone restricted free agent during the 2025 offseason.

According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the Packers have chosen not to tender FitzPatrick, which means that he will be an unrestricted free agent moving forward. This isn’t surprising, considering that RFA tenders range from $3.3 million to $7.5 million this offseason.

As Demovsky noted, this doesn’t mean that FitzPatrick won’t return to the team, just that he won’t return on a tender price. In the past, Green Bay allowed tight end Tyler Davis, another player who they plucked off of a practice squad, to hit unrestricted free agent after not tending the player — only to bring him back on a cheaper deal near the league minimum. The same is probably likely for FitzPatrick’s situation.

Coming out of Georgia, FitzPatrick was best known for his highly-rated blocking ability. Despite having played 18 games at the NFL level, he’s only brought in two receptions. Still, he played 73 offensive snaps for the Packers in 2024 and added 50 special teams reps to his plate. Toward the end of the year, he started to slowly steal more reps away from the previous number three tight end Ben Sims, who remains under contract for Green Bay.

Don’t be shocked if the 6’7” FitzPatrick comes back and pushes Sims for the special teams-heavy third tight end spot on the team.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...zpatrick-restricted-free-agent-2025-tight-end

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers Film Room: Nate Hobbs will bring physicality to CB unit

Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Digging into the film on the Packers newest cornerback.

With a handful of team needs and some money to burn, the Green Bay Packers went shopping on the first day of free agency. They came away with Aaron Banks on the offensive line and Nate Hobbs at cornerback. Today, we’re taking a look at Nate Hobbs. Justis Mosqueda already did a great job of breaking down the contract, so we’re just looking at the player himself.

I went through a bunch of his 2024 film and if we want to boil Hobbs down into one word it’s this: physical. He believes that force is a virtue, and that’s exactly how he plays.

I see you, Nate Hobbs. pic.twitter.com/leo1U2wESI

— Dusty (@DustyEvely) March 13, 2025​

He is a thumping, downhill player who loves contact. Basically, he’s the exact type of player Jeff Hafley wants on this defense. Someone who isn’t afraid to play up at the line and gets hands on the guy across from him.

You will certainly see missed tackles pop up for Hobbs, and that’s something that can potentially be cleaned up. However, it could also just the be the cost of doing business. He closes hard and fast with a mind to drive through a man. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t.

3rd down and fighting to get to the sticks. Hope you don't run across Nate Hobbs, sir. pic.twitter.com/MTjVTUzITL

— Dusty (@DustyEvely) March 13, 2025​

He also shows relentless pursuit when he’s in coverage, always fighting. I love this clip of Hobbs navigating traffic, sticking with Xavier Worthy and fighting until the ball is out.

Nate Hobbs believes that the condition of man is a condition of war of himself against the man catching the ball. pic.twitter.com/aHIt95Iqdm

— Dusty (@DustyEvely) March 13, 2025​

I can’t mention relentless pursuit without showing this clip, navigating his way through traffic to stick with his man and ultimately pick up the tackle.

Dude is just relentless. pic.twitter.com/oHak5qvApK

— Dusty (@DustyEvely) March 13, 2025​

Like I said: physical.

If it is true that the flesh endures the storms of the present, then the flesh of running backs must hate to see the storm of Nate Hobbs on a run-blitz.

A couple clips of Nate Hobbs run-blitzing. An absolute maniac. pic.twitter.com/7Iwt2cgT2z

— Dusty (@DustyEvely) March 13, 2025​

While not without his flaws in coverage (we’ll get to those shortly), he also shows good recognition, drive and speed to break up passes in front of him.

While Hafley likes his press man coverage, we also saw a fair bit of spot-drop zone out of the defense this past year. That’s something we’ve seen from him at other stops (and we’ve also just seen a rise of it around the league in general), so it’s something we’ll be seeing in 2025 as well. Hobbs has shown good recognition while playing spot-drop zone, as well. He’s perceptive and extremely active.

Now for a bit of the negative. He can be a little stiff in coverage. We saw good recovery above, but if he is beat on the first step, it can take him a beat to recover.

That little “jab-step-outside-release-inside” move gets him on multiple occasions.

---

From a film perspective, there are very few negatives. Hobbs is a physical corner who is comfortable playing in the press-man world, but can also thrive in the spot-drop, read-and-react world. He lives for contact, so you’ll find him enthusiastically driving to take away the edge on boundary runs/bubble screens. He’s a good blitzer and can create havoc in the backfield when blitzed against the run. He has a nose for the running back in those situations.

For the negatives, he’s a little stiff in coverage and can be an inconsistent tackler. He’ll give you some absolute hammer tackles, then follow with the occasional whiff. Most of his missed tackles seem to be due to getting a little too low at times and getting knocked back. You don’t really see any head-down whiffs.

The biggest knock on Hobbs is his health. In 2022, he missed 8 games due to a broken wrist. Broken bones can be fluky on a football field so that doesn’t really concern me, but the 8 games he missed between 2023-2024 due to an ankle injury feels like cause for concern (and potentially the reason he didn’t get a bigger contract). I have not been able to find specifics on the nature of the injury so I don’t know how likely it is that they crop up again, but ankle injuries can be tricky beasts that keep causing problems. It’s certainly something to keep an eye on.

---

Overall, I’m excited about this signing. He fits into what Hafley wants to do on defense, and adds a little more physicality to a secondary that sorely needs it. I’m excited to see what he can do in Green Bay.

---

Albums listened to: Boygenius - The Rest; Lady Gaga - Mayhem; Catherine Wheel - Chrome; Slowdive - Pygmalion; U2 - Joshua Tree

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...nate-hobbs-free-agency-physicality-cb-raiders

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers training staff honored with prestigious award

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

As end-of-season awards continue to be handed out, the Packers training staff is honored at the highest level.

The Ed Block NFL Athletic Training Staff of the Year for the 2024 season is a title officially held by YOUR Green Bay Packers training staff. Last weekend in Baltimore, the Packers staff was officially honored for their service to the profession of athletic training. This is the team’s first time winning the award since 2011. Named after the Baltimore Colts’ head athletic trainer for over 20 years, the award is voted on annually by members of the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society.

The Packers athletic training staff is spearheaded by VP of player health and performance Bryan Engel, as well as director of sports medicine Nate Weir, who is also the head athletic trainer. Also on the staff are Kurt Fielding, Erin Roberge, Brandon Kukal, Andrew DePietropaolo, and Ali Ghaisarnia.

Notable injuries this training staff worked through this past season include:

• Jordan Love’s MCL sprain and groin strain
• Romeo Doubs’ multiple concussions, including one sustained while wearing a Guardian Cap
• Jaire Alexander’s PCL tear
• Christian Watson’s ankle, knee bruise, and ACL tear
• Marshawn Lloyd’s hip, hamstring, and ankle injuries
• Jordan Morgan’s shoulder injury
• Devonte Wyatt’s concussion and ankle injury
• AJ Dillon’s neck injury

Alas, there are more injuries, but I only have so many hours left in the day. I fully expect everyone to act very normal about this award being given to the Packers' training department, who clearly had a very busy 2024 season. Discuss!

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...ckers-news-training-staff-ed-block-award-2024

 

[Green Bay Packers]

2025 Free Agency: Vikings sign Eric Wilson

Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images

The former Viking is a Viking again

Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson, who was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, is returning to the team that gave him a chance in the NFL. The Vikings announced that they signed the linebacker on Friday.

Over the last three seasons, Wilson played 47 games for the Packers, recording 12 starts for the team in 2024 due to injuries at the unit. Before 2024, though, Wilson played a mostly special teams role for the team. Of the 714 defensive snaps he took in Green Bay, 558 of them came last year. He also registered 826 special teams reps over three seasons with the Packers.

Going forward, Quay Walker is the undisputed middle linebacker in Green Bay’s 4-3 front while Edgerrin Cooper, a rookie breakout in 2024, and Isaiah McDuffie, who re-signed on a two-year deal this offseason, will play as outside linebackers in base looks. The Packers play about two-thirds of their snaps in nickel packages, where Walker will likely be paired with Cooper.

It seems unlikely that the Vikings are planning on playing Wilson as a starter. Instead, he joins Minnesota as special teams depth who has knowledge of a divisional rival’s scheme.

The Packers will probably need to add some depth to their own linebacker unit at some point, as the only true backup on their squad at the moment is 2024 third-round pick Ty’Ron Hopper, who Green Bay struggled to get on the field defensive even in garbage time last year.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...e-agency-update-eric-wilson-minnesota-vikings