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[Green Bay Packers]

Former Packers WR makes long touchdown in UFL championship

Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Malik Turner caught a 71-yard touchdown for the Michigan Panthers

Former Green Bay Packers receiver Malik Turner, who was a member of the Packers’ roster during the 2020 offseason, made his presence felt in the United Football League’s championship game on Saturday. Turner, who has played with seven NFL teams before joining the UFL in 2025, was able to bring in a 71-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the final minute of the first half to cut the DC Defenders’ lead to 12 points.

MALIK TURNER, YESSIR!!!!

: ABC pic.twitter.com/VjsMl0QQkK

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) June 15, 2025​

The Packers currently have one roster spot open, meaning that there is the potential for the team to add a UFL player to their summer roster, be it the Michigan Panther receiver or someone else.

You can watch the end of this UFL matchup on ABC. At the time of this article going live, the Defenders hold a 40-19 lead over the favored Panthers midway through the third quarter.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...k-turner-ufl-touchdown-michigan-panthers-2025

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Monday Cheese Curds: What to do with $35 million of salary cap space?

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The first part of the answer is to sign Zach Tom to an extension.

As the Green Bay Packers begin to embrace their summer break, the media who cover the team are also hunkering down for a bit of a slow period. Here at Acme Packing Company, that means we will be catching up on a couple of our usual sets of articles, starting with our countdown of the Top Plays of last season next week.

Today, however, we’re thinking about how the Packers will put all of that newly-found salary cap space to work. The team’s release of Jaire Alexander freed up several million dollars this year and a huge amount in 2026, leaving the team with $35 million and change to work with at present.

Of course, Brian Gutekunst and Russ Ball must save a portion of that cap space for in-season transactions and practice squad players, but there’s still plenty to work with. So what are the team’s biggest priorities?

First will be getting right tackle Zach Tom locked in to a contract extension. The next great pass-blocking tackle will be the first player the team needs to extend this year before he hits free agency next offseason.

After Tom, however, the list gets a little more unpredictable. Will the team try to lock Quay Walker into a long-term deal? Rasheed Walker seems destined to hit the market next year, particularly if Jordan Morgan takes a step forward at left tackle. What about Sean Rhyan, who looks set up to start at right guard again this season?

Or perhaps the Packers could make a big splash in the trade market for a disgruntled player who needs a new contract? That would certainly be a departure for Gutekunst and company, but when it comes to rushing the passer, you can never have enough quality bodies on the edge.

Let’s take a look around and see what others think about some of the roster decisions that are pending this summer and fall.

Inbox: This will be a tough roster to crack | Packers.com
We at APC will be going through our 53-man roster predictions later this summer, and it's going to be tough to find spots for a few of the fringe players this year.

Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd no restrictions entering training camp | Packersnews.com
Lloyd appears to be 100 percent and is ready to put his redshirt rookie season behind him.

Numbers show why Zach Tom extension should be top priority for Packers | Packers Wire
It should be and it will be. And with a significant amount of extra cap space for 2025 and 2026, I won't be surprised if it happens before the regular season starts.

Don’t Sleep on This Packers Draft Pick | SI.com
Warren Brinson might get some significant snaps on defense simply out of necessity.

Sources - Bengals, Trey Hendrickson resume talks on contract - ESPN
What might it take to pry Hendrickson away from the Bengals, who seem hell-bent on not paying him? If this goes into training camp, it's worth wondering if they'd bite on something like a 4th-round pick.

Download festival rockers told to take off smartwatches after moshpits spark emergency alerts | The Guardian
Turn off the automatic crash detection if you're going to a heavy metal concert, folks.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...-with-35-million-of-salary-cap-space-zach-tom

 

[Green Bay Packers]

NFL announces preseason joint practices; Packers to face Colts and Seahawks

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Green Bay is one of 16 teams to have multiple weeks of these joint practices.

A few years ago, the NFL shifted to a 17-game regular season schedule. With this change came a reduction in the preseason from four games to three. NFL teams have always looked for creative ways to get more meaningful reps to inform their final roster cuts at the end of the preseason, but the loss of one game ratcheted those efforts up considerably.

One way that several NFL teams have elected to get additional competitive drills is by participating in joint practices. This, well, practice is one that the Green Bay Packers in particular have embraced under head coach Matt LaFleur, who has scheduled at least one week of joint practice in every season but one since he was hired on. Notably, the only omission is in 2020, when the preseason was canceled in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In keeping with a growing trend around the NFL, the Packers are doubling up this summer for the second straight season. After practicing against the Broncos (in Denver) and the Baltimore Ravens (in Green Bay) during their 2024 training camp, the Packers will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts before hosting the Seattle Seahawks in weeks two and three of the preseason, respectively.

Indeed, the Packers are hardly the only NFL team that is embracing this approach. A whopping 16 NFL teams — fully half of the teams in the league — will participate in multiple weeks of joint practices this summer. That number comes from a list published by the NFL and reported by NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero:

The full list of 24 joint practices for NFL teams during training camp in August: pic.twitter.com/YJrJa3UtXF

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 18, 2025​

Of those 18 teams, however, there is exactly one that will practice jointly with preseason opponents before all three preseason games. That team is the Miami Dolphins, who will travel to Chicago and Detroit before hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Pelissero’s list technically lists 24 sets of joint practices, including two entries listing the New York Jets and New York Giants. However, those two teams will simply trade off consecutive days of practice in a single week between their nearby facilities, rather than having two separate weeks of joint practices.

Most of the teams practicing jointly over two different weeks are choosing to hold one session at home and one on the road, as the Packers are scheduled to do. Only the Browns, Rams, and Titans are away from home for all of their joint practices, while the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are the only teams to host both sets of sessions.

The Rams have a particularly unusual setup as well. Sean McVay’s team will have two sets of joint practices at other teams’ training camp sites before the Rams serve as the home team for the following exhibition games. In the first week of the preseason, they host the Dallas Cowboys, but the two teams will practice at Dallas’ camp facility in Oxnard, CA instead of at the Rams’ main site in Inglewood. Additionally, the Rams are technically the host team when they play the Chargers for week two of the preseason, though the two teams call the same stadium home. The Rams will practice away from their home base again that week, with the two teams set to work out at the Chargers’ facility.

Look for this trend to continue expanding in 2026 and beyond as coaches and front offices keep trying to find extra ways to create competitive practice periods during training camp.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...-practices-packers-to-face-colts-and-seahawks

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Jaire Alexander would have taken Ravens’ deal to stay with Packers per his father

JAMIE GERMANO / USA TODAY NETWORK

Landis Alexander spoke with ESPN Wisconsin for 13 minutes to clear up rumors about his son.

After former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander signed with the Baltimore Ravens, Alexander’s father, Landis Alexander, paid a visit to ESPN Wisconsin to set the record straight on what has happened with his son over the last year. In a 13-minute interview, the elder Alexander dispelled several theories that have developed over recent weeks.

Immediately, Landis stated that “the structure [of a renegotiated contract] was more of the problem than the money.” When he was asked if Jaire would have stayed with the Packers had the team handed him the same one-year, $4 million offer with $2 million in incentives, Alexander replied, “Yes.”

That’s going to be tough for some Packers fans to hear, as the immediate reaction to Alexander’s contract numbers on social media were responses from people who believed that Alexander wasn’t going to re-sign with Green Bay at any number, let alone less promised cash than Keisean Nixon is under contract for in 2025.

So why does contract structure matter in this case? First of all, Landis claimed that “all the money” in the Packers’ deal came in the form of week-to-week roster bonuses. As long as Alexander played these games, the cash flow wouldn’t be too different than a player’s salary (game checks), but this money would be taken off the table had he missed time with injury. On top of that, salary for vested veterans is guaranteed if they are able to make the Week 1 roster, while roster bonuses aren’t. So, even non-guaranteed salary converts to guaranteed salary for veterans who make the final roster, but a roster bonus structure was one way Green Bay could have worked around that roster mechanic.

This true week-to-week option for the Packers would have also turned Alexander into a much more appealing asset, one who could have been traded or even released at mid-season without any extra dead cap associated with the move. Landis believes that Green Bay ultimately wanted to trade him, rather than have him play out the season. If this is the case, Alexander, presuming he didn’t get the team to agree to the hyper-rare no-trade clause, wouldn’t have been able to control where he ended up landing.

Beyond just the contract details, Lanis also stated that the Buffalo Bills were the team that went the furthest with the Packers in trade talks. He then mentioned that “had [the team] taken [Alexander’s PCL] injury seriously,” the cornerback would have been back to play in the postseason this year. According to Jaire’s father, Alexander’s PCL injury recovered on the projected timeline, but it was later discovered that previous injuries, stressed by the 2024 PCL injury, led to issues in the recovery process. It’s Landis’ belief that had the team scoped Alexander’s knee earlier, everyone involved would have been more educated on Jaire’s knee issue, and he could have returned to the field in 2024. Instead, Alexander played just 10 snaps after Week 8.

If you’d like to listen to the full interview on ESPN Wisconsin, you can find it in the YouTube video linked below:

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...-contract-offer-rumors-landis-father-dad-espn

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Former Packers cornerback signs with Dallas Cowboys

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Robert Rochell signed with Dallas on Wednesday after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs

Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Robert Rochell, who previously signed with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, signed with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday. Rochell signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs in free agency but was released in May following Kansas City’s selection of cornerback Nohl Williams in the third round of the 2025 draft.

Rochell was a player who could have potentially played a role on the Packers’ 2025 roster, as they are in desperate need of depth at the position. Cornerbacks Rochell and Corey Ballentine, two players who played more special-teams snaps than kicker Brandon McManus last year, left Green Bay in free agency this year. On top of that, Eric Stokes signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, and cornerback Jaire Alexander was released.

As far as proven NFL bodies go, the trio of Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine highlight the Packers’ cornerback room. After that, though, the most proven player on the bench is probably Gregory Junior, who was signed by the team in May and is on his fourth NFL team in four years. Junior played 93 defensive snaps and 106 special teams snaps for the 2023 Jacksonville Jaguars, but spent all of 2024 on the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans’ practice squads.

Unfortunately, there won’t be a reunion here between Rochell and the Packers. You can go ahead and scratch Rasul Douglas off the list, too. The cornerback, who Green Bay traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2023, replied, “Don’t think that will happen buddy,” to a tweet asking him to return to the Packers. Later on in the thread, he stated, “They got Bo Melton,” the receiver who is converting to defensive back this offseason.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...cowboys-kansas-city-chiefs-update-2025-roster

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers release training camp schedule for 2025 with 14 open practices

Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Get those bikes ready!

The Green Bay Packers will start their 2025 training camp on Wednesday, July 23rd, and will conclude their preseason at home against the Seattle Seahawks exactly one month later, on Saturday, August 23rd. In between, however, the team’s schedule was unclear until Thursday afternoon, when the Packers revealed their full schedule for camp.

This year’s training camp will feature 14 practices that are open to the public, including the annual Family Night event. More than half of those are in the first two weeks, however, with five taking place during the week of July 27 to August 2 alone. All of the public practices except for Family Night are currently scheduled to start at 10:30 AM Central Time.

Also notable is that the Packers will practice on the morning of Friday, July 25th, which is the same day that the franchise will hold its annual meeting for shareholders. The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 PM inside Lambeau Field.

Here is the full list of scheduled open practices:

• Wednesday, July 23
• Thursday, July 24
• Friday, July 25 — followed by Annual Shareholders Meeting
• Sunday, July 27
• Monday, July 28
• Wednesday, July 30
• Thursday, July 31
• Saturday, August 2 — Family Night
• Tuesday, August 5
• Wednesday, August 6
• Thursday, August 7
• Tuesday, August 12
• Tuesday, August 19
• Thursday, August 21 — Joint practice with Seattle Seahawks

Notably, the Packers have just a single open practice during the week leading up to their second preseason game, which will come on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. This is due in large part to the team traveling to Indianapolis earlier in the week for a joint practice at the Colts’ facility. The Colts have not yet confirmed their training camp schedule or whether that joint practice will also be open to the public.

The Packers’ preseason games are each on Saturdays this August and will all be broadccast nationally on NFL Network. Green Bay will host the New York Jets on August 9, they visit the Colts on the 16th, then they will finish the preseason at home against the Seahawks on the 23rd.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...ice-schedule-release-14-public-open-practices

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Weekend Open Thread: How do you feel about the Jaire Alexander ordeal?

Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images

Speak now or forever hold your peace

Let’s finally put this to rest (at least until Week 17). Fire off your final thoughts about everything that’s happened with the Green Bay Packers and Jaire Alexander over the past couple of months.

To recap:

Alexander was held onto until the start of minicamp, when he and his non-guaranteed $17.5 million cash commitment in 2025 were let go by the Packers. Green Bay reworked a new one-year contract with Alexander so they could assume all of his dead cap this year, rather than split it between the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Ultimately, the scheduling of the cap accounting doesn’t matter much, as unused cap space in 2025 would have rolled over in 2026, aside from limiting the Packers’ cap flexibility this season.

The Packers didn’t receive anything in return for Alexander, despite Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst stating repeatedly that he wished to get something back for the cornerback. Based on what the cornerback’s father has said since Alexander signed with the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year, $4 million contract with $2 million in incentives, the Packers offered Alexander a contract that featured no guarantees and leaned even further into the incentive structure. According to Landis Alexander, Jaire would have accepted a restructured contract had it been on par with the contract the Ravens signed him to.

So, how are you feeling about all this? Speak now or forever hold your peace.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...-do-you-feel-about-the-jaire-alexander-ordeal

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Friday Cheese Curds: Understanding contract decisions on 4th-year Packers

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

One eligible player didn’t get a 5th-year option because of his position definition, but the Packers are working on a handful of extensions.

The Green Bay Packers have a good problem to deal with: having too many players that they want to give contract extensions to from a recent draft class. The class in question is from 2022, when the team selected Georgia defenders Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt in the first round.

The Packers could have given both of those players option years for 2026, but chose to exercise the option on only Wyatt. In a recent interview, general manager Brian Gutekunst said that the team chose not to give the option to Walker because of how the NFL defines linebackers. In short, the league lumps 3-4 edge rushers in with all off-ball linebackers when calculating those option amounts, inflating the number for the latter group, which is paid less than pass-rushers.

Wyatt, on the other hand, got his option year for 2026, but that doesn’t mean that Walker is on his way out next offseason. He is one of a few players that the Packers are prioritizing in contract negotiations, along with 4th-round pick Zach Tom. The team also has plenty of tough decisions coming on other players as well, with wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, guard Sean Rhyan, and left tackle Rasheed Walker all heading into the final years of their rookie contracts.

Who gets a deal done first? My money is still on Tom, but the Packers have been vocal about wanting to come to an agreement with Quay Walker as well. Don’t expect anything to be signed prior to training camp, but there is at least a decent chance that someone might sign before the regular season starts.

Packers working on contract extensions for OL Zach Tom, LB Quay Walker | Packers Wire
Brian Gutekunst confirmed that discussions about new contracts for both of these 4th-year players are in the works, while noting that the NFL's rules around positions are the only reason why they did not use a 5th-year option on Walker.

All Signs Point to Breakout Season for Packers Defender | SI.com
Meanwhile, the Packers did pick up the 5th-year option on Devonte Wyatt, and they are expecting a big breakout from him to help the pass rush.

Green Bay Packers hosting third annual 'Girls Flag Open' event | WFRV
With girls' flag football becoming more popular throughout the country, officials with the Green Bay Packers announced the team will once again be hosting its 'Girls Flag Open' event.

Were late 1950s Packers drafts Lisle Blackbourn’s or Jack Vainisi’s? | Packers.com
Unfamiliar with those names? Blackbourn was the team's head coach prior to Vince Lombardi while Vainisi was a talent scout, but the coach had final say on draft picks during that time.

Minnesota’s Hormel sues Wisconsin’s Johnsonville over stolen trade secrets | Star-Tribune
Yikes. There's nothing like a good, old-fashioned sausage war involving intellectual property.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...n-4th-year-packers-zach-tom-quay-walker-wyatt

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Thursday Cheese Curds: Packers’ Anthony Belton isn’t the only unsigned second-round pick

Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Seems most second rounders have a sudden case of “guarantee-itis.”

As of today, Green Bay Packers second-round draft pick Anthony Belton remains unsigned. But don’t panic — this reflects a broader league-wide delay affecting the entire second round of the NFL Draft.

Belton’s impending deal is largely predetermined. It’s projected at over $8 million, including a $2.466 million signing bonus, with the key sticking point being the percentage of guaranteed money.

The predetermined nature of the deal is part of the current collective bargaining agreement, but as SI’s Bill Huber explained in a recent article, second-round picks being at an impasse over guaranteed money is now a trend.

Apparently, the trend stems from New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, the 40th overall pick, reportedly demanding that his entire four-year deal be fully guaranteed. This marks a potential shift in contract norms. Last year’s No. 40 pick had significant guarantees through Year 3 and partial guarantees for Year 4. If Shough succeeds, it could set a new benchmark for other second-rounders, including Belton.

Despite the contract delay, Belton has participated fully in offseason practices, showing athleticism and potential. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich was impressed, noting, “He’s a big guy but he moves really well.” Offensive line coach Luke Butkus added that Belton, having slimmed down from over 360 pounds, is now showing even more agility and promise.

Here’s Why Packers Haven’t Signed Second-Round Draft Pick Anthony Belton - The Packers haven’t signed their second-round pick, offensive lineman Anthony Belton, but they’re not alone.

Former Packers cornerback signs with Dallas Cowboys - Old friend alert: Robert Rochelle is headed to Dallas.

Packers’ Weapon, Finally Healthy, Eyes Breakout Season - Can Marshawn Lloyd be a meaningful contributor for the Packers in 2025?

Where Does Packers’ Skill-Position Supporting Cast for Jordan Love Rank? - PFF ranked each team’s group of pass catchers and running backs. Here’s where the Packers stack up.

Elderly man drives Mercedes sedan down Rome’s Spanish Steps and gets stuck - Not sure what’s weirder: the fact that the guy was not intoxicated, or the fact that apparently someone tries to drive down the Spanish steps once every few years.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...lton-isnt-the-only-unsigned-second-round-pick

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Why the NFL’s 2nd-round rookies are still unsigned

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

30 of the NFL’s 32 second-round selections from the 2025 draft have still not inked deals with their new teams.

While Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart is stealing headlines among unsigned rookies, due to the fact that he’s not participating in offseason practices with his team, there are still plenty of 2025 draft picks who have yet to sign their rookie contracts.

Below is the breakdown of players who are unsigned by round:

• 1st round: 2 (Stewart and Denver’s Jahdae Barron)
• 2nd round: 30
• 3rd round: 3
• 4th round: 5
• 5th round: 0
• 6th round: 0
• 7th round: 0

It doesn’t take a math whiz to figure out which group is unlike the others: the second-rounders. That, to me, is a much bigger story than Stewart v. Cincinnati.

So what’s going on here? Why haven’t second-rounders signed their rookie deals?

First of all, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t agreed upon with NFL rookie contracts. Since the 2011 NFL collective bargaining agreement, the league has operated under a rookie wage scale, which essentially decides how much money a rookie will make based on where he was selected in the draft. Basically, raw cash is not something that can really be negotiated at the table.

What is up to teams and players’ representation, though, is how much of that money is guaranteed and what types of clauses there will be in these contracts. For example, Stewart’s beef with the Bengals right now seems to center around clauses that would give Cincinnati the ability to default on guarantees under certain circumstances. In short, it’s an argument over language.

For second-rounders, though, the big issue right now is guaranteed money. The Houston Texans were quick to give their wide receiver Jayden Higgins, the second pick in the second round of the 2025 draft, a fully guaranteed $11.7 million contract, which was the first fully guaranteed contract for a second-round pick in the history of the NFL. For perspective, the Packers’ Javon Bullard, a 2024 second-round pick, only received $3.8 million in guarantees last year.

At the moment, the only players in the second round who have signed their deals to date are Higgins and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, the first pick in the second round, who have both signed fully guaranteed deals. The next 31 players selected behind that duo in the 2025 draft remain unsigned.

The 66th pick in the draft, Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Ashton Gillotte, signed for $1.5 million guaranteed earlier this offseason, which means that those 31 unsigned players between Gillotte and Higgins — including the Packers’ Anthony Belton — are currently waiting out the second-round market to see how the guarantees play out closer to their draft slots. NFL owners and general managers can’t be too happy with the fallout of the Texans’ deal with Higgins right now.

The highest selected unsigned second-rounder at the moment is the Seattle Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori. Whenever he signs his deal, that should be a pretty big domino to fall, which should get the ball rolling on the other second-round selections. Until then, we’re stuck sitting and waiting to see if players get closer to the $11.7 million in guarantees that Higgins received or the $1.5 million in guarantees that Gillotte got. Obviously, there’s a pretty sizeable gulf between the two tentpoles that are set around the unsigned Day 2 selections. And that’s why the NFL’s second-rounders have, by and large, not signed with their teams even after minicamp.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...signed-2025-rookies-nfl-draft-second-rounders

 

[Green Bay Packers]

UFL to NFL 2025 signings tracker

Jeff Le-Imagn Images

An updated look at which UFL players have signed with NFL teams, along with NFL probability tiers.

The United Football League season is over, so congratulations are in order for the champion DC Defenders.

At the moment, the Green Bay Packers have an open roster spot, as they’ve only filled out 89 of their 90 roster spots — beyond their international exemption of kicker Alex Hale. Obviously, the most likely path between now and the start of training camp in late July is that the Packers sign (at least) a player from the spring league to fill out their roster

The question now becomes who that player will be.

Nicholas Thorn of Pro Football Newsroom, which does a great job of covering the UFL, has recently posted his NFL probability projections for players coming off the 2025 season. According to his numbers from last year, the players he deemed as “Tier 1” NFL prospects signed with NFL teams at a rate of 92 percent (100 tryout rate), while his “Tier 2” players were signed at a 45 percent clip (58 tryout rate). From there, the Tier 3, 4 and 5 players were brought into the NFL at 28 percent, 14 percent and 3 percent rates, respectively.

This is all to say, Thorn does a pretty good job of figuring out which players have at least a 50-50 chance of getting a look in the NFL.

So with that in mind, below are the players Thorn has given Tier 1 or Tier 2 grades to, by position, following the 2025 UFL campaign.

Quarterbacks​

Tier 1​

• Bryce Perkins, Michigan Panthers

Tier 2​

• Jordan Ta’amu, DC Defenders

Running Backs​

Tier 1​

• Jashaun Corbin, San Antonio Brahmas (signed by Atlanta Falcons)
• Jacob Saylors, St. Louis Battlehawks
• Deon Jackson, DC Defenders

Tier 2​

• Dae Dae Hunter, Arlington Renegades
• Toa Taua, Michigan Panthers

Wide Receivers​

Tier 1​

• None

Tier 2​

• Deon Cain, Birmingham Stallions
• Justin Hall, Houston Roughnecks
• Braylon Sanders, DC Defenders
• Cornell Powell, DC Defenders
• Ty Scott, DC Defenders

Tight Ends​

Tier 1​

• None

Tier 2​

• None

Offensive Linemen​

Tier 1​

• T Ricky Lee, Arlington Renegades
• T Yasir Durant, DC Defenders
• T Ryan Nelson, Michigan Panthers

Tier 2​

• G Deonte Brown, Birmingham Stallions
• G Barry Wesley, Birmingham Stallions (signed by New Orleans Saints)
• C Cole Schneider, Birmingham Stallions (former Packer)
• C Alec Lindstrom, Memphis Showboats
• T James Tunstall, Memphis Showboats
• C Mike Panasiuk, St. Louis Battlehawks
• G Liam Fornadel, DC Defenders
• G Jake Burton, Michigan Panthers

Defensive Linemen​

Tier 1​

• Kyron Barrs, Arlington Renegades
• Amani Bledsoe, Arlington Renegades

Tier 2​

• Perrion Winfrey, Birmingham Stallions (signed by Dallas Cowboys)
• Josiah Bronson, Memphis Showboats
• Rashard Lawrence, San Antonio Brahmas
• Austin Faoliu, St. Louis Battlehawks
• Joseph Wallace, DC Defenders
• Devonnsha Maxwell, DC Defenders

Edge Rushers​

Tier 1​

• Bradlae Anae, Birmingham Stallions

Tier 2​

• Willie Taylor, Arlington Renegades
• Ronnie Perkins, Birmingham Stallions
• TJ Franklin, Houston Roughnecks
• DeVere Levelston, Memphis Showboats
• Malik Fisher, DC Defenders
• Ron Stone Jr., Michigan Panthers

Linebackers​

Tier 1​

• Marvin Moody, Houston Roughnecks

Tier 2​

• Tae Crowder, Birmingham Stallions

Cornerbacks​

Tier 1​

• Jayden Price, Arlington Renegades
• Steven Gilmore, Birmingham Stallions
• Keenan Isaac, Houston Roughnecks
• Cameron Dantzler, Memphis Showboats
• Lance Boykin, Memphis Showboats

Tier 2​

• Chris Claybrooks, Arlington Renegades
• Nick Whiteside, St. Louis Battlehawks
• Armani Marsh, Houston Roughnecks
• Deandre Baker, DC Defenders
• DJ Miller Jr., Michigan Panthers
• Kedrick Whitehead, Michigan Panthers

Safeties​

Tier 1​

• None

Tier 2​

• None

Specialists​

Tier 1​

• K Harrison Mevis, Birmingham Stallions (signed by New York Jets)
• K Rodrigo Blakenship, St. Louis Battlehawks

Tier 2​

• K Lucas Havrisik, Arlington Renegades

UFL Players Signed to NFL​

• RB Jashaun Corbin (Tier 1) to Atlanta Falcons
• TE Seth Green to New Orleans Saints
• TE Sal Cannella to Cleveland Browns (former Packer)
• TE Geor’Quarius Spivey to Kansas City Chiefs
• T Yasir Durant (Tier 1) to New England Patriots
• G Barry Wesley (Tier 2) to New Orleans Saints
• DL Perrion Winfrey (Tier 2) to Dallas Cowboys (former Packers visitor)
• CB Jayden Price (Tier 1) to New Orleans Saints
• CB Mario Goodrich to Denver Broncos
• CB Damon Arnette to Houston Texans
• K Harrison Mevis (Tier 1) to New York Jets

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2025/6/18/24451418/ufl-to-nfl-2025-signings-tracker-news-update

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Aaron Rodgers says he’s playing just 1 more season

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

“I’m pretty sure this is it,” said the quarterback on The Pat McAfee Show.

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers might only play his former team just one time in his NFL career. On his Tuesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, he told ESPN’s crew that this will more than likely be his final season in the NFL.

“I’m pretty sure this is it,” said the four-time MVP. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal.”

Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers just before minicamp, allowing the 42-year-old to redeem himself for his five-win tenure with the New York Jets.

The Packers will play the Steelers in Pittsburgh in Week 8, a game that is currently scheduled to be played on Sunday Night Football. There will be no shortage of eyes on that game. The Steelers, overall, will have a large national presence early on in the season. Four of their six games from Week 4 to Week 10 will be island games, either played in primetime or the early kick slot in Europe.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...rement-rumors-update-pittsburgh-steelers-2025

 

[Green Bay Packers]

PFF analyst leaves Matt LaFleur off of his top NFL head coaches list

Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers’ Matt LaFleur didn’t make the cut for Pro Football Focus’ top 10 head coaches going into the 2025 season.

Earlier this week, Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman published a top 10 returning head coaches list ahead of the 2025 season. As expected, the usual names were on the list (subscription required): Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, John Harbaugh, and Mike Tomlin. Unexpectedly, Matt LaFleur was left off the top 10 list. And it’s not clear why.

There were no honorable mentions or justifications for why certain coaches were left off or ranked where they were. Rather, the list seems to primarily focus on who’s won a Super Bowl at some point in their coaching career. Fair or unfair, that’s always going to be the standard. But even there, the rankings are puzzling.

PFF Head Coaching Rankings​

1. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
2. Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
3. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
4. John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
5. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
7. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
8. Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles
9. Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
10. Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns

The list is above. Draw your own conclusions, but I have several quarrels with it personally. Among them are the rankings on this list of Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, neither of which have done anything to merit top 10 consideration except winning a Super Bowl 10+ years ago.

Mike Tomlin boasts an impressive 183-107-2 head coaching record, has never even had a losing season as a head coach, and has won a Super Bowl, way back in 2008, and lost one to the Packers in 2010. Since that Super Bowl loss, the Steelers have won just three playoff games and just one since 2016. His quarterback situation has primarily stalled them in the playoffs since then.

But even Kyle Shanahan managed to make the playoffs and win multiple games with a third-string quarterback recently. Tomlin shouldn’t be held to a different, lower standard because he’s won a Super Bowl in a different era.

Consequently, John Harbaugh being ranked in the top 10 is also worthy of scorn. Harbaugh has the opposite problem of Tomlin. He has a two-time MVP quarterback, has won multiple more playoff games than his division rival, but still cannot get the job done with some of the best rosters in the NFL and one of the best quarterbacks we’ve ever seen in our lifetime.

Every time the Ravens get into the playoffs, Harbaugh’s talented rosters never live up to the hype, except for Lamar Jackson. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations every season, their defense has not been able to generate a single interception since the 2020 playoffs, with their last turnover coming in the 2022 playoffs, a recovered fumble. The last two playoff runs, that defense has played in four games and hasn’t generated a single turnover.

Other questionable coaches on the list:

Sean Payton as the #2-ranked head coach? Another one riding the coattails of a Super Bowl, 15 years old. Payton led six teams with losing records in his tenure with the Saints while also having a Hall of Fame quarterback. He was out of the NFL for two seasons, came back as the Broncos' head coach, and led the 16th most efficient offense last season in EPA/play. The heart and soul, for now, of that Broncos team is the defense, and the number two rank is…well…rank. Top 10? Maybe. I do think Payton did an excellent job getting efficient production out of a limited rookie quarterback last season.

Nick Sirianni? There perhaps isn’t a more “I did nothing on the group project and still got an A” in head coach form than Sirianni. Yeah, he also won a Super Bowl, thanks to general manager Howie Roseman. Sirianni was nice enough to stop yelling at fans or trying to fight other coaches on his staff long enough for a playoff run to materialize into a Super Bowl, even if Roseman’s offseason hires of Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio were the REAL reasons why. Fangio is still there, but Kellen Moore is gone. We’ll see if they can weather that storm.

Dan Campbell, for some reason, also gets too much of the shine for what Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn did for that team. Perhaps no coaching staff has more to prove than the Lions after losing both of their coordinators, one of them to a division rival, and a Super Bowl window that is just about shut for now.

Kevin Stefanski? Hard pass there as well. The Browns' head coach is 41-46 with one playoff win and was partially responsible for trading Baker Mayfield away to make room for Deshaun Watson. Yet he’s managed to somehow hold onto his job. It’s baffling. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield resurrected his career after brief stints with the Panthers and Rams, and has played in the same number of playoff games in the last two seasons that Stefanski has in his coaching career.

I’m sensing a theme here with these coaches, outside of Payton, they all seem to be the CEO-type of head coach. It’s questionable how much of their success is because of them or because of their respective staffs. I wouldn’t rank any of them currently in the top 10 except for Payton.

The case for Matt LaFleur​

Matt LaFleur gets no credit, apparently, for anything because he won a ton of games with a future Hall of Fame quarterback when he took over as head coach. No one can deny Aaron Rodgers’ greatness, but he’s not exactly done anything in his post-Packers career. And LaFleur has had two winning seasons since Rodgers departed and has taken the team to the playoffs twice since then. He’s 67-33 in the regular season with a 3-5 playoff record.

Granted, he has not gotten it done either, has several playoff losses to Kyle Shanahan and one to Tom Brady, but one of those teams was an eventual Super Bowl champion anyway, and the 49ers have lost twice to Andy Reid in the Super Bowl with Shanahan. Football is funny like that.

Small sample sizes being what they are, it’s easy to forget, or not realize, that LaFleur has had five top 10 offenses in EPA/play since 2019, with three of those being in the top 5 of the NFL, including one of those years in the top 5 with first year starter Jordan Love.

In fact, if LaFleur and the Packers finish above .500, then it’s certain they will have a top 10 offense at the very least. Those top 10 offensive seasons have come in years where they finish above .500. The season they finished 8-9? They were ranked 11th in EPA/play on offense. And the offensive talent hasn’t been great post-Rodgers/Davante Adams, but LaFleur has found ways to win games with the roster they have.

Another reason why LaFleur should be on it? Malik Willis. Enough said.

This would be my top 10:

1. Andy Reid
2. Kyle Shanahan
3. Sean McVay
4. Matt LaFleur
5. Kevin O’Connell
6. Jim Harbaugh
7. DeMeco Ryans
8. Mike McDonald
9. Sean McDermott
10. Sean Payton

Who would be in your top 10? Where would you rank LaFleur?

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...-focus-matt-lafleur-top-nfl-head-coaches-list

 

[Green Bay Packers]

The NFL Supplemental Draft is dead

Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images

The league will not hold a supplemental draft in 2025. Their last supplemental draft choice was made in 2019.

It’s been years since the NFL’s last supplemental draft. The last player selected via the supplemental draft process was Jalen Thompson, a safety who was taken in the fifth round by the Arizona Cardinals back in 2019.

There are a couple of reasons why players aren’t testing the NFL beyond the traditional draft. First of all, the NCAA continues to lose legal battles around player movement and compensation, which is allowing players to earn at the college level and transfer at will. In this world, a Terrelle Pryor (2011 third-round pick) never gets suspended by the NCAA for “improper benefits” and never has to enter the supplemental draft in the first place.

Over the last decade, there have been all of three players who have been picked in the supplemental draft: Two players (Sam Beal and Adonis Alexander) who were ruled academically ineligible, and one player (Thompson) who was ruled ineligible by the NCAA due to taking a non-steroid over-the-counter supplement.

It’s just rarer to find players who want to jump to the NFL post-minicamp rather than testing their chances in the transfer portal. The whole pool, at this point, should only be comprised of players who have been ruled ineligible by the NCAA, which isn’t a large group of players to begin with. Even then, the alternative of spring leagues presents an opportunity.

Back in 2020, the XFL signed Kenny Robinson, who was expelled from West Virginia due to academic fraud. Instead of transferring to a different institution, he played spring league football and was ultimately taken in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft following his lone season in the XFL. That’s proof of concept that a player could play in an alternative league, rather than just the NCAA, and preserve his stock to go through the traditional NFL draft process.

On Friday, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler reported that the NFL made the decision not to host a supplemental draft in 2025. At this point, it’s uncertain if we’ll see a supplemental draft choice made in the near future.

According to Brugler, one player who was considering the supplemental draft route was former Utah State running back Rahsul Faison. Faison began his college career in 2020 at the junior college level, though he did not play during the COVID-19 season. He also didn’t step on the field in 2021, when he transferred to Marshall. In 2022, Faison jumped back down to the JuCo level before spending 2023 and 2024 with Utah State.

In theory, Faison should have been given a free roll on his 2020 season, due to eligibility being preserved for the COVID-19 season across the board. His 2021 season should have counted as a redshirt year, meaning that he should have eligibility through the 2025 season — which he’s hoping to spend at South Carolina, where he transferred.

Still, the NCAA is making Faison file a waiver for his eligibility, a ruling they have yet to finalize, despite courts already stating that JuCo eligibility has to be separated from NCAA eligibility, as the NCAA doesn’t have oversight over the JuCo level of the sport. That’s why Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who graduated from high school the same year as Faison, still has NCAA eligibility despite never having redshirted at all during his five years of college football.

Just the fact that Faison is willing to take his chances at transfer portal money to play at South Carolina, rather than moving to the professional level via the supplemental draft, goes to show you how limited a future supplemental draft player pool will be moving forward. Last year, Faison earned second-team All-Mountain West honors with Utah State and rushed for 1,109 yards on 198 carries (5.6 yards per carry).

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...ews-nfl-supplemental-draft-2025-rahsul-faison

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Report: Packers were interested in signing former 1st round cornerback

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Green Bay, along with San Francisco, has been linked to the newest Houston Texans cornerback, Damon Arnette Jr.

According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers were interested in signing former first-round pick and UFL cornerback Damon Arnette Jr., who wound up inking a deal with the Houston Texans. At the moment, the Packers still have an open roster spot available on their summer roster. Arnette is the first UFL player who has been linked to Green Bay since the spring league’s 2025 season has concluded.

If the name Arnette rings a bell, it’s because Arnette had an infamous run in the NFL in his first stint in the league. After being a surprise early selection with the 19th overall pick in the 2020 draft (he was ranked 60th on the consensus draft board) under then Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock, Arnette only ever started seven games for the Raiders (all as a rookie) and only suited up for a total of 13 NFL games.

The 2019 second-team All-Big Ten cornerback dealt with two runs on the injured reserve in 2020 and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list that year. In his second year in the NFL, he ended up backing up another rookie contract player, Tayvon Mullen, and former Packers cornerback Casey Hayward. His time with the Raiders overlapped with Green Bay special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Rich Bisaccia’s time with Las Vegas.

Later on in 2021, Arnette’s legal troubles began, which ultimately led to his release from Vegas.

In early November of that year, it was revealed that Arnette was involved in a car crash that left a woman injured while he left the scene. Three days after that news broke, a video surfaced of Arnette making death threats while pointing guns at a camera. At this point, the Raiders moved on and waived the cornerback.

Dawg wtf is going on in Las Vegas? Look at Raiders CB Damon Arnette flexing a gun saying he gon kill somebody smh pic.twitter.com/PiJKT5Cyq7

— Robert (@RobertRaymond46) November 6, 2021​

To take you back to that place and time, Henry Ruggs, a fellow 2020 Raiders first-round pick, killed a woman in a fatal collision on November 2nd, 2021.

Toward the end of the 2021 season, the South Florida native signed with the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. When his practice squad contract expired, Arnette joined the Kansas City Chiefs on a reserve/futures deal, which lasted less than two weeks before he was arrested in Vegas and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a weapon without a permit and two counts of possession of controlled substances. Eventually, he agreed to a plea deal that forced him to pay a $2,000 fine and serve 50 hours of community service, on top of surrendering his gun.

In July of that year, he was pulled over twice in the same vehicle. The first time he was pulled over, it was discovered that he was driving on a suspended license. The second time, he was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and a suspended license.

His legal issues didn’t stop there, though, as he was arrested at 3:30 am on January 6th, 2024 and charged with possession of methamphetamine and unlawful carrying of a firearm in north Texas.

Former Dallas Cowboys player and FOX NFL color commentator Daryl “Moose” Johnston, who is the executive vice president of football operations of the United Football League, has been a vocal advocate of Arnette, claiming that the player has matured since his stretch of legal issues. UFL teammates and his former head coach, Jon Gruden, have also come to his support in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old, soon to be 29, will now have his chance to redeem himself in the NFL with the Texans, four years after the last time he played his last game in the league.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...texans-rumors-ufl-2025-first-round-cornerback

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Friday Cheese Curds: Bob Harlan doesn’t get enough credit

Photo by Matt Ludtke/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Harlan is the architect of the modern Packers franchise, and it’s time we make sure the rest of the NFL understands that.

In recent years, Green Bay Packers fans have mounted impressive campaigns for many former players to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jerry Kramer, LeRoy Butler, and Sterling Sharpe all have busts in Canton — or in Sharpe’s case, he will have one in a few weeks — thanks in large part to the support of Packers fans worldwide.

With those players all enshrined, it may be time for fans to focus on a campaign for another legendary figure in franchise history, but one who is all too easily forgotten because of his softspoken nature and work behind the scenes. Yes, I am referring to former team president & CEO Bob Harlan.

Harlan is the single most important person to the Packers existing in their current form today. Around 35 years ago, he moved into the head role with the franchise and in a few short years, turned it around from a perennial cellar-dweller to one of the most successful modern franchises in football. Given the Packers’ importance and historical significance to the NFL, that turnaround is something that is worthy of more league-wide recognition.

Packers fans understand how much Harlan did for the team. It’s time we make sure the rest of the NFL community does as well.

Packers Have Five of Top 25 Most Watchable Games for 2025 NFL Season | SI.com
It should come as no surprise that the Packers are near the top of this list, with a pair of games against the Lions and one each against the Commanders, Eagles, and Ravens making the cut.

Team- and player-friendly NFL contracts at six positions - ESPN
The Packers' contract with Josh Jacobs is held up as the top team-friendly deal among running backs, with him delivering on a deal that only paid him guaranteed money in 2024.

Packers hit on top draft value picks at QB, WR and OT over last 25 years | Packers Wire
Yesterday, we mentioned David Bakhtiari's appearance on a list of best value draft picks, but Ted Thompson also hit on top-five value at quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) and wide receiver (Davante Adams).

Reviewing contributions of Bob Harlan, Lee Remmel, George Calhoun, Andrew Turnbull | Packers.com
Should Bob Harlan be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? You can certainly make a strong case for it, even ahead of some other Packers-related individuals who have received some consideration.

Buccaneers sign coach Todd Bowles, GM Jason Licht to multiyear contract extensions | NFL.com
It's unclear if these two had more than one year left on their contracts. However, it's notable that they're getting extended since the Packers have chosen not to do the same for Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst this offseason with those two each locked up only through 2026.

Rare Atom sign Trash to replace somebody | HLTV.org
I had absolutely zero idea what to expect when I clicked on this headline.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...urds-6-27-bob-harlan-doesnt-get-enough-credit

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers Film Room: Examining the counter run scheme

Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images

Today’s film room breaks down the basics of a key component of the Packers’ running game.

While the Green Bay Packers’ most efficient run game concept in 2024 was Duo, we’re going to focus on their 2nd most efficient run game concept in the next two articles: the counter run scheme. In 2024, counter runs accounted for 5.1 yards per attempt, 225 total yards, and a 34.1% first down rate (far more than any other run scheme they deployed), and a 43.2% positive play rate. In this article, we’ll look at what the counter run scheme is and what it hopes to accomplish.

But what is the counter run scheme?

Counter runs are the easiest way to kill the run pursuit of an overly aggressive defense that is often able to get penetration into the backfield. Counter involves two lead blockers, usually the backside offensive guard and a fullback or tight end, or in some cases the backside tackle. While the rest of the line blocks down, the lead blockers kick out and lead the running back through a newly created gap.

The counter is an old school gap scheme run that all teams run from traditional under center and mostly two back 21 personnel formations. The backside guard usually trap blocks or kicks out the defensive end or first upfield defender while the rest of the line down blocks away from the point of attack. The use of a fullback adds an extra blocker to lead up through the hole, the down blocks, and the trapping guard.

Elements of the counter run​

The initial fake/misdirection​

The success of the counter run depends on delivering an authentic misdirection fake. The success of this deception depends on the offensive line’s correct initial movement toward the play side which is vital for deceiving defensive players.

The running back adds to the deception by taking a “rocker” step away from the play side before reversing back toward the play side and taking the hand off.

The offensive line blocks down away from the play side while a guard pulls toward the direction the run will end up hitting. During the handoff, the quarterback reverses out away from the play side before moving the ball to the play side hand before the handoff. The defensive reaction becomes automatic due to the unified action between the offensive line movement, the quarterback reverse-out, and the running back rocker step all in the same direction initially.

Creating Favorable Blocking Angles​

The play instantly changes direction to attack the defense’s opposite side once the flow is declared and the defense’s initial steps are the opposite way. The play executes two essential components during this phase.

The distinguishing feature between counter and something like “trap” or “power” is that counter uses two lead blockers, one to block the edge, and one to lead up through the hole at the point of attack. On trap, the guard would usually block the edge after pulling. On power, the guard leads through the hole without the extra puller. It should be noted though, that this isn’t always the case but are general rules, and much depends on the defensive front seven alignment.

The blocking angles become beneficial because of the linemen’s pulling action. Moving as lead blockers, they begin their play from inside the formation before crossing it. The path enables them to reach the attack point at full speed while coming from an unfamiliar defensive perspective. Their main responsibility is to drive defensive ends or first linebackers toward the initial play side fake in order to block their path toward the edge.

The linemen on the back side who stay in position perform basic blocking duties by using “down” blocks to seal defenders toward the play side. The defensive players face challenges from the blocking scheme because the defensive team aggressively pursues the initial fake. The blockers’ main responsibility consists of brief obstruction or protective maneuvers to let the RB pass by.

The blocking scheme works by having pullers strike from behind while the linemen on the back side create interior barriers which gives the RB and pullers an advantageous position against defenders who need to stop their forward motion and redirect to tackle them from the side and behind.

Why it’s effective​

Exploiting Overpursuit​

The counter run depends on psychological manipulation to achieve its success. Defensive players, particularly linebackers and defensive ends, receive training to perform fast reactions against offensive movement.

The defensive players naturally rush toward the play side after observing the QB’s action and the RB’s movement together with the offensive line’s first step that indicates a play heading in that direction.

The counter run exists to deliberately induce defensive overreactions and using them as a strategic advantage. When defensive players rush aggressively to the play side they create empty spaces on the back side of the field because they abandon their defensive responsibilities.

A pulling guard or guards who kick out the end, together with backside linemen who seal inside, create an open space in the defensive vacuum. The running back enters the wide-open area that defenders were occupying until their aggressive pursuit of the initial fake caused them to abandon it.

Final thoughts​

The counter run continues to be a fundamental attack because it provides essential tactical benefits to the offense. Fast-flowing defenders experience hesitation during this play, reducing their downhill speed and aggression for the next plays.

The effective execution of the fake creates massive cutback opportunities, which can result in explosive long runs when defenders fully commit. The system optimally uses athletic linemen by allowing their agile guards and tackles to display both power and speed in open blocking situations.

The running play acts as a crucial defensive-neutralizer because it makes defenders stay honest about their defensive alignment, thus preventing them from focusing exclusively on specific types of runs. The system maintains enduring success because it combines deceptive tactics with strategic blocking angles and forceful defensive overreactions.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...rs-film-room-examining-the-counter-run-scheme

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers Film Room: The under center counter run game

Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Let’s look at some variations of this staple play in the run game.

In the last article, we covered the basics of the counter run. Today, we will continue on to look at a few different variations by showing cut-ups of how the Green Bay Packers use counter concepts under center before we move on to shotgun counter plays later on. The cut-ups also include some plays from 2023 as well.

Under center variations​

Counter Trey​

The counter run concept has different variations. The earliest form of counter is “counter trey,” which utilizes two pullers: the backside guard and backside tackle.

The guard (G) executes a block on the defensive end before the tackle follows the block through to strike a linebacker in this scheme.

Counter GY​

The primary under center counter run variation the Packers run is 1-back counter “GY” (guard and tight end) and is usually run out of 11 or 12 personnel.

And there are variations where the play is run to the weak side in 11 personnel as well in the above cut-up.

Counter GF​

Another variation, but one that is less common, is counter “GF” (guard and fullback).

On counter GF, the play is usually run out of a 2-back I for offset I formation with the lead blocker being the F player instead of the tight end sifting across the formation.

Zone-counter​

“Zone counter” is a misdirection variation the Packers have called a couple of times; it’s more prevalent with the Rams and 49ers as a run call. This is an interesting play design that I have seen classified as inside zone, duo, and counter. The reason is that it incorporates all three elements.

Zone counter, or duo windback or duo/counter wrap, is a nice misdirection changeup to regular counter or inside zone. The windback blocker blocks the first force defender on the edge or works to the safety if no edge threat is present. For the offensive line, the blocking can look like an inside zone depending on the front and the blocking assignments.

The center/guard combo blocks the play side defensive tackle and works to the MIKE linebacker, while the play side tackle works to the SAM linebacker. The running back takes a counter step before reversing direction to follow the wrap block.

In part three, we’ll look at the Packers’ shotgun variations to this concept.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...r-center-counter-run-game-matt-lafleur-scheme

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers All-Quarter Century Team: Wide Receiver #3 voting

Jordy Nelson claimed the WR2 spot, but we have room for a third receiver.

We have our top two wide receivers on our Green Bay Packers All-Quarter Century team. Thanks to your votes, Davante Adams earned the top spot in a commanding victory, while Jordy Nelson was named WR2 with about 57 percent of the votes.

However, the Packers are largely an 11 personnel team these days, and they have used at least three wide receivers with regularity throughout the entirety of the 2000s. Therefore, we will be voting on a third wide receiver for our team from the options remaining.

Give us your pick for the third member of our receiver room.

---

Wide Receiver #3 Nominees​

Antonio Freeman (2000-2001, 2003)​

Regular season stats: 46 games played, 128 catches on 250 targets, 1,871 yards, 15 TDs
Postseason stats: 4 games played, 13 catches on 21 targets, 148 yards, 3 TDs

Freeman’s time with the Packers in the 2000s was limited, so his impact here is not nearly what it was when he was with the organization in the 90s. After feuding with HC Mike Sherman and being suspended from the team’s final game in 2001, Freeman was released by the Packers and went on to play in Philadelphia for a season. He was brought back to Green Bay for the 2003 season, but didn’t start a single game that year.

Donald Driver (2000-2012)​

4x Pro Bowl

Regular season stats: 199 games played, 740 catches on 1228 targets, 10,106 yards, 60 TDs
Postseason stats: 14 games played, 49 catches on 69 targets, 675 yards, 3 TDs

Donald Driver had the rare privilege of getting to play with two HOF Packers QBs, and he was Mr. Reliable for both of them. By 2009, he had broken the Packers’ all-time record for receptions, and by 2011 he had broken the team’s record for receiving yards. He still holds these records today.

Javon Walker (2002-2005)​

1x Pro Bowl

Regular season stats: 48 games played, 157 catches on 273 targets, 2,444 yards, 22 TDs
Postseason stats: 4 games played, 13 catches on 24 targets, 286 yards

Javon Walker was drafted to be the replacement for Antonio Freeman, and his time with the team also soured out after he demanded a new contract, and spoke poorly of the team’s handling of the situation. After threatening to hold out from the 2005 season, he ended up reporting to camp, and swiftly tore his ACL in the opener, missing the rest of the season. The day of the 2006 NFL draft, Walker was traded to the Denver Broncos for a second round pick.

Greg Jennings (2006-2012)​

2x Pro Bowl, PFWA All-Rookie Team

Regular season stats: 96 games played, 425 catches on 735 targets, 6,537 yards, 53 TDs
Postseason stats: 10 games played, 50 catches on 79 targets, 673 yards, 6 TDs

Greg Jennings became a starter for the Packers the day he was drafted and quickly made an impact, making the league’s All-Rookie team. He caught the 16-yard pass that gave Brett Favre the all-time record for TD passes, and also caught Aaron Rodgers’ first-ever TD pass. On the Packers’ way to victory in Super Bowl XLV, Jennings had 4 catches for 64 yards and 2 TDs. After his second contract with the Packers was up, Jennings went on to sign with the Minnesota Vikings in 2013.

James Jones (2007-2013, 2015)​

1x NFL receiving touchdowns leader

Regular season stats: 120 games played, 360 catches on 604 targets, 5,195 yards, 45 TDs
Postseason stats: 13 games played, 46 catches on 72 targets, 491 yards, 4 TDs

James Jones goes largely under the radar when talking about Packers receivers, due in part to some of the names he had to share the spotlight with, but he was extremely solid for the team during his tenure. After both Donald Driver and Greg Jennings departed, Jones had 817 yards in the final season of his first stint with the team. After a season with the Raiders, Jones was re-signed by the Packers just weeks after Jordy Nelson tore his ACL. In this final year with the team, Jones had a career-high 890 receiving yards, while leading the team in TD receptions (8).

Jordy Nelson (2008-2017)​

1x Second-Team All-Pro, 1x Pro Bowl, 1x NFL receiving touchdowns leader, 2016 NFL Comeback Player of the Year

Regular season stats: 136 games played, 550 catches on 836 targets, 7,848 yards, 69 TDs
Postseason stats: 13 games played, 54 catches on 83 targets, 668 yards, 5 TDs

The favorite of a ton of fans, Jordy Nelson did it all. He was the receiver who truly kicked off the Rodgers era, and what a ride it was. After working his way up the depth chart early in his career, Nelson’s breakout year came in 2011, when he finished the season with 15 TDs and 1,263 receiving yards. After tearing his ACL during a preseason game in 2015, he bounced back in 2016 with another 1,200+ yard season and led the league in receiving TDs with 14, winning the league’s Comeback Player of the Year award. Nelson’s volume dropped the following year, due in part to a broken collarbone sustained by Aaron Rodgers, and the receiver was cut after the season ended.

Randall Cobb (2011-2018, 2021-2022)​

1x Pro Bowl, PFWA All-Rookie Team

Regular season stats: 130 games played, 532 catches on 764 targets, 6,316 yards, 47 TDs
Postseason stats: 12 games played, 47 catches on 68 targets, 596 yards, 5 TDs

Randall Cobb burst onto the scene in an electric debut, tying the record for longest kickoff return in NFL history with 108 yards against the New Orleans Saints. He became one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets, despite cracking 1000 receiving yards just once. After leaving the team in free agency and doing a tour of Texas for two years, Cobb was traded back to the Packers at the request of Rodgers, becoming the veteran leader to the next generation of young receivers on the team.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2018-2021)​

Regular season stats: 59 games played, 123 catches on 247 targets, 2,153 yards, 13 TDs
Postseason stats: 3 games played, 9 catches on 15 targets, 156 yards, 1 TD

I know what you’re thinking. Why is MVS in this article? The answer? BECAUSE. He was on the team long enough and played a big enough role during his tenure that it would be malpractice to not at least mention the deep threat and his slightly buttery fingers. Get off my back.

Allen Lazard (2018-2022)​

Regular season stats: 57 games played, 169 catches on 259 targets, 2,236 yards, 20 TDs
Postseason stats: 5 games played, 11 catches on 19 targets, 200 yards, 1 TD

I know what you’re thinking. Why is MVS Allen Lazard in this article? The answer? BECAUSE. He was on the team long enough and played a big enough role during his tenure that it would be malpractice to not at least mention the deep threat guy who is currently robbing the NY Jets and his slightly buttery fingers. Get off my back.

Christian Watson (2022-present)​

Regular season stats: 38 games played, 98 catches on 172 targets, 1,653 yards, 14 TDs
Postseason stats: 2 games played, 2 catches on 3 targets, 20 yards

It’s early on in his career, but Watson needs to at least be mentioned here, since he’s been a big part of the offense for a few seasons now. In Watson’s most recent action, he tore his ACL in the team’s final game against the Bears this year. It remains to be seen how he’ll bounce back, but his presence on the field will be missed.

Romeo Doubs (2022-present)​

Regular season stats: 43 games played, 147 catches on 235 targets, 1,700 yards, 15 TDs
Postseason stats: 3 games played, 12 catches on 14 targets, 247 yards, 1 TD

It’s early on in his career, but Watson Doubs needs to at least be mentioned here, since he’s been a big part of the offense for a few seasons now. In Watson’s Doubs’ most recent action, he tore concussed his ACL brain in the team’s final game against the Bears Eagles this year. It remains to be seen how he’ll bounce back.

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Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...l-quarter-century-team-wide-receiver-3-voting

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers Top Plays of 2024, #8: Jayden Reed’s Longest Play

Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images

Reed single-handedly kept the Packers in their first game of the season,

We’re continuing our journey through the Green Bay Packers’ top 10 plays of the 2024 season as voted on by APC staff with play #8 in our countdown (check out #9 here). It’s opening day in Brazil, and the young Packers are facing the eventual Super Bowl champs.

The Game​

Both teams entered the season with high hopes. The Packers were looking to take a step forward after a narrow loss to the 49ers in the 2023 playoffs, while the Eagles were looking to return to Super Bowl form via a completely revamped secondary, and an upgrade from Matt Patricia to Vic Fangio.

The Packers struck first with two short Brayden Narveson field goals to go up 6-0 (the first of which came just after the #10 play on our countdown). The teams then alternated rushing touchdowns with Saquon Barkley recording the first two of his three on the day, split by a 33-yard scamper by our hero for this episode, Jayden Reed. After Reed’s 33-yard score the Packers went for two and failed, which put them into a 14-12 deficit upon Barkley’s second score. With 5:34 remaining in the second quarter, the Packers started their fifth drive of the game from their own 30-yard line. Love missed Josh Jacobs short on first down, followed by a miss on a deep shot to Luke Musgrave, bringing up third and ten.

The Situation​

To this point, the scoring had been fast and furious, and if the Packers missed out on a scoring opportunity, it could bury them. They were still fairly deep in their own territory, and punting would have given the Eagles decent field position to build on their two-point lead.

The Packers were also set to kick off in the second half, and giving the Eagles a chance for the double up with a lead already in hand would have been too much to overcome. The Packers needed to pick up this first down and keep the drive going, or things could have gotten ugly.

The Play​

Watch the play here!

This is Matt LaFleur at his absolute best. And to be fair, it’s also CJ Gardner-Johnson at his absolute worst. The Packers come out in 11 personnel, playing a tight formation with Tucker Kraft and Christian Watson to the right, and Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs to the left. Everyone is inside the numbers.

With six seconds left on the play clock, Watson goes in motion and no Eagles follow, signaling zone coverage. The Eagles are in dime, with Nakobe Dean as the lone linebacker. As this was the first game of the season, the Eagles had not yet discovered the pass-coverage brilliance of linebacker Zack Baun nor fully integrated rookie Cooper DeJean into coverage schemes, though DeJean is on the field here in the short right area of the zone.

The Eagles rush four and force Love from the pocket, as he steps up and to his right. Watson and the trips to the left draw the attention of most of the secondary, while back over on the right side, there are four Eagles of consequence. Darius Slay follows Kraft to the right sideline. Cooper DeJean passes off Jacobs to Nakobe Dean, who follows him to the far left side, while DeJean steps up to head off a potential Love scramble.

That leaves CJ Gardner-Johnson guarding a whole lot of field, and unfortunately for him, he’s not looking at the one player headed his direction until it’s too late.

Reed gets past safety Reed Blankenship and makes his cut, running a picture-perfect deep crosser, and Love finds him. The throw is slightly behind him, and Gardner-Johnson has a shot to bring Reed down around the 30, but the speedy slot receiver makes a nifty cut and CJ takes himself out of the play.

Reed is a bit of an unusual slot in that he’s more fast than shifty, but on this play, he was both, and once he dusted Gardner-Johnson, no one (except Christian Watson, who runs in to help celebrate) was going to catch him.

The Impact​

The Packers would ultimately drop this game 34-29 in a bit of a disaster, as Love was injured late, but big plays kept the Packers in it early, and without a pretty heroic effort from Reed, who accounted for 171 total yards and two scores, this would have been a blowout. There was only one play in the entire 2024 season that had a higher Expected Points Added (EPA) than the 6.77 gained here, and had the Packers managed to win this one, this play would likely rank quite a bit higher.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...top-plays-of-2024-8-jayden-reeds-longest-play