Packers keep their strong competition after releasing three players.
As previously reported, offensive tackle Lecitus Smith and wide receivers Julian Hicks and Dimitri Stanley were formally signed by the Green Bay Packers. And in order for the Packers to comply with the 90-man roster restriction, general manager Brian Gutekunst made three corresponding announcements.
The Packers waived/injured wide receiver Thyrick Pitts and dismissed defensive tackle Deandre Johnson as well as cornerback Anthony Johnson (who is not safety Anthony Johnson Jr.). Pitts is placed back on the Packers’ injury reserve after going through waivers and if no other team takes him.
Competition
The Packers’ decision to retain three kickers on the 90-man roster is the most puzzling of the string of actions.
The current starter is Anders Carlson, a sixth-round selection from the previous season, but Gutekunst stated he wants to create competition for the position. Thus, he signed former Minnesota Vikings players Greg Joseph, a veteran, and Jack Podlesny, a rookie.
Gutekunst remarked, “I think Anders had a promising rookie start.” “However, we desired to introduce competition. It goes without saying that holding that place is essential to us achieving our future objectives, therefore we’ll keep up the competition through training camp.”
Rookie season
As part of their youth initiative, the Packers allowed veteran kicker Mason Crosby to go in free agency last year. The succession plan hasn’t worked out, but that decision was acceptable. It is problematic in and of itself that the Packers used a sixth-round pick on a kicker, and Carlson struggled in his NFL debut.
The rookie scored at a respectable 81.8%, converting 27 of 33 field goals. Though he only converted 34 of 39 extra points, he led the NFL in missed extra points. He missed two field goals in the playoffs, one of which was a pivotal 41-yarder against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Although it’s still unknown, the Packers may try all three kickers during organized team activities before bringing them to training camp.
Packers offseason schedule:
- OTA Offseason Workouts: May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-4, June 6
- Mandatory Minicamp: June 11-13
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