Tag: Packers

Sep 8, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; General view of Lumen Field during player introductions for the Seattle Seahawks before a game against the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Protect this house: NFL teams restricting fans who sell majority of season tickets

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Season-ticket holders with an established pattern of reselling a majority of their game tickets are headed for a home-field disadvantage in the near future.

In Green Bay, Seattle, Indianapolis and Tampa Bay, current season ticket holders received warnings to consider before they sell game tickets for the upcoming season.

General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald made mention after last season of the disappearing home-field edge the Seahawks experienced during their Super Bowl contender era. Since-traded wide receiver DK Metcalf said the Packers took over Lumen Field.

Active season ticket holders in Seattle received notice that their accounts will be closely monitored during the 2025 season and renewal eligibility “may be impacted if it is determined that your tickets were primarily used for resale purposes.”

In February, the Packers began canceling season tickets for anyone who had sold “100 percent of their tickets for multiple years.”

The Buccaneers are permitting fans who spring for season tickets the opportunity to return tickets for two regular-season games in exchange for a credit toward 2026 season tickets.

–Field Level Media

Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Elgton Jenkins (74) walks off the field with an injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Packers OL Elgton Jenkins skips workouts in reported contract rift

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Two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is skipping workouts with the Packers in a reported contract rift.

Jenkins, who is making the transition from left guard to center and has also logged snaps at tackle, has two years remaining on a four-year, $68 million contract signed in 2022.

Packers offensive coordinator Andy Stenavich said Monday that Jenkins is on board with the position switch. ESPN, citing sources, reported Jenkins believes it should come with more financial security. He has no remaining guaranteed money on his contract.

At an average annual salary of $17 million per year, Jenkins’ current deal would make him the second-highest-paid center in the NFL along with Cam Jurgens (Eagles), behind only Chiefs All-Pro Creed Humphrey ($18 million).

Jenkins turns 30 in December and bumps inside to make room for free agent addition Aaron Banks to play left guard. The Packers also selected Anthony Belton (55th overall) and seventh-rounder John Williams in their 2025 draft class.

Jenkins was a second-round pick in 2019 and played center in college. General manager Brian Gutekunst has shown little interest in extending contracts for players with more than one season left on an existing contract.

“We feel he’s got a chance to be an All-Pro center. We’ve talked about it a lot, how versatility plays into our offensive line, and having guys that can move to different spots,” Gutekunst said. “And Elgton’s one of those guys who can play all five spots, so he’s a luxury. I’m excited to see what he can do at center, as well.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs past Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Colby Wooden (96) in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles, Packers to take ‘tush push’ debate on field in Week 10

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The Philadelphia Eagles will visit the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 10 in the first game announced on the “Monday Night Football” schedule.

That game, which was announced Tuesday morning on “Good Morning America,” will feature the two teams at the center of the offseason “tush push” debate.

NFL owners tabled a vote on whether to ban the controversial play at the annual league meetings on April 1 in Palm Beach, Fla.

The Packers had proposed a ban on the play, which the Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts, in particular, run with great success in short-yardage situations. The Packers’ proposal sought “to prohibit any offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap.”

The debate is not gone for good: It’s expected to resurface when owners meet again this month in Minnesota.

The Eagles kicked off the 2024 season with a 34-29 victory over the Packers in Brazil. They also ended Green Bay’s season in the playoffs, courtesy of a 22-10 decision on Jan. 12 in Philadelphia.

On Monday, the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles learned that they will begin the season at home against the rival Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4, host the Chicago Bears on Black Friday, Nov. 28, and visit the Washington Commanders on Dec. 20.

–Field Level Media

Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team quarterback Taylor Elgersma of Laurier (18) throws the ball during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Packers sign rookie Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Green Bay Packers have signed Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma, his agent confirmed Monday to NFL Network.

Elgersma, who won Canada’s version of the Heisman Trophy last year, attended a tryout earlier this month during a rookie minicamp.

The Packers had an open spot on the roster so there was no corresponding transaction. Terms were not released by the team or Elgersma’s agent, Craig Schaeffer.

“He’s got a very live arm. We could see that on tape,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur told reporters earlier this month. “He obviously played at the Senior Bowl and (passing-game coordinator Jason) Vrable got to see him there.”

Elgersma, 23, played college football at Wilfrid Laurier in Ontario from 2020-24. He earned the 2024 Hec Crighton Trophy, presented to the most outstanding Canadian football player.

After the season, the 6-foot-4, 216-pound Elgersma became the first Canadian quarterback ever invited to the Senior Bowl.

Elgersma was taken in the second round (18th overall) in the 2025 Canadian Football League draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

In addition to starter Jordan Love, the Packers also have quarterbacks Sean Clifford and Malik Willis on the roster.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (95) recovers a fumble against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Report: Packers pick up 5th-year option on Devonte Wyatt

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The Green Bay Packers are exercising their fifth-year option on defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, their 2022 first-round pick, Fox Sports reported Wednesday.

Wyatt, 27, will earn a fully guaranteed $13.922 million in 2026 barring a long-term deal with the team before then.

Wyatt has 12 sacks, 23 quarterback hits and 74 tackles in 47 career games (five starts) since being selected No. 28 overall in 2022.

Wyatt will play the 2025 season on a base salary of $2.458 million with a cap hit of $4.092 million.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander against the Miami Dolphins during their football game on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

Report: CB Jaire Alexander might stick with Packers

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After it appeared for months that the Green Bay Packers would trade or release cornerback Jaire Alexander, ESPN reported on Tuesday that while those options still remain, the team might also keep the two-time All-Pro.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said after last weekend’s draft, which saw the team select Tulane cornerback Micah Robinson in the seventh round, that Alexander’s status remains fluid.

“We’ll work through that as we go,” Gutekunst said. “But no updates there, and he is on our roster right now and that’s how we’ll proceed. But we’ll figure that out as we go along.”

Gutekunst was non-committal over whether Alexander will be in a Packers uniform this fall.

“No, I’m just saying nothing’s changed,” Gutekunst said. “No updates. We’ll proceed as we go for right now, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Alexander has two years left on the four-year extension he signed in 2022. His base salary for 2025 is $16.15 million, and in 2026 it’s $18.15 million.

If Green Bay cuts or trades Alexander with a post-June 1 designation it would cost more than $7.5 million in dead money but with around $17.1 million in cap savings, according to Over The Cap. A pre-June 1 cut or trade would mean more than $17 million in dead money and roughly $7.6 million in savings.

Alexander was a second-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl in both 2020 and 2022 but injuries have forced him to miss most of three of the previous four seasons. He appeared in only four games in 2021 and seven in both 2023 and ‘24.

The 18th overall pick by the Packers in 2018, Alexander has 12 career interceptions with a high of five in 2022. He also has three picks in seven playoff appearances.

–Field Level Media

Wide Receiver Matthew Golden of Texas poses after being selected twenty-third overall pick by the Green Bay Packers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay.

Grading the Packers’ Draft

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Grade: C-

Best Pick: WR Matthew Golden, No. 23 Overall

What We Liked: Golden at 23 was impressive value that I would’ve salivated over if I was a general manager. He should be the top target for Love instantly and finally provide an alpha presence to that room of complementary pieces. GM Brian Gutekunst took need into account well and addressed nearly all the positions that were missing starting-level talent and injected youth into rooms that had lost veterans to free agency. The floor of that team at the very least has been raised.

Not Sure About: Nearly every pick after Golden felt like a reach. There was constantly better talent on the board, and it looks to me like Gutekunst was more worried about scheme fit than actually getting the best players possible. Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver are good fits for how the Packers run their defense, but ultimately they just don’t have the same natural talent as edge rushers who came off the board later. Savion Williams feels like an attempt to recapture the brief Christian Watson magic, but he has a lot of development still to come.

–Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media

Fans fill the NFL draft theater viewing area for the start of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025, outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Wisconsin residents savor Green Bay’s NFL draft spotlight

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — Fans were amazed and appreciative that the NFL’s smallest city could host one of the league’s biggest events, the NFL draft, and their mood was brightened ever more when the hometown Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round on Thursday.

An estimated 125,000 people were gathered outside historic Lambeau Field on Thursday before the start of the draft, per local news reports. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Green Bay had a population of 105,744 in 2023.

“This is Green Bay’s Super Bowl,” said Donnie Renard Jr., who was part of a three-generation delegation that also included his father, Donnie, and 20-year-old son, Tommy.

Renard made the trip from Wabeno, Wis., about 85 miles north of Green Bay. His son is from Wausau in the center of the state, and his dad — a lifelong Packers fan — still lives in Green Bay.

“My dad’s actually been to a Super Bowl, a Pro Bowl, the Hall of Fame Game and now the draft,” said Renard, adding that they would be back on both Friday and Saturday.

All three of the Renards were pleased with the selection of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden with the 23rd pick in the first round. The speedy Golden was timed in a blistering 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.

“I like it,” Tommy Renard said. “We needed a true No. 1, and I think he’s going to be it.”

Golden is the first wide receiver drafted in the first round by the Packers since Javon Walker in 2002. He spent two years at Houston before transferring last season to Texas, where had 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to go in the first round,” Golden said. “And to know that they haven’t picked a receiver since 2002, it’s truly a blessing.”

Golden said he is looking forward to playing with Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who passed for 3,389 yards last season despite missing two games, and 4,159 yards in 2023. He threw for a combined 57 touchdowns over those two seasons.

“Talented quarterback, he can get outside the pocket and make plays, and he damn sure can throw the ball,” Golden said. “I’m going to let him know as soon as I see him, ‘Man, you’ve got a reliable target. You can trust me.’ But trust is built over time, so going out there, like I said, and competing, and gaining everyone’s trust, that’s where it first starts.”

Despite being from nearby Kaukauna, about 25 miles south of Green Bay, Adam Schmidt was decked in two Minnesota Vikings jerseys.

“I became a Vikings fan in kindergarten,” said Schmidt, pulling up the outer jersey to reveal an older one underneath. “… It still kind of fits. Randy Moss.”

Schmidt said he thought the first day of the draft was a huge success, despite the size of Green Bay, or maybe because of it.

“I think it was awesome. Not just for Green Bay, but the entire area,” Schmidt said. “It’s tough to host a huge event like this while still having that small-town atmosphere. It feels awesome and I think the whole community is really proud.”

–Jim Hoehn, Field Level Media

Wide Receiver Matthew Golden of Texas poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers Mark Murphy after being selected twenty-third overall pick by the Green Bay Packers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay.

Analysis: 3 winners, 3 losers from first round of NFL Draft

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One round out of seven is complete at the 2025 NFL Draft, so it’s far too soon to hand out draft grades. There will be steals aplenty on Friday and Saturday, and even more future busts.

That said, Thursday packed plenty of punch in the first 32 picks. Who were the winners and losers of Round 1? Here are three nominees for each:

Winner: The Jaguars (and Trevor Lawrence)

It’s a new day in Duval County. The franchise has been stuck in the mud and is moving on to Lawrence’s third full-time head coach in five years. So new GM James Gladstone sent a big package to Cleveland, moved up three spots to No. 2 and snagged Heisman winner Travis Hunter, who plans to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the pros. (Would Trent Baalke have made that move?) Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. should make a terrific receiving tandem for Lawrence.

Winner: Green Bay

The NFL probably doesn’t need to bring the draft to every city that has a franchise, but Green Bay was a standout choice for the history of the Packers and Lambeau Field. The Packers fans in attendance got to celebrate the unthinkable: their team drafting a wide receiver in the first round. Green Bay hadn’t done so since taking Javon Walker in 2002, mid-Brett Favre era. Speedster Matthew Golden of Texas could be Jordan Love’s No. 1 target this year.

Winner: The SEC

Although just one of the first six selections came from a Southeastern Conference school, it didn’t take long for the floodgates to open. The SEC ended the night with 15 first-round picks, nearly half of the first round, tying its own record set in 2020. Honestly, the 2020 mark was more impressive because the league hadn’t expanded to add Texas and Oklahoma yet. In the most predictable move of the night, the Philadelphia Eagles grabbed Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 31, adding to a defense that resembles an All-SEC first-team unit.

Loser: Shedeur Sanders

That quote that circulated this week from a veteran NFL assistant coach was an all-timer. “He’s so entitled.” “He blames teammates.” “He’s not that good.” But that quote wasn’t the reason Sanders dropped out of the first round. If anything, it may have been a window into an overall feeling around the league that Sanders wasn’t first-round worthy. The question becomes who will snap up Sanders on Day 2, and whether he stands a chance at a starting job in 2025.

Loser: Cowboys fans

Jerry Jones has a thing for offensive linemen named Tyler. The Cowboys’ owner and self-appointed general manager spent first-round picks on the left side of their offensive line in Tyler Smith (2022) and Tyler Guyton (2024). Now, Alabama’s Tyler Booker is headed to Dallas to play right guard. Most Cowboys fans would have preferred just about anything else with the No. 12 pick, very high for an interior lineman. For context, he’s replacing the retired Zack Martin — picked 16th overall in his draft.

Loser: Tommy DeVito

Wheel another chair into the New York Giants’ quarterback room. After taking edge rusher Abdul Carter third overall, the Giants traded back into the first round for a QB, passing over Sanders to pick Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more confusing quarterback group than Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Dart and DeVito. Barring injury, the local boy affectionately known as “Tommy Cutlets,” who made eight starts the past two years, doesn’t stand a chance of making the roster now.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) reacts after intercepting a pass during the first quarter of the wild card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Report: Packers CB Jaire Alexander not close to being dealt

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It’s becoming clear that cornerback Jaire Alexander won’t be on the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 season.

But whether Alexander is traded or released is still in question.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Tuesday that Alexander isn’t close to being dealt, although Green Bay nearly traded the seven-year veteran at the start of the league year.

However, there were two problems with the trade. First, the Packers were asking too much in return. Second, Alexander wasn’t willing to take a cut in salary.

Alexander has two years left on the four-year extension he signed in 2022. His base salary for 2025 is $16.15 million, and in 2026 it’s $18.15 million.

If Green Bay cuts or trades Alexander with a post-June 1 designation it would cost more than $7.5 million in dead money but with around $17.1 million in cap savings, according to Over The Cap. A pre-June 1 cut or trade would mean more than $17 million in dead money and roughly $7.6 million in savings.

Alexander was a second-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl in both 2020 and 2022 but injuries have forced him to miss most of three of the previous four seasons. He appeared in only four games in 2021 and seven in both 2023 and ‘24.

Alexander has 12 career interceptions with a high of five in 2022. He also has three picks in seven playoff appearances.

–Field Level Media