Since Ted Thompson helped shape the Green Bay Packers’ identity, undrafted free agents have played a significant role in roster construction. This has been the carried over when Brian Gutekunst took over as the general manager.
Historically Green Bay consistently finds contributors after the draft in free agency. In fact, the Packers have had at least one undrafted player make the initial 53-man roster for the past 21 seasons. Now that the 2026 NFL Draft has ended, everyone’s attention is shifting to their 2026 group of undrafted free agents. Green Bay’s roster already has 80 players, so there aren’t many spots available, so competition will be tight.
Green Bay Packers 2026 UDFA Class
As of now, the Packers have signed the following undrafted free agents:
- Kyron Drones, QB, Virginia Tech
- TJ Quinn, LB, Louisville
- Josh Gesky, OL, Illinois
- Jaden Nixon, RB, UCF
- Murvin Kenion III, S, Nevada
- R.J. Maryland, TE, SMU
- Dylan Barrett, OL, Iowa State
- Nyjalik Kelly, EDGE, UCF
- J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida
- Eni Falayi, TE, Wake Forest
The Names to Know
A few players in this class stand out right away, starting with J. Michael Sturdivant (WR, Florida). Sturdivant entered the draft with a grade that suggested he could have been selected in the later rounds of the draft, and it’s not hard to see why.
He’s nearly 6-foot-3, runs in the 4.4 range, and has proven he can stretch the field. Earlier in his career at Cal, he led all freshman in receiving yards, showing the kind of upside teams look for in a player like him. With multiple changes in the receiver room this offseason, there’s a real path for him to compete. If he performs well in camp, he could stick whether on the roster or practice squad for this year.
At tight end, R.J. Maryland (SMU) is another player worth watching. The son of former No. 1 overall pick Russell Maryland, he brings high-end athleticism to the position. He’s not your traditional in-line tight end, but his speed and ability as a receiver could make him a unique weapon in the offense.
Developmental Upside
The Packers have also added a few players who feel like developmental players, rather then immediate starters. The first player to highlight is Kyron Drones (QB, Virginia Tech). He’s athletic, mobile, and has a strong arm, but he’ll need time to develop consistency (especially accuracy). That said, this is exactly the type of quarterback Green Bay has worked with before, someone who can grow behind the scenes and potentially become more down the line.
On the offensive line, Josh Gesky (Illinois) brings experience and versatility. He’s played a lot of football and has the classic athletic profile that the Packers tend to value up for an offensive lineman. That gives him a solid chance to develop into a solid depth piece.
Defensively, Nyjalik Kelly (EDGE, UCF) offers upside as a pass rusher. His length and burst give him a solid foundation to build upon, and while refinement will be required, his profile fits a system that values versatility along the front.
Competing for a Role
The rest of the class fills out the roster with players who can compete in multiple ways.
- TJ Quinn (LB, Louisville) brings speed and tackling ability.
- Jaden Nixon (RB, UCF) adds explosiveness to the backfield.
- Murvin Kenion III (S, Nevada) and Dylan Barrett (OL, Iowa State) provide depth.
- Eni Falayi (TE, Wake Forest) adds another option at tight end
The Bigger Picture
There’s a classic clear pattern here for these players. The Packers targeted several players they already knew well from pre-draft visits. They prioritized athleticism, versatility, and players who fit their system. Not everyone will make the team. But if history tells us anything, at least one of these players will find a way on the field.
