On Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers announced their release of kicker Jack Podlesny, who had been practicing with the team throughout organized team activities and minicamp. Podlesny, a former Georgia Bulldog, got his start with the Minnesota Vikings last season as an undrafted free agent. After he was released at cutdowns of 2023, Podlesny resurfaced when he signed a reserve/futures deal with the Green Bay Packers in January.
As far as the pecking order goes, Podlesny was always viewed as the third man in the kicking competition behind Anders Carlson, the Packers’ 2023 starter, and Greg Joseph, who was the Vikings’ kicker last season. Often, Podlesny kicked fewer balls than Carlson and Joseph did in media-open practices this offseason.
After minicamp, head coach Matt LaFleur stated that each kicker had his own moments this spring, but wouldn’t commit to the team actually keeping all three placekickers going into training camp in July. He also mentioned that the decision ultimately was general manager Brian Gutekunst’s choice.
So now the Packers have two kickers going head-to-head for one job, similar to the punting competition in the summer of 2023 — when Daniel Whelan beat out incumbent starter Pat O’Donnell for the job going into the regular season.
Green Bay didn’t make a corresponding roster move with the release of Podlesny, meaning they have 89 players signed at the moment on their 91-man offseason roster. They now have two open roster spots, which is significant considering that the United Football League season just concluded. Since Tuesday, former UFL players have been allowed to sign with NFL teams.
The Packers reportedly brought in two former UFL players for visits, including top kicker Jake Bates. Neither Bates nor offensive lineman Liam Fornadel signed with Green Bay, though, as they have officially inked deals with other NFL franchises.
Keep an eye out for roster moves coming, though, as the Packers will almost certainly use those two open roster spots before camp opens back up in a month.
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