Packers circle back to keep offensive depth piece in the building despite not applying a tender earlier in the offseason
This offseason, the Green Bay Packers only had one restricted free agent, tight end John FitzPatrick. And he will be around after all. Even though the Packers did not apply any type of restricted free agent tender on FitzPatrick, making him an unrestricted free agent, the team was able to re-sign him on Monday, according […]
This offseason, the Green Bay Packers only had one restricted free agent, tight end John FitzPatrick. And he will be around after all. Even though the Packers did not apply any type of restricted free agent tender on FitzPatrick, making him an unrestricted free agent, the team was able to re-sign him on Monday, according to the NFL wire.
How it all happened
FitzPatrick is a former sixth-round pick by the Falcons. The tight end spent his first two seasons in Atlanta, and last year he was signed to the practice squad after not making the initial 53-man roster.
In October, Luke Musgrave got hurt, which prompted the Packers to sign FitzPatrick off the Falcons' practice squad. He spent the rest of the season on the 53-man roster in Green Bay, playing 6.73% of the offensive snaps and 11.31% of the special teams snaps.
Because he had three accrued NFL seasons, FitzPatrick was slated to be a restricted free agent. However, the lowest tender was $3.263 million—the rights of first refusal. And that was too much for a player who would be the fourth tight end on the depth chart at best. So the Packers allowed him to hit the open market, bringing back for less money.
Tight end depth
The Packers have a comfortable situation at the tight end position. Tucker Kraft is the starter, and Luke Musgrave is a high-upside backup. Ben Sims is the other backup option, and all three players are entering their third seasons in the league.
Messiah Swinson and Johnny Lumpkin are also on the 90-man roster after spending parts of last season on the practice squad.
FitzPatrick had only one catch for two yards last season for the Packers, being primarily a special teamer.
Action before the draft
The Packers have been fairly active in the weeks ahead of the draft. In addition to re-signing John FitzPatrick, Green Bay is making moves at off-ball linebacker as well. The team brought back Kristian Welch and hosted former first-round pick Isaiah Simmons for a free agent visit.
Packers still exploring defensive additions in free agency ahead of the draft with an eye on a chess piece for Jeff Hafley’s scheme
Isaiah Simmons is a versatile defender
