Packers make a move that shows they are not happy with key training camp competition
During Family Night, general manager Brian Gutekunst told the Packers Network that Green Bay kickers were not only battling between themselves, but against everyone in the league. It's not just GM speak. It seems like the Packers are not satisfied with either Anders Carlson or Greg Joseph, and now they have signed another kicker to […]
During Family Night, general manager Brian Gutekunst told the Packers Network that Green Bay kickers were not only battling between themselves, but against everyone in the league. It's not just GM speak.
It seems like the Packers are not satisfied with either Anders Carlson or Greg Joseph, and now they have signed another kicker to expand the competition. The team added rookie kicker Alex Hale, from Oklahoma State.
According to Dane Brugler's The Beast, The Athletic's draft guide, Hale was the eighth best kicker of this year's draft class.
In 2023, his last college season, Hale converted 27 of 34 field goals, including three of four from 50+ yards. He also converted 36 of 38 extra points.
The Packers have been active trying to get the kicker position right. They drafted Anders Carlson in the sixth round last year, but he had a rough rookie season — which included a missed 41-yard field goal that possibly cost the Packers the divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay also has Greg Joseph, a veteran who had played a few seasons for the Minnesota Vikings but was allowed to walk in free agency by the NFC North rival.
Earlier in the offseason, the Packers had also signed former Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny and rookie James Turner, who also spent some time with the Detroit Lions this offseason. Both have been waived.
On Monday, the Packers worked out kickers Jonathan Gariby, James McCourt, and Andre Szmyt. But after all, the decision was to sign Alex Hale.
Roster moves
Brian Gutekunst executed five total roster moves on Wednesday for the Packers. The team signed Hale and also defensive end Zach Morton, a rookie who had spent some time with the Lions, and fellow edge defender Brevin Allen (the 19th overall pick in last year's USFL draft).
To make room for all these three additions, the Packers waived cornerback Don Callis and wide receiver Rory Starkey.
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