Packers Cut KeiVarae Russell, A New Signing Incoming?

OTAs are underway, and as of this morning, the Green Bay Packers’ 90-man roster was at full capacity after signing quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Kurt Benkert recently. However, that is no longer the case, as the team has cut cornerback KeiVarae Russell.

A former third-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, Russell was signed during Week 8 of the 2020 season and spent a majority of the year on the practice squad, but did make an appearance during Week 10 as well as in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and the Conference Championship on special teams.

In fact, during those playoffs, Russell was active while Josh Jackson and Ka’dar Hollman were healthy scratches. In total, Russell took 32 snaps on special teams last season but none on defense, according to PFF ($$).

This now puts the Green Bay Packers roster at 89 players, one below the maximum that they are allowed to have, as mentioned above. That means a signing is likely, but which positions could they target?

For starters, this Tuesday, the Packers are reportedly hosting a workout for former Air Force quarterback Donald Hammond, who was a dual-threat quarterback in Air Force’s option-based offense, and while inefficient, he put together a lot of explosive plays through the air during his college career.

Another option is linebacker, a position that GM Brian Gutekunst told us that they might address following the draft. While I believe Green Bay is comfortable entering the season with Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes as their top options, both did miss time with injuries last season, and the Packers could certainly use some additional depth to compete with Oren Burks and Ty Summers.

Another position that it wouldn’t hurt to add to is the interior defensive line. However, unlike the previous two positions mentioned, there has been no connection between the Green Bay Packers and this position group–it’s just a move that I would like to see them make if they can add another rotational player to the mix.

For now, we will wait and see what happens, but with 89 players on the roster, odds are an addition is going to be made. But when and where are the two big questions.