Packers add more special teams experience, signing LB Eric Wilson
By Paul Bretl
With a roster spot open after placing Caleb Jones on the NFI list, the Green Bay Packers filled that spot by signing LB Eric Wilson off the New Orleans practice squad.
What to know about the Green Bay Packers newest linebacker Eric Wilson
The 6’1” – 230-pound Wilson went undrafted in 2017 out of Cincinnati and brings a good amount of NFL experience to Green Bay.
For his career, Wilson has 2,113 defensive snaps, 1,034 of which came in 2020 with Minnesota, where he spent his first three seasons.
During those six seasons, Wilson has 24 pressures generated, 83 stops, and 255 total tackles. In coverage, Wilson has allowed a completion rate of 76% on 143 targets but just 7.7 yards per catch. He also has four interceptions and three pass breakups per PFF ($$).
While defense matters, where Wilson can really make an impact on this Packers team will be on special teams. He is an excellent athlete, posting an elite Relative Athletic Score of 9.36 coming out of college, including a 4.53-second 40-yard dash time, and he has been a part of 1,190 career special teams snaps, playing a fair amount in all phases except for the field goal blocking team.
Unlike in years past, where offensive and defensive contributions took precedence, the Green Bay Packers have made several special teams-specific additions this season, including Keisean Nixon, Dallin Leavitt, and Rudy Ford. That emphasis seems to be paying off and Wilson is another who fits that mold.
With Krys Barnes having been on IR, the Packers did find themselves a bit light at the linebacker position in recent weeks, with only De’Vondre Campbell, Quay Walker, and Isaiah McDuffie being on the 53-man roster.
Another potential roster move to keep your eyes on this week is the possible return of Kylin Hill, who is now eligible to be activated off the PUP list following Week 4.