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What to Know: Packers sign long-snapper Matt Orzech

By Paul Bretl

Aug 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams long snapper Matt Orzech (42) looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: C. Morgan Engel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams long snapper Matt Orzech (42) looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: C. Morgan Engel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Green Bay Packers have made their first outside addition in free agency, and it’s a long-snapper. According to Mike Garafolo, the Packers have signed Matt Orzech.

Orzech went undrafted in 2019 out of Division-II Azusa Pacific. He was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens but spent 2019 with Jacksonville. He was cut by the Jaguars prior to the 2021 season and spent some time on Tennessee’s practice squad. The previous two years were with the Los Angeles Rams. Orzech has 441 career snaps.

Over the last two seasons, with Orzech as the snapper, Rams kicker Matt Gay made 90 of his 92 extra point attempts and 68 out of 74 field goals. Punter Riley Dixon in 2022 was also PFF’s third-highest-graded punter.

The Packers already have long-snapper Jack Coco on the roster, signaling that there could be a competition this summer taking place. While perhaps to some degree there will be, with Orzech signing a three-year deal with the Packers, he is the clear front-runner.

Coco won the long-snapper competition last summer as an undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech. Compared to the inconsistency that the Packers experienced at the long-snapper position in 2021 with Hunter Bradley and Steven Wirtel, Coco added some stability.

However, part of the reason that Green Bay signed punter Pat O’Donnell last offseason was because of his ability as a holder, and his presence helped cover up some inaccurate snaps from Coco on field goal and extra point attempts. There were also missed blocking assignments as well with O’Donnell facing some pressure on punts.

In addition to accuracy as a snapper, other factors that can determine success as a long-snapper include velocity on the snap, the ability to hold up at the point of attack as a blocker, and some athleticism to get downfield on the punt coverage unit.

The contract specifics for Orzech have not been reported at this time. Prior to this signing being official, Green Bay currently has $19.8 million in available cap space, according to Over the Cap.

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