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What to Know: Packers re-sign core special teams player Eric Wilson

By Paul Bretl

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 25: Eric Wilson #45 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 25: Eric Wilson #45 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers re-signed another one of their own, this time core special teams player and linebacker Eric Wilson.

Wilson was signed off the New Orleans Saints practice squad in early October, and despite joining the team about a month into the season, he finished second on the Packers in total special teams tackles – behind only Isaiah McDuffie – and he tied for first in solo tackles. On top of that, Wilson didn’t record any missed tackles, he had a blocked punt, and out of those who qualified, he was the highest-graded special teams player in the NFL by PFF.

A reunion with Wilson always made sense given his impact on special teams and that he isn’t going to break the bank. With De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker taking the starting defensive snaps, along with McDuffie emerging as the third linebacker last season, Wilson will likely continue to be a special teams only player.

Due to limited spending power, this has been a relatively quiet free agency period for the Green Bay Packers. However, there has been a clear emphasis on special teams.

In addition re-signing Wilson, Green Bay also brought back Keisean Nixon, Rudy Ford, Corey Ballentine, and Tyler Davis—all core members of the Packers special teams unit in 2022. The Packers would also bring in Tarvarius Moore, who has over 1,000 career special teams snaps with San Francisco and long-snapper Matt Orzech.

The Packers special teams unit was much improved in 2022. In part that was due to Rich Bisaccia taking over as coordinator, but another factor was GM Brian Gutekunst making several special teams-specific additions, which Wilson was one of. Following the season, Gutey said the Packers would take a similar approach this offseason, and so far, they very much have.

A strong special teams unit that can take advantage of field goal opportunities and consistently win the field position battle will be a relatively small thing that can make a big difference for first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love.

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