The Packers have agreed to sign at least 12 players, according to PackersNews.com, NFL insider Aaron Wilson and the schools. It will be the best team a little bit of money can buy.
According to the NFLPA, the Packers’ average signing bonus last year for their undrafted free agents was $6,250. The Packers have never paid a premium for college free agents, and their cap difficulties have meant an additional tightening of the fiscal belt.
Financially, the Packers just can’t compete in signing the best remaining players. Immediately after the draft on Saturday night, the New England Patriots gave quarterback Malik Cunningham a $30,000 bonus. The Dallas Cowboys handed North Dakota State fullback Hunter Luepke a $20,000 bonus.
Moreover, Green Bay was one of only five teams in 2022 that didn’t guarantee a single dollar of base salary to entice anyone to sign.
As one agent said of making decisions, “The most important thing is opportunity. Does my client have a legitimate chance to contend for a spot on the 53 or even the practice squad? For Green Bay, they’ve got a strong history of giving undrafted guys a fair shake. That matters. But if one team is offering $15,000 guaranteed and the Packers are offering $5,000, that’s hard to ignore. Generally, money talks and money means opportunity.”