BREAKING: Former Green Bay linebacker Kristian finalize a lucrative three-year contract worth $22.75 million to Return back…

The Green Bay Packers have officially renewed the contract of linebacker Kristian Welch for the upcoming 2024 season, as per his Instagram announcement. Welch, initially enlisted last season to bolster the team’s special teams, ended up participating in 60 percent of the team’s special teams snaps during available games. Notably, only Eric Wilson, Jonathan Owens, and Josiah Deguara exceeded Welch in special teams involvement for the Packers last season, all of whom saw their contracts expire after the 2023 season.

However, it’s unlikely that Welch will make significant contributions on the defensive front this year, even with the introduction of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s new scheme. Throughout his four-year NFL career, Welch has only logged 44 defensive snaps, all during his time with the Baltimore Ravens, in contrast to a substantial 1,101 special teams snaps. He is undeniably a specialist in the realm of special teams.

Nevertheless, Welch now joins Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and former practice squad member Christian Young as one of the four linebackers currently under contract for the Packers. Reports suggest that Walker will assume the “Will” linebacker role for Green Bay under Hafley’s scheme, leaving a vacancy at either the “Mike” or “Sam” linebacker position, depending on how McDuffie’s role aligns with the team’s plans.

Recent reports indicate that the Packers are actively exploring options in the veteran linebacker market, as evidenced by their interest in former Denver Broncos “Mike” linebacker Josey Jewell, who ultimately signed a three-year, $22.75 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, there are rumors circulating about Green Bay’s desire to re-sign Wilson, who played 121 defensive snaps and 308 special teams snaps for the Packers in 2023.

While Welch’s re-signing is undoubtedly a positive for Rich Bisaccia’s special teams unit, there remains substantial work to be done in solidifying the linebacker corps before the Packers are fully prepared for the 2024 season.