LATEST NEWS: Former Green Bay linebacker Kristian has reached an agreement on a substantial three-year deal valued at $22.75 million to make his return to the team.…

The Green Bay Packers have officially extended linebacker Kristian Welch’s contract for the upcoming 2024 season, as confirmed by his announcement on Instagram. Welch, who was initially brought in last season to bolster the team’s special teams, made significant contributions, participating in 60 percent of the team’s special teams snaps in available games. Notably, his involvement in special teams surpassed that of Eric Wilson, Jonathan Owens, and Josiah Deguara, all of whom saw their contracts expire after the 2023 season.

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

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 indicate that Walker is set to 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 McDuffie’s role alignment with the team’s plans.

Recent reports also suggest that the Packers are actively exploring options in the veteran linebacker market, as evidenced by their pursuit of 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 interest in re-signing Wilson, who played 121 defensive snaps and 308 special teams snaps for the Packers in 2023.

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