Since 2005, the Packers have always included at least one undrafted free agent (UDFA) on the initial 53-man roster. Last year, that player was defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse, who ended up playing in 13 games. This year, RJ Maryland could be selected as Green Bay aims to address a need at tight end.
Maryland played four seasons at SMU, recording the most receiving yards by a tight end in school history (1,495) and 19 touchdowns. An ACL tear in 2024 caused him to take a backseat to fellow tight end Matt Hibner, who was selected in the 4th round by the Ravens this year.
Despite the injury, Maryland's upside makes him worth a swing. Turning 22 in July, the former Mustang has exhibited plenty of explosiveness, something the Packers could use in a tight end room that has its share of questions.
RJ Maryland has athleticism & opportunity in Green Bay to make a push for roster spot
The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner highlighted Maryland as the UDFA to watch on Green Bay's roster, noting that the rookie "ran a 4.51 40 at the Combine, trailing only Kenyon Sadiq at the position."
While he is a little undersized compared to Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave, Maryland's speed could allow him to slide nicely into offensive situations when the Packers want another downfield option for Jordan Love.
Of course, fans hope that Kraft will be at 100% when Week 1 rolls around, but it wouldn't hurt to have a Plan B. RJ Maryland was listed as a receiver on the Packers' initial UDFA list. However, without Kraft, Green Bay's tight end room is questionable.
Luke Musgrave has been an underwhelming offensive piece since being drafted 42nd overall in 2023, and the team waived Ben Sims last October, leaving Josh Whyle and Drake Dabney in the third and fourth spots on the depth chart.
The NFL is leaning more on multiple tight end sets (12 and 13 personnel packages), which only helps Maryland's case to find a spot as part of the Packers' future. He could be stashed on the practice squad, but that always comes with the risk of another team stealing him away.
There's no guarantee that Maryland makes the cut, especially given Green Bay's preference toward blocking-type tight ends. However, being a record-setting pass-catcher and the son of Russell Maryland, the first pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, RJ wouldn't be the craziest shot the Packers have taken on a talented young player.
Add us as a preferred source on Google