The Green Bay Packers have already started getting to work, as the NFL prepares for the start of free agency on March 11.
On Wednesday, the team agreed to terms with running back Chris Brooks on a two-year deal worth $4.85 million, according to his agents. On its face, the deal is a small contract for a depth running back, but a closer look at the move shows Green Bay saved a little money by signing Brooks to this contract.
The running back was set to be a restricted free agent at the start of free agency, and the Packers would have had to place a $3.5 million tender on him. Instead, Green Bay secures the running back for two more seasons, and only has to pay just over one million more, splitting $4.85 million across two years.
Packers sign running back Chris Brooks to a two-year deal
Brooks was an undrafted running back in 2023 and initially signed with the Miami Dolphins. He made his way to Green Bay's practice squad in 2024, after being released by Miami, and has been with the team since.
The running back appeared in 15 games his first season, and emerged as a depth option in the backfield, picking up 183 yards and one touchdown on 36 carries. He also caught 11 passes for 69 yards. He remained in that role in 2025, rushing the ball 27 times for 106 yards and snagging 13 receptions for 91 yards in 17 games.
Beyond his role as a depth running back, Brooks is a big part of Green Bay's special teams. In 2024, he played 32 percent of the Packers' special teams snaps, and in 2025, that number improved to 55 percent. Now contracted to be with the team for the next two years, he'll continue to contribute on special teams and out of the backfield.
The Packers, who saved a little bit of cap space by signing Brooks to a two-year deal, will soon turn their attention to league-wide free agency. While the team may not be one of the biggest players on the market this time around, Green Bay has several guys like Brooks that it will try to sign to new deals.