Report: Former Michigan guard Ben Braden leaves Packers in free agency

The Green Bay Packers lost former Michigan offensive linemen, Ben Braden, to free agency and their former offensive coordinator on Monday. Ben Braden will play his fifth NFL season for the Denver Broncos this year after two years in Green Bay, reuniting with his former coach who has taken over the head coaching job for Denver.

Ben Braden leaves Packers for Denver

The Broncos newest coach is already assembling his new team in the way he wants, and his newest signing is one he’s already comfortable with. Hackett was the Packers offensive coordinator from 2019 through 2021, before accepting the coaching vacancy for Denver.

“The Broncos have signed former Packers guard Ben Braden. A reunion with new Denver head coach Nathaniel Hackett,” reported ESPN’s Field Yates on Monday.

Braden started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets, where he played in three games over two years from 2018 through 2019. Braden then made appearances on practice squads around the league before finding an important backup role with the Packers last season as they dealt with injuries and COVID-19 issues to their offensive line.

Green Bay loses another lineman

The Packers are releasing one of their veteran offensive lineman. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Green Bay is cutting-ties with offensive tackle Billy Turner.

“The #Packers are also releasing OT Billy Turner, per source,” tweeted Pelissero.

Prior to the 2019 season, Turner signed a four-year, $28 million contract with Green Bay. He’s been a part of immense success in Green Bay, but the Packers are opting to release Turner as the team attempts to clear salary cap space. Only 30-years old, Turner figures to have a solid market in free agency.

A former third round selection out of North Dakota State, Turner has been solid wherever he suited up. Before joining Green Bay, the offensive tackle played for the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. While his time is up with the Packers, it’ll be interesting to watch where Billy Turner plays next season.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this article.