Green Bay Packers make deep cuts move with undrafted free agency signing

Former Louisiana-Lafayette linebacker Chauncey Manac didn’t get drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. But it didn’t take him very long to find an opportunity as an undrafted free agent. The former Ragin’ Cajuns’ star signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers on Saturday evening. The deal includes a $8,000 signing bonus, per Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.

The standout linebacker racked up 57 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and three fumbles for Louisiana-Lafayette during the 2021-2022 season. His high level of production did not go unnoticed–as he was named second team All-Sun Belt for the 2021 season.

Some notable undrafted free agents the Packers have signed in the past, include tight end Robert Tonyan–who went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. The franchise has developed him into one of the team’s solid contributors and he’s expected to be healthy and ready to go next season. Sam Shields was a Packers undrafted free agent in 2010. He developed into a very solid cornerback–snatching 18 interceptions in his seven years with the franchise.

The Packers were not shy about loading up on defense in the draft and they got a number of talented linebackers like Quay Walker out of Georgia. Offensively, the franchise may never be the same without Davante Adams on their roster, but there’s no question their defense is going to be even better with the elite pieces they added through the draft.

Coming into the weekend, the Packers had a gaping hole to fill at the wide receiver position, after Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Green Bay received their first-round pick (22nd overall selection) and a second-round pick (53rd overall selection) in exchange for the two-time first-team All-Pro receiver. While Adams was far and away the premiere talent they lost at receiver, the franchise also lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Kansas City Chiefs) and Equanimeous St. Brown (Chicago Bears) to free agency. The Packers also recently signed former Baltimore wideout Sammy Watkins. This year, Green Bay decided to select wide receiver Christian Watson of North Dakota State with the No. 34 overall selection in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.