As the Green Bay Packers shift their strategic focus toward the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled to commence on April 24, they continue to refine their roster through key signings in free agency. Although the major moves in free agency have mostly subsided, the Packers recently made a notable addition by bringing back linebacker and special teams contributor Kristian Welch.
According to the team’s official transaction log, Green Bay has inked Welch to a one-year contract valued at approximately $1.17 million, as per salary data from Over the Cap. This signing adds a familiar face to the depth chart, as Welch previously spent significant time with the Packers organization.
Welch’s NFL journey began in 2020 when he entered the league as an undrafted free agent. While he initially carved out a role with the Baltimore Ravens, he found his way onto the Packers’ roster during the 2023 season. That year, Welch appeared in 14 games for Green Bay, playing exclusively on special teams and recording six total tackles.
Although he did not make the Packers’ initial 53-man roster in 2024, Welch still managed to stay active in the NFL, splitting time between the Denver Broncos and a return stint with the Ravens. Across those two teams, he played in 15 games, earned his first two career starts, accumulated 13 total tackles, and recovered a fumble. His ability to remain on NFL rosters throughout the season speaks to his reliability and value as a depth player, particularly on special teams.
Welch has logged a total of 1,956 special teams snaps over the course of his five-year NFL career, underscoring his experience and proficiency in that phase of the game. With veteran linebacker Eric Wilson—another special teams stalwart—departing in free agency, the Packers may be positioning Welch as a potential replacement. However, his roster spot for the 2025 season is not guaranteed and will need to be earned through performance in training camp.
In terms of the broader linebacker landscape, the Packers appear relatively secure heading into the draft. They return several key players, including Quay Walker—a former first-round selection—and Edgerrin Cooper, who made a strong impression as a rookie in 2024. Together, they are expected to hold down the starting roles within the linebacker corps.
Beyond the starters, Green Bay also solidified its rotational depth by re-signing Isaiah McDuffie to a two-year, $8 million contract. McDuffie has been a dependable contributor and should continue to play a meaningful role in the rotation.
Another player to watch is Ty’Ron Hopper, a 2024 third-round draft pick. Hopper spent much of his rookie season acclimating to the professional level, but he is poised to take on a larger role in 2025. His development could have significant implications for the rest of the linebacker group, including Welch, who may find himself in a competitive battle for one of the final roster spots.
Despite their current depth, the Packers have not ruled out the possibility of adding another linebacker through the draft. While addressing linebacker may not be their top priority, investing in a young prospect—particularly on Day 3—could provide additional security for the future.
An important decision also looms regarding Quay Walker’s fifth-year option. Green Bay must decide whether to pick up the option by the May 2 deadline. If they decline, the team could be in need of another starting-caliber linebacker as soon as 2026. This makes the 2025 draft an opportunity to acquire a player who can develop in the background while the current starters continue to lead.
Should the Packers delay any major investments at linebacker until the 2026 offseason, they will have an additional year to assess the long-term potential of both Cooper and Walker. Even if no immediate needs emerge, proactive planning could help avoid future gaps in the lineup.
Ultimately, the return of Kristian Welch represents a strategic depth move by the Packers—a cost-effective signing that provides veteran experience and special teams reliability. As the offseason progresses and the draft draws closer, all eyes will be on how Green Bay continues to shape its linebacker unit and overall roster.
The weeks leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft will reveal more about the team’s intentions, not only in terms of player acquisition but also in shaping its long-term defensive structure. The competition for final roster spots will be fierce, and Welch will need to prove that his experience and consistency can add value to a team striving for sustained success.