The Green Bay Packers have added a talented defensive piece to their 53-man roster. According to Ian Rapoport, from NFL Network, general manager Brian Gutekunst has claimed defensive back David Long off waivers from the Carolina Panthers.
David Long was a third-round draft pick from the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. He spent his first four years in the NFL with the team — in the first two, Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry was a member of the Rams coaching staff.
This year, Long left the Rams in free agency and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, he was cut by the Raiders in early November and claimed off waivers for the Panthers. He was waived by Carolina on Friday.
Long is 5'11, 196 lbs, and snaps in the NFL as a boundary cornerback, but also as a strong safety. He's had two interceptions and six pass breakups in the league. The defensive back can also play special teams, and he's had 533 ST snaps.
Depth
The Packers had an open roster spot since last year, when they cut running back James Robinson and wide receiver Bo Melton — both were back on the practice squad. They activated Darnell Savage from the injured reserve, but the other spot was still open. Green Bay may have to activate Eric Stokes soon, but David Long can give secondary depth to the team.
Green Bay has seven cornerbacks on the active roster: Jaire Alexander, Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon, Corey Ballentine, Robert Rochell, Kyu Blu Kelly, and now Long. Kelly has also been recentely claimed by the Packers.
The roster has five safeties: Darnell Savage, Rudy Ford, Jonathan Owens, Anthony Johnson Jr., and Zayne Anderson.
Performance
David Long played at a decent level for the Raiders. In five games, he had a 68.5 defensive PFF grade, including a pretty good 77.1 coverage grade. With the Panthers, though, his performance in two games was not that solid— 58.1 overall grade, and 66.2 coverage grade.
Even though he had ups and downs, this season has been his best in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, since his rookie year.
Interesting decision
On the same tweet announcing the Green Bay waiver claim, Ian Rapoport reported that former Packers safety Adrian Amos cleared waivers and became a free agent. He had been released by the New York Jets on Saturday.
The Packers had the opportunity to secure a return with a waiver claim. Amos is a vested veteran, but he had to go through waivers because the trade deadline has already passed.
With the decision, general manager Brian Gutekunst reinforces his intention to use the 2023 season as an opportunity to add and evaluate young talent.
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