Packers make sure to reward underrated weapon right before the start of the regular season

Daniel Whelan was an exclusive-rights free agent this offseason and would play the 2025 season under a $1.03 million tender. However, he would be a restricted free agent in 2026. So instead of waiting for a more complicated negotiation, the Packers jumped ahead and made sure to keep the punter around for years to come.

Daniel Whelan has had a beautiful trajectory in football. Born in Ireland, he moved to the United States at 13, and played college football at UC Davis. After being undrafted, he spent a training camp with the New Orleans Saints, but didn't make the team.

In 2023, Whelan signed with the DC Defenders and made the All-XFL Team, which led to a new opportunity in the NFL with the Packers. Over the past two years, he's been a reliable piece—something important after the franchise tried names like JK Scott, a fifth-round pick, and Corey Bojorquez, acquired via a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

Last season, Whelan averaged 46.1 yards per punt, with 4,463 net yards. He had five touchbacks, an 8.9 rate. All of his numbers were pretty similar to what he had done in 2023—while he's not an elite punter, his consistency is key for Green Bay.

Specialist money

Over the course of this year, the Packers have reached extensions with all of their three specialists. Back in March, the team signed kicker Brandon McManus to a three-year, $15.3 million contract. A few days ago, long snapper Matthew Orzech was also rewarded with a three-year extension.

Now, the entire group is locked for the future, and the Packers have the necessary stability on special teams after so many years.