Packers Opt Not To Sign Former 5-Star Receiver After Failed Physical

It was reported that the Packers signed former Penn State and Ohio State receiver Julian Fleming as an undrafted free agent (UDFA).

However, according to Marc Malkoskie of The News-Item, Fleming failed his physical upon arrival in Green Bay and headed back home shortly after.

Fleming was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school in Pennsylvania, where he ranked as the No. 1 receiver and No. 3 overall recruit in the 2020 class after a record-breaking high school career. 

The 24-year-old spent four seasons at Ohio State but played behind the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon-Smith Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams, and Emeka Egbuka.

His most productive collegiate season came in 2022 with CJ Stroud, where he posted 34 receptions for 533 yards and six touchdowns for the Buckeyes.

He transferred to Penn State following the 2023 season. In 16 games, Fleming hauled in 14 catches on 22 targets for 176 yards and one touchdown. Despite the Nittany Lions making a deep playoff run, he was not a part of the team’s rotation -- playing just 176 offensive snaps throughout the season.

While it is unlikely that Fleming would have made the team regardless, considering its depth at the position, he has been in contact with multiple other teams, including the Commanders, Ravens, and 49ers.

The Packers are still expected to make a major receiver departure as the new season approaches. The receiver room now consists primarily of rookies Golden and Williams, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hardman. Watson and Doubs are each entering the final year of their rookie contract.

There have been recent rumors circulating about Green Bay potentially trading Doubs to the Pittsburgh Steelers after they dealt George Pickens. At least one of Watson or Doubs will likely be moved in the coming weeks and months.