The Five Most Intriguing Undrafted Free Agents Signed by the Green Bay Packers

While the Green Bay Packers only selected six players in the 2026 NFL Draft, GM Brian Gutekunst also signed nine undrafted free agents who hope to make the team. The UDFAs supplemented the picks made in a small draft class and can be used to upgrade the teams at areas of need. Here are the five most intriguing undrafted free agents signed by the Packers in 2026.

Five Most Intriguing Packers Undrafted Free Agents, Number Five: WR J Michael Sturdivant, Florida

J Michael Sturdivant earned a sixth-round grade from Dane Brugler of The Athletic. The 6’3”, 209-pound ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at the combine. He enjoyed his most productive college season in 2022 when he caught 65 passes and seven touchdowns at Cal. He later played for UCLA and then finished his collegiate career with the Gators.

Sturdivant had a reputation for being self-centered early in his career but has since matured. He may need to put on some more muscle to his frame to compete against larger NFL defensive backs.

Sturdivant has a good combination of size and speed. If he can continue his development as a player, he has a chance to make the Packers practice squad and eventually the roster.

Number Four: QB Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech

Kyron Drones gives the Packers another player with a draftable grade according to Brugler. He is an athletic quarterback who ran the ball as effectively as he threw it at Virginia Tech. Drones possesses a strong arm but needs to be more consistent with his mechanics to succeed in the NFL.

Drones gives the Packers a developmental quarterback with upside. He won’t be ready to be the backup right away, but he’d be a solid addition to the practice squad where he can develop under Matt LaFleur who has a strong track record working with quarterbacks. If he improves his mechanics, he has the potential to become a solid backup in a year or two.

Five Most Intriguing Packers Undrafted Free Agents, Number Three: OL Josh Gesky, Illinois

Guard Josh Gesky has good size at 6’5”and 308 pounds. His weight has fluctuated during his college career. His lateral movement could be better, but he’s strong and has a good attitude that coaches appreciate.

Gesky started three seasons at Illinois and had an impressive pro day workout that made teams take notice of his athleticism. He was projected as a seventh-round pick, but the Packers were able to add him as an undrafted free agent.

The Packers lack depth along the interior offensive line and that may give Gesky a chance to make the 53-man roster or at least the practice squad.

Number Two: TE R.J. Maryland, SMU

R.J. Maryland’s father, Russell Maryland, had a lengthy NFL career, mostly with the Cowboys and the Raiders. He finished his career with the Packers in 2000.

The younger Maryland stands 6’4”and weighs 236 pounds. He’s a little light for a tight end and suffered a torn ACL that caused him to miss the second half of the 2024 season. After the injury, he was less effective at catching passes downfield.

His blocking is limited, but if he can regain his pre-injury form, he can give the Packers a solid backup receiving tight end who could stretch the seam and be a solid backup receiving tight end behind Tucker Kraft.

Five Most Intriguing Packers Undrafted Free Agents, Number One: Edge Nyjalik Kelly, UCF

Nyjalik Kelly has long arms and good size at 6’5” and 256 pounds. He has good speed for the position despite having suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2023. The former UCF star has good athleticism but remains a raw prospect who needs to work on his technique.

He can use his size and speed to get into good position to make tackles against the run, but his tackling tends to be inconsistent.

Kelly has good tools to work with. With the right coaching, Kelly can develop into a productive edge rusher, but he needs to put in the work and get a few breaks.