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USA Today
18-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers training camp preview: Who are the newcomers to 90-man roster in 2025?
The Green Bay Packers added 30 new players to the 90-man roster since the end of the 2024 season. Who are all these newcomers coming to training camp? The Packers added veteran free agents, draft picks, undrafted free agents and players on futures deals this offseason. To help preview training camp, here's a quick introduction to the newcomers to Green Bay this summer, listed by uniform number: No. 6: WR Mecole Hardman How acquired: Signed in free agency (Chiefs) The former Chief has elite speed, three Super Bowl rings and an All-Pro nod as a returner. He could provide gadget value for Matt LaFleur while giving the Packers a designated returner on special teams. No. 17: WR Sam Brown Jr. How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Miami) The rookie was a teammate of Matthew Golden at Houston. After catching 149 passes at the collegiate level, Brown (6-2, 200) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds and hit 41.5" in the vertical leap. No. 19: QB Taylor Elgersma How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Wilfrid Laurier) Elgersma won the equivalent of the Canadian Heisman Trophy (Hec Crighton Trophy) last season. He participated at the Senior Bowl and was signed by the Packers after a rookie minicamp tryout. No. 21: CB Nate Hobbs How acquired: Signed in free agency (Raiders) The former Raider signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers in free agency. A tough and physical corner, Hobbs is expected to feature in the slot while also playing snaps on the perimeter as a starter for Jeff Hafley. No. 22: WR Matthew Golden How acquired: First-round draft pick (Texas) The Packers' first first-round pick at wide receiver since 2002. Golden has elite speed and is coming off a breakout 2024 season with Texas. No. 26: CB Micah Robinson How acquired: Seventh-round draft pick (Tulane) Robinson, the first of the Packers' two seventh-round picks, will get a chance to compete with Kalen King and Kamal Hadden for a 53-man roster spot as a backup corner. No. 28: LB Isaiah Simmons How acquired: Signed in free agency (Giants) The eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft arrives in Green Bay with a chance to focus on linebacker in Jeff Hafley's system. He could be a subpackage weapon defensively and a multi-phase player on special teams. No. 35: S Kahzir Brown How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (FAU) Big defensive back (6-1, 223) who picked off eight passes during his collegiate career. No. 35: RB Jalen White How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Georgia Southern) Productive collegiate running back and a legendary high school running back from Alabama. No. 37: DB Johnathan Baldwin How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (UNLV) One of the Packers' priority free agent signings in undrafted free agency. Can play safety or in the slot. No. 38: CB Gregory Junior How acquired: Signed in free agency A sixth-round pick of the Jaguars who played in 10 regular season games for the club between the 2022 and 2023 seasons. No. 45: DE/LB Collin Oliver How acquired: Fifth-round draft pick (Oklahoma State) An elite athlete who played both edge rusher and off-ball linebacker and put up big-time disruption numbers at Oklahoma State. The Packers think he can do both at the NFL level. No. 46: CB Tyron Herring How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Delaware) Three-time all-conference pick who played his final two collegiate seasons at Delaware, where he intercepted four passes for the Blue Hens. No. 46: RB Amar Johnson How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (SDSU) Productive and versatile running back who made plays as a runner, receiver, blocker and returner for South Dakota State. No. 47: CB Isaiah Dunn How acquired: Signed futures contract in January Played in 12 games as a rookie with the Jets in 2021 and five more with the Seahawks in 2022. No. 48: LB Jamon Johnson How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Kentucky) An All-American at Georgia who was consistently productive as a standout SEC linebacker. No. 60: OL Tyler Cooper How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Minnesota) Rookie was a 21-game starter at guard for the Golden Gophers over the last two seasons. No. 60: DL Keith Randolph How acquired: Signed to futures deal in January Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bears in 2024. Played in 42 games at Illinois. No. 61: OL JJ Lippe How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Northern Illinois) A 47-game starter at the collegiate level who has experience at all five offensive line positions. No. 64: C Trey Hill How acquired: Signed futures contract in January Former draft pick of the Bengals has experience at center and guard and could compete for a backup job on the interior. No. 65: G Aaron Banks How acquired: Signed in free agency (49ers) The Packers' big free-agent signing. The former second-round pick of the 49ers is a strong pass protector and has power in the run game. He'll be the starting left guard. No. 69: DL Nesta Jade Silvera How acquired: Signed futures contract in January Seventh-round pick of the Raiders in the 2023 draft played in nine regular season games over the last two seasons. No. 71: OL Anthony Belton How acquired: Second-round draft pick (NC State) A massive offensive lineman who played left tackle in college and has the length, power and movement ability to be a tackle/guard option for the Packers. No. 72: OL Brant Banks How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Rice) Rookie was a 12-game starter at right tackle in 2024 after starting 13 games at guard in 2023. No. 73: OL John Williams How acquired: Seventh-round draft pick (Cincinnati) The Packers' seventh-round pick is big, athletic and smart, and he fits the profile of a player the team has moved from left tackle in college to guard in the NFL. No. 78: DL Cameron Young How acquired: Signed in free agency (Seahawks) The 2023 fourth-round pick of the Seahawks could compete to be a defensive tackle or nose tackle for the Packers defensive front. No. 83: WR Savion Williams How acquired: Third-round draft pick (TCU) An exciting gadget weapon who played on the perimeter, in the slot, in the backfield and as a Wildcat quarterback for TCU. Some have compared him to Deebo Samuel. No. 91: DL Warren Brinson How acquired: Sixth-round draft pick (Georgia) The Packers' sixth-round pick has a big personality and the versatility to play multiple roles at defensive tackle in the 4-3 front. No. 93: DL Nazir Stackhouse How acquired: Signed as undrafted free agent (Georgia) Stackhouse (6-4, 327) had a draftable grade for most evaluators but didn't get picked. He'll have a chance to earn a legitimate role as a nose tackle during his rookie season. No. 99: DE Barryn Sorrell How acquired: Fourth-round draft pick (Texas) The Packers' highest draft pick on defense could be a rotational edge rusher right away for Jeff Hafley.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers Backup QB Earns Strong Roster Ranking After Eye-Opening Comparison to Hall of Famer
Packers Backup QB Earns Strong Roster Ranking After Eye-Opening Comparison to Hall of Famer originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the NFL season approaches, many teams will audition quarterbacks through their camps to see who deserves a starting spot or an upgraded spot. There's no question that Jordan Love will be the starter with the Green Bay Packers. Advertisement Love led the Packers to the Wild Card Playoffs last season and is looking to continue beyond that success with a talented receiving group, including No. 23 pick Matthew Golden. Ahead of this season, Love ranks outside the top 10 for most quarterback lists. He's ranked No. 12 in Pro Football Focus' pre-season QB rankings. They suggest that, should he perform like in his 2023 season, he could bring the Packers an NFC Championship this season. However, having adequate backup quarterbacks is always essential, especially should Love be sidelined for any number of games. The Packers have a new backup who some fans might not be familiar with, but he's already receiving high praise and mention. Quarterback Taylor Elgersma of Laurier (18) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice.© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Taylor Elgersma currently sits on the depth chart as the team's fourth option at quarterback behind Malik Willis and Sean Clifford. Advertisement He doesn't have NCAA experience, instead playing four years for Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in Canada's U Sports football. However, his performance there earned him the Hec Crighton Trophy in 2024, which is awarded to U Sports' top male university athlete. Elgersma also participated in the CFL's quarterback internship program with the Toronto Argonauts and learned under Mike Miller. Miller previously was an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, working with the Arizona Cardinals when Hall of Famer Kurt Warner was still playing. Last month, Miller heaped praise on Elgersma as he referred to the young QB as "Kurt Warner-like smart." He said he previously shared this same opinion with Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. "I'm not saying he's as smart, but that was the guy that was the first name that popped in my mind when I was comparing him," Miller told Sports Illustrated, also saying Elgersma "just gets it." Advertisement Warner is a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl winner, and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2017. While the 6-foot-5 Elgersma went undrafted at the NFL Draft, he became a second-round pick for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League (CFL). However, after a tryout at a Packers minicamp, the team signed him in May. After signing with Green Bay, he indicated he felt "blessed" and was a "perfect fit" for the team. Elbersma said he's focused on the process, developing, and being his best self on a daily basis. New Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion touted the "talented" QB's unique background in football, his ability to learn and retain information, and his command in and out of the huddle. Advertisement "There's going to be some things that are foreign to him, but the way he was able to retain information, he's got a lot of things to work on, for sure, but there was talent there," Mannion said. In an ongoing SI series ranking the Packers' 90 roster members before their first training camp in July, Elgersma is No. 56 overall. SI's Bill Huber indicates that Willis is the obvious choice for the team's first backup quarterback behind Love, and that he could end up becoming a starter during free agency. However, Huber contends that Elgersma could become the main backup behind Love in 2026. That's certainly high praise for the undrafted player, but based on Miller and Mannion's remarks, it seems he should be capable of adapting quickly to his NFL role. Related: Matthew Golden Reveals Bold Goal for Packers Rookie Season This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Vancouver Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. Lions vs. Edmonton Elks features first CFL opening-week meeting of Canadian quarterbacks
It will be a historic CFL first Saturday night in Vancouver. The B.C. Lions will host the Edmonton Elks at B.C. Place in the season opener for both teams. This will mark the first opening week featuring two Canadian starting quarterbacks (B.C.'s Nathan Rourke, Edmonton's Tre Ford) since 1968 and the first time it's occurred in the same game. The 2025 season will kick off Thursday night with the Ottawa Redblacks visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders . On Friday night, the Toronto Argonauts begin their Grey Cup defence in Montreal versus the Alouettes before the Calgary Stampeders entertain the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday night. Also of note in Vancouver, B.C.'s Buck Pierce and Edmonton's Mark Kilam will make their CFL head-coaching debuts. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Rourke, 27, of Victoria, rejoined the Lions last season following NFL stints with Jacksonville, New England, the New York Giants and Atlanta. He was the league's top Canadian in 2022 with B.C. Ford, also 27, was Edmonton's '22 first-round pick out of Waterloo. The Hec Crighton Trophy winner from Niagara Falls, Ont., was 9-9 in 18 starts over the last three years before signing an extension with the CFL club this off-season. Ford and Kilam are looking to lead Edmonton to the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2019. Pierce joined the Lions following 10 seasons as an assistant with Winnipeg, helping the Bombers make five straight Grey Cup appearances, winning in 2019 and '21. The overwhelming majority of players on CFL rosters are veterans. According to the league, just 67 of the 493 total players on teams are in their first year (13.6 per cent) compared to 93 at this time last year. Players have an average of 41 games (2 1/2 seasons) of CFL experience and 22 starts. The average age in the CFL is 28.2 years. Ottawa Redblacks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (Thursday night) At Regina, the Redblacks struggled mightily on the road last season, posting a 2-7-0 record. But they were 6-3-1 versus West Division rivals. Dru Brown begins his second full season as Ottawa's starter and will have veteran receiver Eugene Lewis available. Lewis finished last season with touchdown catches in Edmonton's final eight games, leaving him two short of Terry Evanshen's league record. Veteran Trevor Harris gets the start for Saskatchewan, which is looking to improve upon last year's 5-4 home record and 4-3 mark against East rivals. Pick: Saskatchewan. Toronto Argonauts vs. Montreal Alouettes (Friday night) At Montreal, Davis Alexander begins his first full season as the Alouettes' starting quarterback. He was an impressive 4-0 last year while incumbent Cody Fajardo — who's now in Edmonton — was injured. Veteran Nick Arbuckle, last year's Grey Cup MVP, starts for the new-look Argos, who begin their title defence without many of the faces that played prominent roles in last year's championship. Chad Kelly, the CFL's '23 outstanding player, continues to recover from the serious leg injury he sustained in last year's East Division final. Pick: Montreal. Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Calgary Stampeders (Saturday night) At Calgary, Hamilton starter Bo Levi Mitchell chases his first regular-season win at McMahon Stadium, where he played so many years with the Stampeders. A victory would be Mitchell's 100th in the CFL and come in his 141st career start, making him the fastest player in league history to achieve the milestone. Veteran Vernon Adams Jr. makes his first debut with the Stampeders, who are looking to return to the CFL playoffs after missing out last year for the first time since '04. Pick: Hamilton. Edmonton Elks vs. B.C. Lions (Saturday night) At Vancouver, no one was busier this off-season than Edmonton general manager Ed Hervey, who added the likes of defensive linemen Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith, defensive backs Royce Metchie and Tyrell Ford and offensive lineman David Beard. Conventional thinking suggests it will take time for the Elks to mesh. Both starting quarterbacks are athletic and dual threats. This one could be close, so the edge should go to the home team, especially with veteran kicker Sean Whyte and a massive, sold-out B.C. Place with a pre-game concert by Snoop Dogg. Pick: B.C.
Winnipeg Free Press
04-06-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
New CFL commissioner Johnston plans to be very visible at start of regular season
TORONTO – Stewart Johnston is set for his first CFL season as commissioner. Just six weeks after replacing Randy Ambrosie, Johnston is preparing to oversee his first regular season. And the 54-year-old Toronto native plans to visit all nine league cities by the middle of next month. In fact, Johnston has already started his cross-country trek, having attended the B.C. Lions' exhibition game May 19 in Langford, B.C., and the Montreal Alouettes' pre-season contest there May 24. 'I'm so anxious to get out to each market to meet with club personnel, local media and the fans,' Johnston said. 'I'll heading out to Regina for the season opener (between Ottawa and Saskatchewan on Thursday), then off to Vancouver for B.C.'s first home game (Saturday versus Edmonton). 'I liken it to feeling like a kid before Christmas. My schedule is going to be filled with travel over the first six weeks and I couldn't be more excited to visit those markets.' The opening week will continue with Montreal hosting the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night. Action concludes Saturday with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats facing the Calgary Stampeders before B.C. hosts the Edmonton Elks. That final contest will mark the head-coaching debuts of Buck Pierce (B.C.) and Mark Kilam (Edmonton). Johnston had the luxury of easing into his new job as the CFL begins the 2025 campaign with no major issues lingering. There are no ownership fires to put out, the league has labour peace and its TV deal with TSN runs through the '26 season. 'I feel like I'm coming in at an excellent time,' Johnston said. 'There are always areas for improvement and that's a journey that won't end. 'But I feel like we're in really good shape, the foundation is strong and I think we're going to have an excellent year.' The 'C' in CFL will certainly be featured very prominently in 2025. Two CFL teams will have Canadian starting quarterbacks this season. Victoria's Nathan Rourke returns with the Lions while Tre Ford, of Niagara Falls, Ont., begins his first full season under centre for Edmonton. Rourke, 27, returned to B.C. last season following NFL stints with Jacksonville, Atlanta and the New York Giants. Rourke headed south after being named the CFL's top Canadian in 2022. Edmonton selected Ford, the '21 Hec Crighton Trophy winner at Waterloo, in the first round of the '22 CFL draft. He has only made 18 starts over that span but boasts a 9-9 record. Ford made just four starts last year, winning three, completing 71.8 per cent of his passes for 1,137 yards and 10 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He also ran 26 times for 206 yards (nine-yard average) and was rewarded in the off-season with a three-year extension. The CFL's most decorated player last season was also a Canadian. Brady Oliveira of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was not only the league's top Canadian for a second straight year but also it's outstanding player. The five-foot-11, 222-pound running back earned a second straight CFL rushing title with 1,353 yards with his hometown team while topping the league in yards from scrimmage (1,829) for a second consecutive season. Also enjoying a standout '24 campaign was B.C. receiver Justin McInnis. The six-foot-five, 210-pound native of Pierrefonds, Que., led the league in receiving yards (1,469) with 92 catches and seven TDs. And in 2025, there'll be four Canadian-born head coaches for the first time, led by Winnipeg's Mike O'Shea, of North Bay, Ont. O'Shea, entering his 11th season with the Blue Bombers is the league's longest-tenured head coach. Winnipeg native Bob Dyce is heading into his third full season as Ottawa's head coach while Corey Mace, of Port Moody, B.C., is in his second CFL campaign with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Kilam, of Lethbridge, Alta., is the other. 'There are more Canadian stars in the CFL,' Johnston said. 'There's more Canadians playing in the NFL, there's more Canadian talent coming at us through the NCAA and U Sports. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'You've got this incredible Canadian representation at a star level across football and certainly in the CFL and that's being reflected in the wave of patriotism and interest in all things Canadiana. It's a perfect time for those influences to mesh.' Veteran receiver Eugene Lewis begins the season with a new team (Ottawa) but looks to continue his record quest. Lewis registered TD grabs in Edmonton's final eight regular-season games in 2024, leaving him two short of Terry Evanshen's league mark of 10 consecutive contests. Winnipeg chases a sixth straight Grey Cup appearance with definite purpose, as this year's game will be held at Princess Auto Stadium. The Bombers will have an opening-week bye but will be without veteran starter Zach Collaros when they host B.C. on June 12. Last month, the CFL suspended Collaros for one game for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. That game will also feature Pierce's return to Winnipeg, where he spent 10 seasons as an assistant before being hired by B.C. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2025.
Global News
04-06-2025
- General
- Global News
Opening-week CFL game between Elks and Lions to feature 2 Canadian quarterbacks
It will be a historic CFL first Saturday night in Vancouver. The B.C. Lions will host the Edmonton Elks at B.C. Place in the season opener for both teams. This will mark the first opening week featuring two Canadian starting quarterbacks (B.C.'s Nathan Rourke, Edmonton's Tre Ford) since 1968 and the first time it's occurred in the same game. Story continues below advertisement The 2025 season will kick off Thursday night with the Ottawa Redblacks visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders. On Friday night, the Toronto Argonauts begin their Grey Cup defence in Montreal versus the Alouettes before the Calgary Stampeders entertain the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday night. Also of note in Vancouver, B.C.'s Buck Pierce and Edmonton's Mark Kilam will make their CFL head-coaching debuts. Rourke, 27, of Victoria, rejoined the Lions last season following NFL stints with Jacksonville, New England, the New York Giants and Atlanta. He was the league's top Canadian in 2022 with B.C. Ford, also 27, was Edmonton's '22 first-round pick out of Waterloo. The Hec Crighton Trophy winner from Niagara Falls, Ont., was 9-9 in 18 starts over the last three years before signing an extension with the CFL club this off-season. Story continues below advertisement 2:42 Tre Ford speaks at news conference after re-signing with the Elks Ford and Kilam are looking to lead Edmonton to the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2019. Pierce joined the Lions following 10 seasons as an assistant with Winnipeg, helping the Bombers make five straight Grey Cup appearances, winning in 2019 and '21. 2:19 Edmonton Elks name Mark Kilam as football team's new head coach Some other season-opening facts: Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The overwhelming majority of players on CFL rosters are veterans. According to the league, just 67 of the 493 total players on teams are in their first year (13.6 per cent) compared to 93 at this time last year. Players have an average of 41 games (2 1/2 seasons) of CFL experience and 22 starts. The average age in the CFL is 28.2 years. Ottawa Redblacks versus Saskatchewan Roughriders (Thursday night) At Regina, the Redblacks struggled mightily on the road last season, posting a 2-7-0 record. But they were 6-3-1 versus West Division rivals. Dru Brown begins his second full season as Ottawa's starter and will have veteran receiver Eugene Lewis available. Lewis finished last season with touchdown catches in Edmonton's final eight games, leaving him two short of Terry Evanshen's league record. Veteran Trevor Harris gets the start for Saskatchewan, which is looking to improve upon last year's 5-4 home record and 4-3 mark versus East rivals. Story continues below advertisement Pick: Saskatchewan. Toronto Argonauts versus Montreal Alouettes (Friday night) At Montreal, Davis Alexander begins his first full season as the Alouettes' starting quarterback. He was an impressive 4-0 last year while incumbent Cody Fajardo – who's now in Edmonton – was injured. Veteran Nick Arbuckle, last year's Grey Cup MVP. is slated to start for the new-look Argos, who begin their title defence without many of the faces that played prominent roles in last year's championship. Chad Kelly, the CFL's 2023 outstanding player, continues to recover from the serious leg injury he sustained in last year's East Division final. Pick: Montreal. 1:48 Toronto Argonauts celebrate with fans after another Grey Cup win Hamilton Tiger-Cats versus Calgary Stampeders (Saturday night) At Calgary, Hamilton starter Bo Levi Mitchell chases his first regular-season win at McMahon Stadium, where he played so many years with the Stampeders. A victory would be Mitchell's 100th in the CFL and come in his 141st career start, making him the fastest player in league history to achieve the milestone. Veteran Vernon Adams Jr. makes his first debut with the Stampeders, who are looking to return to the CFL playoffs after missing out last year for the first time since '04. Story continues below advertisement Pick: Hamilton. Edmonton Elks versus B.C. Lions (Saturday night) At Vancouver, no one was busier this off-season than Edmonton general manager Ed Hervey, who added the likes of defensive linemen Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith, defensive backs Royce Metchie and Tyrell Ford and offensive lineman David Beard. Conventional thinking suggests it will take time for the Elks to mesh. Both starting quarterbacks are athletic and dual threats. This one could be close, so the edge should go to the home team, especially with veteran kicker Sean Whyte. Pick: B.C.
