Three new Packers players are making an impression in Green Bay

Posted by Admin September 2, 2026 NFL

Cutdown weekend is always a time of change and transition. For a few new members of the Green Bay Packers, that was especially true.

Not only did the Packers trim their roster from 90 to the required 53, but they traded for two new players in the process and added a third via free agency. That’s an unusual amount of activity for a time of the year when most teams are focused on workforce reduction.

We shouldn’t necessarily make too much of it; the moves for Mark Redman and Kaleb Johnson, in particular, were basically just line jumping. The Packers wanted to make sure they got exactly what they wanted, so they paid a (small) premium to land a pair of players that fit what they were looking for.

But for the players involved, it had to be a head-spinning moment. One second you’re wondering if you’ll have a future in the NFL at all, and the next you’re told that not only does another team want you, they’re coming to get you right now. Turn in your playbook and get out of town, but not because you’ve been cut. You’re just on your way to the next job.

It’s a rare triple win. The Packers get players they want. The player gets to keep earning money playing football. Their former team gets compensated for someone they were probably going to cut.

The only real cost is a weekend of sudden travel arrangements for a couple of abruptly traded players. And also Jonnu Smith, who got to spend all of training camp hanging out at home rather than sweating on a practice field. Some guys have all the luck.

What will Packers get from Kaleb Johnson, Jonnu Smith? | ESPN

A fair question!

Packers newcomer Kaleb Johnson made good impression on Day 1 | Packers News

Kaleb Johnson didn’t waste time getting down to work.

After ‘Crazy’ Week, Packers QB Kedon Slovis Knows Key to Taking Next Step | Sports Illustrated

After playing against the Packers in the Cardinals’ final preseason game, Slovis now finds himself a member of the team.

Packers D-line depth goes from weakness to strength entering 2026 | Packers Wire

No position went through a bigger transformation during training camp than the defensive line.

5 things learned from GM Brian Gutekunst about Packers’ roster | Packers.com

Cutdown weekend doesn’t just teach us about the Packers. It teaches us about Brian Gutekust.

Nearly 2,000 people down shots of Malört to set world record | UPI

Interesting use of your one wild and precious life.

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