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Packers reportedly sign 5 of NFL's top undrafted free agents
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- Packers reportedly sign 5 of NFL's top undrafted free agents
The Green Bay Packers have not officially announced their undrafted free agent signings as of Tuesday morning, but based on the reported signings, the Packers landed a strong class of rookies in free agency following the 2026 NFL draft.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com ranked the top undrafted free agents of 2026 and five reported signings by the Packers made the list:
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QB Kyron Drones (No. 16 QB)
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WR J. Michael Sturdivant (No. 4 WR)
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TE R.J. Maryland (No. 9 TE)
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IOL Josh Gesky (No. 7 IOL)
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Edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly (No. 13 edge rusher)
Drones, Gesky and Kelly all visited Green Bay before the 2026 draft, giving the Packers an edge on signing them as undrafted rookies. While the Packers did not draft a wide receiver, Sturdivant was a draftable player -- Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked Sturdivant as his No. 221 overall player in the class and the top rated undrafted signing for the Packers based on his big board. Gesky was also in his top 300 players (No. 284).
All five of the team's top undrafted free agents will have a real shot to either make the roster or stick as practice squad players in 2026.
Drones, who has a good arm and elite athleticism, appears to be the Packers' pick for a developmental quarterback. He is not dissimilar to Malik Willis , the backup in Green Bay during the last two seasons. But Drones will need time to develop before he's a legitimate No. 2 option -- a year on the practice squad would do him good, with eyes on competing for a role in 2027.
The Packers lost Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks at wide receiver and did not pick one in the draft, giving Sturdivant a real chance to stick. While lean, he is a terrific athlete, once led all FBS freshman in receiving yards (755, 2022) and has special team experience. This is the type of undrafted rookie who can make a splash in camp this summer.
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Maryland, the son of Russell Maryland, has terrific speed at tight end. While smaller, his athleticism and pass-catching potential could make him a nice fit as a developmental "F" tight end.
Gesky played a ton of football at guard in the Big Ten and tested like an elite athlete. That's a good combo for entering the NFL as an undrafted rookie. Kelly is only 21 and had flashes of really disruptive play from the edge at UCF. The Packers could use more developmental options at guard and edge rusher, so keep an eye on both this summer.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers reportedly sign 5 of NFL's top undrafted free agents
