Packers UDFA has more guaranteed money than draft picks
In a strategic shift, Ken Ingalls reports that edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly secured $247,500 in guarantees for his undrafted free agent in the 2026 class, surpassing the average guaranteed salary for a draft pick. This highlights a pivot in Green Bay’s free agency strategy, which has traditionally prioritized roster-building over spending on undrafted players. Unlike last year, when the Packers only signed two undrafted rookies for guaranteed salaries under $15,000, this year’s guarantees cover nearly a million dollars—upping their investment in the class.
Kelly’s case stands out as an outlier. While he received the highest guaranteed amount compared to Sturdivant (who made $200,000) and Gesky ($200,000), both were close to Smack’s signing bonus of $206,532. This indicates that the Packers may be willing to invest heavily in higher-risk, high-guaranteed players despite the risk of losing them in the market. In contrast, previous undrafted rookie signings typically offered lower guaranteed amounts, reflecting a preference for safer, less risky prospects.
This change signals a broader trend where teams increasingly prioritize guaranteed contracts over traditional drafting. In 2025, Nazir Stackhouse, who was one of the top guaranteed players for the class, made $165,000, but only two other players reached $15,000 or more. The current guarantee package now covers nearly a million dollars, upping the total investment by almost double. Furthermore, Ingalls’ figures show that the team didn’t just focus on guaranteed salaries but also on the overall value proposition of the player’s contract, including potential signing bonuses.
Beyond just financial incentives, this approach underscores a deeper shift in free agency. Teams are moving away from relying solely on draft picks to build strong rosters, emphasizing long-term stability. As the Packers continue to invest in guaranteed players, they may be positioning themselves for future success by balancing guaranteed contracts with potential signing bonuses that offer both immediate benefits and long-term growth opportunities.
