The Green Bay Packers made a notable roster adjustment on Wednesday, officially announcing the signing of cornerback Gregory Junior and the release of cornerback Kaleb Hayes. These moves come as the team continues to fine-tune its roster during the offseason, aiming to bolster its secondary depth ahead of training camp and the 2025 NFL season.
Gregory Junior enters the Packers’ organization with NFL experience under his belt, having been originally drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 197 overall) out of Ouachita Baptist University, a Division II school in Arkansas. Junior made history as the first player ever drafted from Ouachita Baptist, which is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Though he had a limited role with Jacksonville, Junior showed flashes of potential in both special teams and defensive snaps. Injuries slowed his progress during his time with the Jaguars, including a hamstring issue that placed him on injured reserve early in the 2023 season. Still, his blend of size (5-foot-11, 190 pounds), athleticism, and raw coverage ability offers upside. In a system like Green Bay’s, which values versatile and physical defensive backs, Junior could compete for a role as a depth cornerback or on special teams, an area the Packers always emphasize.
The move to sign Junior also indicates that the Packers are continuing to evaluate talent aggressively, especially in areas that saw inconsistency in 2024. With uncertainty surrounding some of the younger players in the secondary and ongoing questions about health and depth, the Packers’ front office appears determined to keep competition alive leading into camp.
To make room on the roster, Green Bay waived Kaleb Hayes, a second-year cornerback who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of BYU in 2023. Hayes had been competing for a reserve role but saw limited action in games and was mainly utilized on the practice squad. While he brought solid collegiate production and athletic traits to the table, it appears the Packers see a higher ceiling in Junior moving forward.
Hayes could still be a candidate for another team’s practice squad or training camp roster, as teams continue to build out their 90-man rosters during this part of the offseason. His departure underscores how competitive NFL roster spots are, particularly in the defensive backfield where even small differences in performance or potential can make or break a player’s tenure with a team.
Ultimately, the Packers’ decision to swap out Hayes for Junior reflects a calculated bet on talent development. While neither move may dominate headlines, it’s the kind of behind-the-scenes transaction that can prove impactful if a player like Junior develops into a contributor. With a young and evolving roster, especially on defense, the Packers remain committed to identifying and investing in players who could take the next step under their coaching staff.
As offseason activities ramp up and training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Junior adjusts to his new environment in Green Bay—and whether this quiet roster move can become a meaningful piece of the team’s 2025 puzzle.
