3 Surprise Cut Candidates Who Could Fall into the Packers' Lap This Season

As the Green Bay Packers gear up for their preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team's front office is already turning its attention to the waiver wire. The NFL's roster cutdown day on August 30 will free up a plethora of talent, and the Packers would be wise to be prepared to pounce on any unexpected releases. In this article, we'll take a closer look at three surprise cut candidates who could fall into the Packers' lap, giving them a valuable boost to their roster.

The first candidate to watch is Tanner Hudson, a veteran tight end who has made 71 NFL appearances for four different teams. Hudson brings a wealth of experience to the table, having caught 77 passes over the past three seasons, including 39 of 50 targets for 352 yards and a touchdown in 2023. His ability to provide a capable pass-catching option behind starter Josh Whyle would make him an attractive waiver wire pickup, especially considering the Packers' tight end depth chart is looking somewhat bare at the moment. While Hudson did have the misfortune of doing a Lambeau Leap after scoring a touchdown against the Packers last season, his talent and work ethic would make him a valuable asset to any team, including the Packers.

Beyond Hudson, another potential waiver wire pickup for the Packers could be Trey Benson, a talented running back who has fallen out of favor in Arizona. Despite being the team's 2024 third-round pick, Benson finds himself battling for a spot on the 53-man roster behind a crowded depth chart that includes Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, and James Conner. Benson brings a unique combination of tackle-breaking power and home-run speed to the table, averaging 4.9 yards per carry from his limited playing time. If Benson were to become available via waivers, the Packers should be prepared to send a Day 3 pick to Arizona to secure his services, given the potential impact he could have on their backfield.

The third and final candidate we'll be examining is Emanuel Wilson, a running back who the Packers let walk in free agency last season. Despite his unassuming numbers, Wilson turned 125 carries into 496 yards and three scores for the Packers, making him an attractive waiver wire pickup in his own right. The problem, of course, is that Wilson has already signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he'll be competing with George Holani for backup duties behind Jadarian Price. However, with Zach Charbonnet set to return from injury by Week 1, the Seahawks' backfield could become even more crowded, potentially freeing up Wilson to become a target for the Packers.

These three players represent just a small sample of the potential surprise cut candidates who could fall into the Packers' lap on cutdown day. As we approach the NFL's waiver wire season, it's essential for teams to stay vigilant and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the league. The Packers, with their talent-rich front office and willingness to take calculated risks, are well-positioned to capitalize on any unexpected releases, giving them a valuable edge in the chase for a deep playoff run.

With the Packers' preseason opener just around the corner, the stage is set for a thrilling ride filled with twists, turns, and surprises. As the team navigates the challenges of the waiver wire and the ever-changing NFL landscape, one thing remains crystal clear: the Packers will need to stay focused, adaptable, and willing to take risks if they hope to succeed in the years to come.