In a surprising move ahead of the 2025 NFL training camp, the Green Bay Packers have made significant roster changes, including the release of two defensive linemen, one of whom is a former fourth-round draft pick. The team announced on Friday that defensive tackles Cameron Young and Nesta Jada Silvera have been cut from the roster, signaling a bold shift in their defensive line strategy as veterans prepare to report next week.
Defensive Line Shake-Up
Cameron Young, a 2023 fourth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks, joined the Packers in June during their mandatory minicamp, hoping to secure a depth role in Green Bay’s defensive tackle rotation. Young, who played 17 games with one start over two seasons in Seattle, saw his 2024 campaign derailed by injury. Despite his potential, the Packers opted to part ways with the young lineman, a decision that has caught many fans off guard given his draft pedigree and upside.
Joining Young on the way out is Nesta Jada Silvera, another defensive tackle who was released without much opportunity to compete for a roster spot. The move to cut both players suggests confidence in the Packers’ current defensive line depth but leaves fans questioning whether the team has a bigger plan in motion.
The releases create three open spots on Green Bay’s 90-man roster, as kicker Alex Hale holds an international player exemption and does not count against the roster limit until the regular season begins.
Rookie Contract Finalized
In addition to the roster cuts, the Packers made headlines by locking in one of their 2025 rookie draft picks. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, second-round selection Anthony Belton signed a four-year, $8.016 million contract on Friday, including $2.47 million in bonuses and nearly 73% of the deal guaranteed. This represents a significant increase in guaranteed money compared to last year’s No. 54 overall pick, Cleveland’s Michael Hall Jr., who secured 61.95% of his $7.069 million contract.
Belton’s signing completes the Packers’ 2025 rookie draft class, with all eight draftees now under contract as training camp looms. The move underscores Green Bay’s commitment to building around young talent while making tough decisions elsewhere on the roster.
What’s Next for the Packers?
With three roster vacancies and training camp set to begin on July 23, the Packers are expected to act swiftly to fill these spots. The question now is where the team will prioritize adding talent.
The release of two defensive tackles might indicate that Green Bay is comfortable with their current options at the position, including stalwarts like Kenny Clark and TJ Slaton. However, the team could still pursue a veteran free agent to bolster competition. One potential target is former Chicago Bears starter DeMarcus Walker, who remains unsigned and offers versatile inside-out capabilities that could align with the Packers’ defensive scheme.
Alternatively, the Packers may look to address other areas of need, particularly at cornerback, where depth is a concern. Seventh-round rookie Micah Robinson was recently placed on the active/physically unable to perform list, leaving the secondary thin. Adding a veteran corner or camp bodies to provide depth during practice could be a priority as the team navigates early camp injuries.
Packers Also Sign Anthony Belton to Rookie Contract
While the Packers did not add any players to their roster with Friday’s moves, they did lock one of their rookie draft selections — second-round Anthony Belton — into place.
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Packers finalized their rookie contract with Belton on Friday, signing him to a four-year deal worth $8.016 million that included $2.47 million in bonuses and guaranteed him nearly 73% of the contract’s total value.
As Wilson noted, Belton’s guaranteed percentage (72.95%) is a “major increase” from what last year’s No. 54 overall selection (Cleveland defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr.) received — which was roughly 61.95% of his $7.069 million four-year rookie contract.
With Belton’s signing (a move that Green Bay announced Friday), the Packers now have all eight members of their rookie draft class under contract ahead of the start of camp.
How Will Packers Go About Filling 3 Roster Spots?
The Packers now have three roster vacancies with less than a week to go until they hold their first training-camp practice on July 23, and expectations are they will look to fill all three of them before they dive too deeply into the on-field action this summer.
The question is: At what positions are they most likely to add more talent?
The Packers’ decision to release two defensive tackles suggests they feel comfortable with their depth at the position, but it is possible they could look to replace two less-established players with a more formidable veteran who can improve the competition at the position heading into 2025. Former Chicago Bears starter DeMarcus Walker is still unsigned and possesses inside-out versatility that could appeal to the Packers.
The Packers could also use their roster openings to sign camp bodies who can tide them over in practice until some of their injury-list players are ready to return. Cornerback seems like the priority position with seventh-round rookie Micah Robinson landing on the active/physically unable to perform list to start camp — and depth already thin.