Connect with us

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Eric Wilson says he’s back with the Packers.

Published

on

Eric Wilson, a linebacker, revealed details about his NFL ambitions on Thursday.

Wilson announced his return for “another year with the pack” on Instagram, sharing pictures of himself playing for the Packers. Even if the team hasn’t yet provided an official statement regarding his contract, one is most certainly on the way.


ESPN credits Eric Wilson.
In his 30 appearances with the team over the last two seasons, Wilson has mostly contributed as a vital special teams player. He joined the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and played for the Eagles, Texans, and Vikings prior to his time in Green Bay.

Wilson has amassed 328 tackles, nine sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and other stats over his career.

Since being signed off of the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints early in the 2022 season, Wilson has been an important member of the Packers’ rotation. Wilson has made 30 appearances in games for the Packers, while never having started one.

The veteran linebacker’s most memorable play came during an NFC divisional playoff defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, when he recovered a critical fumble during an incredible kickoff return by Keisean Nixon. The Packers managed to hold onto the ball until Nixon’s return pushed Green Bay deep into 49ers territory.

The NFL of Eric Wilson Career
Wilson may not be a big name, but after graduating from college, he carved out a decent NFL career from modest beginnings.

Previously a three-star high school prospect,

Green Bay Requires Linebackers Still
The Packers still have a serious need at off-ball linebacker even with Wilson returning.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 24: Eric Wilson #45 of the Green Bay Packers looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)


The Packers will be switching to a 4-3 base defense with a greater focus on linebackers under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Green Bay is currently lacking at that position, particularly following the release of De’Vondre Campbell, a former All-Pro linebacker, to clear financial space.

With Campbell now committed to a one-year deal with the 49ers, the only legitimately experienced off-ball linebackers the Packers have are Wilson, Isaiah McDuffie, and former first-round choice Quay Walker.

Walker will be the most important linebacker the Packers need to step up. The 23-year-old, a previous first-round selection out of Georgia, has not yet reached

his gait. Walker’s career may advance due to the switch in defensive coordinators, but with Campbell gone, he will now need to assume a bigger position in the Packers defense.

The Packers will probably keep looking for more linebacker depth in the NFL Draft of 2024. Brian Gutekunst, the general manager, has already hinted that the team may be interested in Edgerrin Cooper, a prospect from Texas A&M, by inviting him for a top-30 visit.

Wilson, a Michigan native, pledged to Northwestern but was never allowed to play. Wilson redshirted his first year of college before transferring to Cincinnati, where he rose to prominence as a Bearcat defensive standout.

In two consecutive seasons with Cincinnati, Wilson was named to the All-AAC team; nevertheless, he was not selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was given a shot by the Minnesota Vikings during training camp, and that opportunity resulted in a four-year contract.

After departing the Vikings in 2020, the 29-year-old linebacker spent a couple seasons floating around the league before joining the Packers. Wilson will now have the opportunity to remain a Green Bay resident through the 2024 campaign.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending