Based on Green Bay Packers linebacker Kristian Welch’s Instagram story, where his agent claims that he’s returning to the team, it looks like the special teamer will return to Green Bay for the 2026 season.
Details of Welch’s deal are not disclosed at this point. Welch was set to be an unrestricted free agent. We’ll update once we have further news on the deal.
It’s an interesting move, considering that the Packers typically carry just four off-ball linebackers when they have played a 3-4 defense,
which they’re expected to do this year, in the past. Green Bay already has a two-deep of Zaire Franklin, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie and Ty’Ron Hopper on top of special teams contributor Nick Niemann, who was also re-signed this week. Maybe the plan is for Green Bay to have Niemann and Welch battle it out for the fifth linebacker spot, or eventually trade whoever loses the Franklin-McDuffie battle for the Mike position.
