The Green Bay Packers are apparently bringing back restricted free agent tackle Darian Kinnard, according to ESPN’s Pat McAfee. Via The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, McAfee is reporting that Kinnard will make up to $3.75 million on a one-year deal.
The Packers had the option to tender Kinnard at a $3.5 million figure (one-year deal) based on the NFL’s RFA rules. If it’s up to $3.75 million, I’d assume that Kinnard signed for less than the $3.5 million tender but can make more than the tender with playing
time incentives.
With Rasheed Walker on the market and Elgton Jenkins likely to be released as a cap casualty (eventually) or traded, Kinnard is highly likely to be Green Bay’s sixth offensive lineman for the 2026 season behind a starting offensive line of Jordan Morgan-Aaron Banks-Sean Rhyan-Anthony Belton-Zach Tom (left to right).
As we’ve written throughout the offseason, Kinnard was the most likely restricted free agent to be retained by the Packers via a tender. Running back Chris Brooks, for example, has already re-signed with Green Bay on a contract at a lower figure than the $3.5 million minimum tender.
After this move, following the trade of Rashan Gary, the Packers should have around $9 million-ish available in cap space for 2026.
Green Bay traded a late-round pick for Kinnard last offseason, following Travis Glover’s season-ending injury in training camp. He started four games with the Packers as an injury replacement, playing a total of 285 snaps of offense (including some snaps at tight end).
His retention will not impact the Packers’ standing in the compensatory draft pick formula in any way.
