The Green Bay Packers have decided to sign Eric Wilson, a veteran linebacker and special teams contributor, to a new contract.
According to his most recent Instagram post, Wilson has agreed to return and play for the Packers. A fan on X posted a screenshot of Wilson’s announcement.
Wilson has played an important rotating role for the Packers since being signed from the New Orleans Saints practice squad early in the 2022 season. Although he hasn't started a game for the Packers, Wilson has appeared in 30 games.
The veteran linebacker will be remembered most recently for his important fumble recovery on a kickoff return from Keisean Nixon in the NFC divisional round loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The recovery allowed the Packers to keep possession after Nixon’s return brought Green Bay deep into 49ers territory.
Eric Wilson’s NFL Career
Wilson may not be widely known, but he has created a solid NFL career starting from humble beginnings after college.
A former 3-star high school recruit from Michigan, Wilson committed to Northwestern, but never played. Following a redshirted first college season, Wilson transferred to Cincinnati, where he became a standout defensive player for the Bearcats.
Wilson achieved All-AAC honors in consecutive seasons with Cincinnati, but went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings gave him an opportunity in training camp, leading to a four-year period with the team.
The 29-year-old linebacker moved around the league for a few seasons after leaving the Vikings in 2020, eventually joining the Packers. Now, Wilson will continue to call Green Bay home in the 2024 season.
Green Bay Still Needs Linebackers
Despite re-signing Wilson, the Packers still have a significant need for off-ball linebackers.
With Jeff Hafley taking over as defensive coordinator, the Packers will shift to a 4-3 base defense, placing extra emphasis on linebackers. Green Bay is currently thin at that position, particularly after releasing former All-Pro linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to save cap space.
Now that Campbell has signed a one-year deal with the 49ers, the Packers have just Wilson, Isaiah McDuffie, and former first-round pick Quay Walker as their off-ball linebackers with significant playing experience.
Walker will be the primary linebacker needing to step up for the Packers. As a former first-round pick from Georgia, the 23-year-old has yet to reach his potential. The change in defensive coordinators could help Walker progress, but he’ll need to take on an even larger role for the Packers defense now that Campbell is gone.
The Packers will likely continue to seek additional depth at linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst has already indicated the team's interest in the position, bringing in Texas A&M prospect Edgerrin Cooper for a top-30 visit.
Cooper probably won't be the only linebacker brought in for a top-30 visit, as Gutekunst will ensure thorough evaluation of the position.
