The Green Bay Packers have made strategic moves to address key areas of concern on their roster, signing linebacker and guard Marquis Hayes. These additions aim to bolster depth at positions that have shown vulnerability in recent weeks: linebacker and the interior offensive line.
At linebacker, the Packers faced a precarious situation heading into their Thanksgiving game against the Miami Dolphins. With Isaiah McDuffie listed as questionable, they risked playing with just three healthy linebackers, including rookie Ty’Ron Hopper, who had limited NFL experience. Further complicating matters, the Minnesota Vikings signed former first-round pick Jamin Davis off Green Bay’s practice squad, leaving the Packers even thinner at the position.
The offensive line has also been a concern, particularly after first-round rookie Jordan Morgan, who had been performing well as a fill-in at right guard, landed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Over the past two weeks, rookie Jacob Monk has been the only backup interior lineman on the active roster, but he has not been active on game days. These issues underscored the need for reinforcements.
Barrett, a seventh-round pick from Michigan, brings leadership and coverage skills despite being slightly undersized at 5’11” and 232 pounds. He has bounced around practice squads for the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and Cleveland Browns this season. As a former team captain for Michigan’s national championship team, Barrett’s experience and versatility could prove valuable for Green Bay’s depleted linebacker corps.
Hayes, also a seventh-round pick, was drafted out of Oklahoma two years ago. He has since had stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders, most recently spending two months on the Commanders’ practice squad before being released on November 26. His addition strengthens the Packers’ practice squad offensive line, joining Donovan Jennings and Spencer Rolland in providing depth.
To accommodate these signings, the Packers released wide receiver Malik Knowles from their practice squad. Barrett is now the only linebacker on the practice squad, while Hayes adds depth to the offensive line group. While neither Barrett nor Hayes is expected to make an immediate impact, they address glaring needs and could compete for playing time as the season progresses.
