Jaylen Warren, HB — 2 Years, $9.5M
The Packers opened free agency with a practical signing, bringing in Jaylen Warren, a compact yet powerful back formerly with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 5’8” and 215 lbs, the 27-year-old out of Oklahoma State arrives in Green Bay on a two-year, $9.5 million deal—providing immediate depth behind Josh Jacobs while rookie Nicholas Singleton develops into the long-term feature back.
Contract Overview:
- Length: 2 years
- Salary: $4.4M per year
- Bonus: $5.0M
- Cap Hit: $4.56M
Player Profile & Metrics:
Warren enters 2026 off a productive year, the former Steeler excels in the short-area quickness department. He’s also surprisingly strong for his size and secure with the football. His compact build and low center of gravity make him a nightmare for defenders in space, particularly on outside zone and misdirection runs.
Outlook:
The signing made perfect sense before the draft — Green Bay needed an RB2 to help manage Jacobs’ workload and maintain offensive balance. Even after the unexpected arrival of Nicholas Singleton in Round 2, Warren remains a valuable rotational back. His elusiveness and short-yardage toughness offer an ideal stylistic complement to Jacobs’ power game and Singleton’s burst.
Statistically, Warren ranked among the top-20 backs in yards after contact in Pittsburgh and provided reliable production on third downs. He’s also capable as a receiver out of the backfield, giving Jordan Love another outlet in the short passing game.
Fit & Projection:
Expect Warren to log meaningful snaps early in the season—especially in rotation-heavy game plans or when the Packers deploy dual-back sets. He’ll bridge the gap between Jacobs’ present production and Singleton’s future workload, while maintaining strong locker-room leadership. With both veterans’ contracts set to expire at the same time, this move perfectly aligns the franchise’s short- and long-term timeline.Signing Grade:B+
Efficient, team-friendly deal that strengthens the offense now and preserves flexibility for the future.
Donald Parham, TE — 2 Years, $4.0M
The Packers added a towering presence to their tight end room in the signing of Donald Parham, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 6 ‘8, the 29-year-old veteran provides depth behind Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave, offering a specialized skill set for heavy formations, goal-line situations, and high-point passing opportunities.
Contract Overview:
- Length: 2 years
- Salary: $4.0M
- Bonus: $3.4M
- Cap Hit: $3.6M
Player Profile & Metrics:
Parham enters 2026 going into his 7th season, his career thus far has proven to be subpar. Out of Stetson University, highlighted by elite size and catch radius, his strength made him a true red-zone mismatch in his days with the Chargers. While his speed and agility are limited, his ability to create separation in contested situations and box out defenders makes him an asset in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios.
At 6’8” and 237 lbs, Parham’s physicality allows him to absorb hits and extend plays, making him an ideal target for play-action passes and jump balls in tight windows. His blocking metrics are solid enough to contribute in heavy sets, though he will primarily serve as a situational offensive weapon, or extra offensive lineman.
Outlook:
Parham fills a niche role for Green Bay — a specialized tight end to supplement Kraft and Musgrave. In goal-line and play-action packages, his sheer size creates matchup nightmares for linebackers and defensive backs alike. While he won’t see the majority of snaps, his presence stretches defenses vertically and opens up underneath routes for faster receiving options.
Financially, the deal isn’t pretty, but manageable under the Packers’ cap, with a moderate $3.6M hit and a $3.4M bonus spread over two years. This provides flexibility to adjust the roster or retain him for longer if he proves effective in key situations.
Fit & Projection:
Expect Parham to see action primarily in heavy sets, short-yardage packages, and goal-line situations where his size and catch radius can be maximized. He complements Kraft’s versatility and Musgrave’s athleticism, offering a unique dimension to Green Bay’s TE group. While his impact may be limited by snap count, his presence could be a decisive factor in critical red-zone possessions.Signing Grade: B-
A high-upside, low-risk signing that adds a towering mismatch target for the Packers in specialized situations without compromising roster flexibility.
Keenan Allen, WR — 1 Year, $3.35M
The Packers capped off their free agency period with a veteran splash, signing Keenan Allen to a one-year, $3.35 million deal. The 34-year-old former longtime Charger superstar brings over a decade of NFL experience, joining a wide receiver room stacked with young talent but light on leadership. This move wasn’t about upside—it was about stability, mentorship, and one last push for a championship.
Contract Overview:
Length: 1 year
Salary: $3.35M per year
Bonus: $0M
Cap Hit: $3.35M
Player Profile & Metrics:
Allen enters his 13th season showcasing that even in his mid-thirties, his game remains rooted in precision and intelligence. His short route running and catching ability make him a dependable option in tight windows and critical downs. He’s not the burner he once was but he continues to win with elite route running nuance, physicality at the catch point, and exceptional football IQ.
Standing 6 ‘2, 211 lbs, Allen’s reliability and consistency fit perfectly in a system looking to balance the explosive potential of Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, and Christian Watson with the discipline and professionalism only a veteran like Allen can provide.
Outlook:
The signing carries emotional and strategic weight. While the young Packers receiver corps represents the future, Allen embodies the standard they’re aiming for. His presence in the locker room and film room will pay dividends well beyond his stat line. The team’s hope is that he not only rounds out the depth chart but helps accelerate the development of Green Bay’s next generation of pass-catchers.
For Allen, this may well be the final chapter of a storied career—a one-year ride with a contender, chasing the elusive ring that has long escaped him.
Fit & Projection:
Expect Allen to operate primarily subbing out of the slot, providing Jordan Love with a reliable third-down and red-zone option. His chemistry and timing-oriented playstyle align seamlessly with Love’s quick-trigger passing game. While his snap count may be managed, Allen’s impact will extend beyond the field, offering leadership and mentorship to a group poised to define Green Bay’s offense for years to come.
Signing Grade: A-
A sentimental yet savvy signing. Allen gives the Packers an experienced mentor, a clutch performer, and a stabilizing force for a young receiver corps—all on a team-friendly, short-term deal.
