Devin Bush, LB — 1 Year, $1.95M
The Packers made one of their most quietly impactful offseason additions in the signing of veteran linebacker Devin Bush, formerly of the Cleveland Browns. The 28-year-old out of Michigan joins Green Bay on a one-year, $2 million deal, bringing proven athleticism, range, and experience to a young defensive unit looking to tighten its second-level coverage.
Contract Overview:
- Length: 1 year
- Salary: $1.95M
- Bonus: $0M
- Cap Hit: $1.95M
Player Profile & Metrics:
Bush enters 2026 with standout athletic tools that still translate at a high level, making him one of the most mobile linebackers on the roster. Bush thrives in pursuit and has the range to close gaps both in coverage and against the run.
While not the biggest linebacker at 5 ’11, 234 lbs, Bush compensates with top-tier instincts and closing burst. His jumping and pursuit ability make him ideal for coverage assignments in space, and he fits perfectly into Green Bay’s nickel and dime subpackages where speed and awareness are prioritized.
Outlook:
Bush’s arrival fills a specific defensive need: athleticism and awareness in the SAM and SUBLB roles. Lining up alongside Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper, Bush provides a proven veteran presence who can read quarterbacks, track crossers, and deliver reliable open-field tackling. His film in Cleveland showed marked improvement in coverage positioning and route recognition — areas the Packers struggled with in late-game situations last season.
Financially, the signing is a no-risk, high-reward move. At under $2 million for a proven starter, Bush offers tremendous value while giving the front office flexibility to reassess after the season. His short-term deal also aligns with Green Bay’s long-term cap strategy, ensuring minimal penalty if they choose to move on after 2026.
Fit & Projection:
Expect Bush to take on a starting role at SAM linebacker, but his true impact will be seen in sub-linebacker formations, where his speed and anticipation can shine. In Green Bay’s defensive scheme, he’ll act as both a spy and coverage linebacker — responsible for containing dual-threat QBs and limiting short-area gains.
Paired with Walker’s downhill power and Cooper’s sideline range, Bush completes one of the most athletic second-level trios in the NFC.
Signing Grade:A-
A shrewd, low-cost addition that immediately raises the floor of the Packers’ linebacking corps and improves subpackage versatility.
Amani Hooker, FS — 2 Years, $12.0M
The Packers continued their measured approach to free agency by inking veteran safety Amani Hooker to a two-year, $12 million contract. The 28-year-old out of Iowa brings versatility and leadership to a young secondary that’s still finding its long-term identity. A seven-year pro and former fourth-round pick, the former Titan provides a steady, intelligent presence on the back end of the defense.
Contract Overview:
Length: 2 years
Salary: $6.0M per year
Bonus: $6.0M
Cap Hit: $5.82M
Player Profile & Metrics:
Hooker enters the 2026 season with a well-rounded skill set. He boasts decent speed and agility, making him a rangy safety capable of covering deep zones or matching up in the slot. His play recognition and awareness allow him to diagnose plays quickly, while also possessing the power to ensure he remains a physical presence in run support. While not a flashy addition, Hooker’s combination of intelligence and dependability makes him an invaluable rotational piece in sub-packages and nickel alignments.
Outlook:
Although the safety position wasn’t a pressing need, Hooker’s addition strengthens the overall depth chart and adds valuable experience to a youthful locker room. He’ll serve as a reliable security blanket behind Williams and McKinney and a stabilizing influence during critical stretches of the season. His leadership and communication skills will be key in tightening coverage cohesion across the secondary.
Fit & Projection:
Expect Hooker to rotate frequently in dime looks and two-high shells, particularly when the Packers lean into coverage-heavy game plans. His football IQ and versatility make him a plug-and-play option who can fill multiple roles without defensive drop-off. With two years of team control and manageable cap figures, Hooker provides both short-term insurance and long-term flexibility.
Signing Grade: B
A steady, veteran signing that may not move headlines but adds real substance to Green Bay’s defensive depth and leadership core.
Benjamin St-Juste, CB — 2 Years, $10.8M
The Packers finally addressed one of their most pressing needs by signing Benjamin St-Juste, a lengthy, athletic cornerback who brings both size and speed to Green Bay’s secondary. The 28-year-old, formerly of the Commanders and Chargers joins the Packers on a two-year, $10.8 million deal aimed at fortifying a cornerback room that needed depth and versatility behind Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine.
Contract Overview:
Length: 2 years
Salary: $5.4M per year
Bonus: $5.2M
Cap Hit: $5.14M
Player Profile & Metrics:
At 6’3”, 200 lbs, St-Juste stands out immediately for his rare combination of length and athleticism. His acceleration and agility allow him to stay sticky in man coverage, while his pressing ability off the line makes him a physical disruptor at the line of scrimmage. With decent zone and man coverage ability, he’s a capable fit in Green Bay’s hybrid defensive system that blends off-zone and match principles. St-Juste’s ability to compete vertically makes him a strong matchup piece against bigger receivers — an area the Packers have struggled with in past seasons.
Outlook:
Entering 2026, the Packers needed to stabilize a secondary that often rotated young, inconsistent corners. With St-Juste’s addition, Green Bay gains a veteran presence who can immediately slot into CB3 or CB4 roles, depending on formation and opponent. He brings valuable starting experience and should see significant snaps in nickel and dime sets, allowing the coaching staff to maintain flexibility when matching personnel.
Fit & Projection:
St-Juste fits perfectly as a press-zone boundary corner who can challenge receivers physically at the line and hold up in vertical routes. His combination of speed and size gives Green Bay options — he can shadow big-bodied X receivers or play a disciplined role in two-high shells. Expect him to compete heavily for rotational snaps, with a strong chance to carve out a starting role if he delivers consistent play early in the season.
Signing Grade: B
A strategic, value-driven signing that fills a crucial depth need with an athletic, scheme-versatile veteran. St-Juste may not be a star, but he’s exactly the kind of player who raises the floor of a defense looking to regain its edge.
