The Green Bay Packers signed RB Nate McCrary and LB Chris Russell and released LS Peter Bowden (BAO-den) and S Tyler Coyle. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transactions on Wednesday.
McCrary (6-0, 213), a first-year player out of Saginaw Valley State, returns to the Packers after spending most of training camp with Green Bay last year. He originally signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2021. McCrary spent his rookie season on the Denver Broncos' active roster and on the Ravens' practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for one game by the Ravens in 2021 as a COVID replacement and recorded a carry. McCrary was released by Baltimore following the 2022 training camp and spent part of the 2022 season on the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. McCrary spent part of the 2023 offseason and the early part of training camp with the Cleveland Browns. In 2024, he played for the Michigan Panthers of the UFL. McCrary will wear No. 30 for the Packers.
Russell (6-1, 235), a rookie out of Texas A&M, took part in the Packers' rookie minicamp this past May as a tryout player. He saw action in 58 games in college, recording 112 tackles (59 solo), 10 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, three passes defensed, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. In 2022, Russell started all 12 games and finished No. 3 on the team with 66 tackles (33 solo), earning defensive Most Improved honors at the annual team banquet. He will wear No. 47 for the Packers.
