With the 2025 NFL Draft now behind them, the Green Bay Packers—like the rest of the league—are shifting their focus back to offseason preparations. As part of this next phase, the team is assembling its group of undrafted free agents and extending rookie minicamp invites to additional unsigned players. Naturally, bringing in new talent through the draft and free agency means some current roster members may be let go. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2 in Houston, the Packers have re-signed exclusive rights free agent Zayne Anderson while releasing defensive lineman Leonard Payne.
The Packers currently have a crowded defensive tackle group on their 91-man offseason roster, which includes sixth-round pick Warren Brinson. In January, they signed 24-year-old defensive lineman Jalen Payne to a reserve/future contract.
Payne went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was with the Miami Dolphins during the previous preseason but didn’t make the final roster or practice squad.
After being cut by Miami, Payne had a tryout with Green Bay in September, though it didn’t lead to a contract at the time.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 301 pounds, Payne began his college career at Fresno State, where he played from 2018 to 2022. Over 28 games, he recorded 35 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.
In 2023, Payne transferred to the University of Colorado for his final college season, registering 10 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
Now a former Packer, Payne will aim to catch on with another team as rookie minicamps begin around the NFL, hoping to finally make his professional debut this season.