The Green Bay Packers will reportedly sign starting linebacker Chris Russell to a contract on Tuesday. Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2 in Houston.
Russell, who has appeared in 57 career games, went undrafted out of Texas A&M in 2024. Russell was at practice in Green Bay on Tuesday, according to Wilson.
The Packers are dealing with injuries at linebacker, with rookie Edgerrin Cooper — Russell’s teammate at Texas A&M — and rookie Ty’Ron Hopper missing time, and Quay Walker potentially dealing with a recent injury. Cooper hasn’t practiced since the week before Family Night, and Hopper returned to practice only on a restricted basis Tuesday, while Walker wasn’t available for 11-on-11 work Tuesday.
Russell’s best season came in 2022, when he had 66 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, forced one fumble, recovered two fumbles, 10 pressures and 33 stops in 13 starts and 685 plays. He was named the Defensive Most Improved Player. In 2023, Russell had 30 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception for the Aggies in just 321 plays.
At Texas A&M’s pro day, Russell (6’11, 215 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds, jumped 35.5 inches in the broad jump, went 10-1 in the long jump, did 20 bench presses and completed the three-cone drill in 7.13 seconds. Russell’s track and field score is 8.58 out of 10.0.
The Packers have a loaded roster and would need to make some roster changes to accommodate Russell.
