A day after releasing kicker Jack Podlesny to limit kicks to just two, the Green Bay Packers have claimed kicker James Turner off the Detroit Lions, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Turner was released by the Lions after the team signed All-UFL kicker Jake Bates to a two-year contract.
In Green Bay, Turner will join a kicking competition that includes 2023 draft pick Anders Carlson and veteran Greg Joseph.
Turner was an All-Big Ten pick for the national champion Michigan Wolverines in 2023. After four seasons at Louisville, he transferred to Michigan.
At Michigan, Turner made 18 of 21 field goals and set the school record for extra points converted in a single season (65). At Louisville, he made 47 of 59 field goals and 124 of 127 extra points.
Turner was 4 of 10 on kicks of 50 yards or more in his career, but he was 3 of 4 in 2023. Turner was just 21 of 35 on kicks of 40 or more yards.
Overall, Turner hit at least 85 percent of his field goals in three of his four seasons as a starter. He was only four points away from completing the match.
Despite having three kickers on the roster, the Packers still have one open roster spot.
As with all waiver claims, Turner will be required to undergo a medical examination before he is officially added to the Packers’ roster.
