Packers releasing linebacker Kristian Welch during final cuts

The Green Bay Packers are releasing linebacker Kristian Welch, one of the team’s preseason standouts, during final cuts on Tuesday, per Bill Huber of SI.com.

Welch, a Wisconsin native, was a core special teamer for the Packers last season. He returned on a one-year deal and produced an impressive preseason featuring two interceptions and a fumble recovery. At Pro Football Focus, Welch was the team’s highest graded defensive player during the preseason.

The Packers moved to a 4-3 base defense but possibly thought keeping six linebackers was too many. Ahead of Welch are Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson and rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper.

Coach Matt LaFleur called Welch “smart, tough, physical player” following the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. Welch had an interception and a special teams tackle during the 30-7 victory.

Last season, Welch played 210 special teams snaps over 14 games with the Packers. He was signed to the practice squad on Aug. 31 and signed to the 53-man roster on Sept. 28. During his first three NFL seasons, Welch played for the Ravens, seeing action on almost 900 special teams snaps over 43 games between 2020 and 2022.

Welch is from Iola, Wisconsin. He went to Iola-Scandinavia High School.

As a vested veteran, Welch’s entire 2024 salary would have become guaranteed had been on the 53-man roster in Week 1. It’s possible he could return on the practice squad or in Week 2.