Packers Release Bo Melton, Plan Practice-Squad Return
Packers Release Bo Melton, Plan Practice-Squad Return
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Key Points
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Melton began his career as a seventh-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 but never appeared in a regular-season game for Seattle; all of his NFL regular-season appearances have come with Green Bay.
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Across 38 career games, Melton has recorded 28 receptions for 416 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to his special-teams work.
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Last season, Melton played 47% of Green Bay’s special-teams snaps and 10% of its offensive snaps, underscoring his role as a specialist rather than a regular offensive contributor.
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First-year special-teams coordinator Cam Achord specifically praised Melton during training camp for his ability to serve as a gunner on punt coverage.
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The Packers have used similar short-term roster maneuvers before, including releasing long snapper Matt Orzech and later bringing him back; the corresponding move to create Melton’s roster spot had not been identified.
The Green Bay Packers released wide receiver Bo Melton just three days before their season opener against Minnesota, but the move is temporary. ESPN reported that Melton is expected to re-sign with the practice squad and be elevated for Sunday's game, then return to the 53-man roster. As a vested veteran, he bypasses waivers entirely.
Melton's primary value lies on special teams, where he played 47% of Green Bay's snaps last season. The fifth-year receiver caught four passes for 107 yards and a touchdown while also contributing 35 rushing yards. Special-teams coordinator Cam Achord praised Melton during training camp for his work as a gunner on punt coverage.
How the Packers Dodged Waiver-Wire Rules
Melton qualifies as a vested veteran, which means he did not need to clear waivers upon release. A to Z Sports reported that general manager Brian Gutekunst exploited a little-known NFL roster rule to keep Melton in-house without going through the waiver process. This allowed the team to use Melton flexibly around their season-opener schedule.
From Seattle to Green Bay Success
Melton started his career as a seventh-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 but never appeared in a regular-season game for Seattle. All 38 of his NFL games have come with Green Bay. Across those appearances, he has caught 28 passes for 416 yards and two touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable depth piece.
A Familiar Playbook for Roster Flexibility
The Packers have used similar temporary release strategies before. CBS Sports noted that the team previously released long snapper Matt Orzech only to bring him back later. These moves allow Green Bay to shuffle rosters without permanently losing players, especially ahead of critical games like season openers.
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