It is just the third day of Green Bay Packers training camp and there have already been a couple roster moves. The latest of these being the release of Jonathan Garvin, who was drafted by Green Bay in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Packers released Jonathan Garvin.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) July 28, 2023
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced the move during his press conference today.
Jonathan Garvin’s Career with the Green Bay Packers
Garvin, a product of Miami (FL) played three seasons with the Packers after being taken in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he appeared in eight games, but saw his usage increased in 2021. That year, he appeared in all 16 games, starting one of them.
In 2021, Garvin had 1.5 sacks, 19 total tackles, and five quarterback hurries. However, he was not as much of an impact player as the Packers might have hoped.
Last season, Garvin appeared in 14 games, but played a higher percentage of special teams snaps (35%) than defensive snaps (23%).
Why Did the Green Bay Packers Cut Jonathan Garvin?
The Packers entered the 2023 offseason needing to address their edge rusher position. After Rashan Gary went down in Week Nine with a torn ACL, the Green Bay pass rush became a 1.5-man show led by Rashan Gary. Kingsley Enagbare showed promise, and Justin Hollins was a good veteran pickup, but Smith was the only one who generated any kind of consistent pressure.
Garvin failed to make an impact when given the opportunity. As a result, the Packers used their first round draft pick in 2023 on edge rusher Lukas Van Ness out of Iowa. With Gary trending in the right direction with his rehab, it is possible that he will be ready for Week One against the Chicago Bears.
If and when Gary is healthy, he will start alongside Smith with Van Ness, Enagbare, and Hollins adding depth. There simply is no room for Garvin, who had a terrible 50.6 defensive grade last year via PFF. He was even worse in the run game, garnering a 45.6 run defense grade.
As one of Green Bay’s worst run defenders, and adding little to the pass rush, Garvin lost his spot on the team due to his inability to make an impact.
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