In a somewhat shocking move, the Green Bay Packers have released fan favorite Kurt Benkert. Benkert was an un-drafted free agent in 2018. He spent his first three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. After the 2021 NFL draft, Benkert and Chad Kelly were invited to the Packers’ rookie camp as tryout candidates. Benkert beat out Kelly and was on the Packers’ practice squad for the 2021 season. That is until, that fateful night came on December 12th 2021:
W. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/M91y5v32GD
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) December 13, 2021
Kurt Benkert was able to suit up for real action, and it was for a kneel down in a win vs the Chicago Bears. One of the best memories of his career for sure. Fast forward just seven months later and Benkert reacted on social media to his release, “Life man. I appreciate everything that came with being a Packer. Equally as excited to see what’s next, can’t wait to get to work.”
Life man 🤟🏼. I appreciate everything that came with being a Packer.
Equally as excited to see what’s next, can’t wait to get to work. https://t.co/cGxZhSo1Yg
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) June 17, 2022
Where could Kurt Benkert wind up next?
Immediately upon Benkert’s release rumors started swirling on Twitter of his next destination. We have seen a number of former Green Bay Packers already get signed by NFC North rivals this off-season. The headliners were Za’Darius Smith being signed by Minnesota and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy joining the Bears.
The Chicago Bears have added an unprecedented five Ex-Packers in one off-season.
- Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy
- Offensive Lineman Lucas Patrick
- Wide Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown
- Wide Receiver David Moore
- and now Defensive Lineman Mike Pennel
I am not sure if there is a record for one team adding a number of players from another team in one single off-season, but the 2022 Bears have to be high on that list. Getsy, St. Brown, and Lucas Patrick figure to be the top three contributors for the Bears this season out of that group. However with DT Akiem Hicks signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike Pennel may get more opportunities as well. What is missing? A QB who played for the Green Bay Packers of course.
Social Media has been pursuing Kurt Benkert to Chicago:
https://twitter.com/TrevisGipsonSZN/status/1537906468988473351?s=20&t=k2qkA7kbgUE1EYfiRzCihQ
@ChicagoBears get on this right now we need him
— WoozyX batman (@DickNixEnjoyer) June 17, 2022
Fat L. We’ll miss you @KurtBenkert. Please don’t go to the Bears
— William Contreras Stan (@Xero341) June 17, 2022
Those examples are just a few of the hundreds on Twitter swirling around about Kurt Benkert possibly joining the Bears. Would it make sense? Chicago has Trevor Siemien (30) and Nathan Peterman (28) currently on their roster as backup quarterbacks.
Both of those quarterbacks have been around the league for years now without ever truly finding a home. What would they give Chicago that Benkert couldn’t? Not to mention their new offensive coordinator in Luke Getsy was the Packers’ QB coach last year. It wouldn’t be impossible to see a ridiculous sixth ex-Packer join the Bears this off-season.
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