The Green Bay Packers sent shockwaves through the NFL community by parting ways with young wide receiver (WR) Tulu Griffin immediately following the conclusion of their rookie minicamp last weekend. The move was officially announced by general manager Brian Gutekunst on Monday, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with speculation.
Tulu Griffin – A Brief Stint in Green Bay
Tulu Griffin, 24, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. After his college career at Mississippi State, he had brief stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns last season but never appeared in an official NFL game. In January, the Packers signed Griffin to a futures contract, hoping he could make an impact on their roster. However, following the recent rookie minicamp, the team decided to terminate his contract.
Griffin was regarded as a promising WR with a solid build and notable skills showcased during the 2024 NFL Combine. Nevertheless, the intense competition within the Packers’ WR group, combined with their strategic roster overhaul, likely left Griffin out of their long-term plans.
Context Behind the Packers’ Decision
The decision to release Griffin came right after the Packers wrapped up their rookie minicamp, which hosted 38 players, including 8 draft picks from the 2025 NFL Draft, 10 undrafted free agents (UDFAs), 11 tryout players, and 9 other young prospects. In this year’s draft, the Packers made headlines by selecting two WRs in the first three rounds: Matthew Golden from Texas (Round 1, Pick 23) and Savion Williams from TCU (Round 3). These additions, coupled with Christian Watson’s ongoing recovery from an ACL injury that may sideline him early in the season, signal a major restructuring of the team’s WR corps.
Moreover, the rookie minicamp served as a platform for the Packers to evaluate tryout players, and it’s likely they identified one or more prospects who outperformed Griffin. With the roster now at 89 players following Griffin’s release, the team may be gearing up to sign one of the 11 tryout players, with quarterback Taylor Elgersma—a standout who won the Canadian college football equivalent of the Heisman—being a notable name.
Implications of the Move
Releasing Griffin underscores not only the fierce competition within the Packers’ roster but also the clear vision of head coach Matt LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst in building a team around quarterback Jordan Love. After a disappointing 2024 season, where the Packers scored just 10 points in a wild-card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the team is focused on bolstering its offensive firepower, particularly at the WR position.
Griffin’s departure opens the door for other rookies, such as Julian Hicks and Dimitri Stanley, who were signed following the minicamp. These players have impressed with their athleticism and potential, aligning with the qualities the Packers are seeking in their WRs.
Tulu Griffin’s Future
Despite being cut by the Packers, Tulu Griffin is still young and has opportunities to pursue a career with other NFL teams or in leagues like the CFL. With limited experience and no NFL game appearances, he will need to work diligently to prove his worth. The fact that the Packers signed him to a futures contract suggests he has potential, but the NFL’s competitive landscape demands further improvement in both skill and consistency.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers’ decision to release Tulu Griffin was a surprising yet understandable move, as the team is in the midst of a roster overhaul and prioritizing players who better fit their tactical vision. With a talented pool of WRs and promising tryout rookies, the Packers are signaling big ambitions for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, fans will continue to follow Griffin’s journey, hoping he finds a new home to pursue his NFL dreams.