The Green Bay Packers have a reputation for finding "glue guys"—players who might not headline a Madden cover but end up making a massive tackle on third-and-short in a playoff game. This trend continued when General Manager Brian Gutekunst made a late-summer move that caught some fans off guard. Honestly, it wasn't a blockbuster. It didn't involve a first-round pick or a superstar holdout. Instead, it was the Green Bay Packers Jared Bartlett signing that added a layer of intrigue to the linebacker room.
Bartlett isn't your average undrafted free agent. He’s got the bloodline of an NFL stalwart and the college production that suggests he was overlooked during the draft cycle.
Who Exactly Is Jared Bartlett?
If the name sounds familiar to some hardcore football junkies, it’s probably because of his brother, former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt. That’s a hell of a shadow to walk in. But Jared Bartlett has spent the last few years carving out his own path, primarily as a high-motor edge and off-ball hybrid.
He spent most of his college career at West Virginia, where he was basically a permanent fixture in the backfield. We’re talking 50 games for the Mountaineers. He then hit the portal and landed at Cincinnati for the 2024 season. It was a smart move. At Cincinnati, he exploded, leading the Bearcats in tackles (69), tackles for loss (11.5), and sacks (7.5).
He’s roughly 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds. Not a giant, but he plays like he’s trying to run through a brick wall.
Breaking Down the Green Bay Packers Jared Bartlett Signing
The timing was the thing. It happened on July 30, 2025. The Packers were deep into training camp and realized they needed more bodies who could actually contribute on special teams while pushing the young guys on the depth chart.
To make room, the team released safety Kahzir Brown. It was a classic "one in, one out" transaction.
Why the Packers Took a Chance
- Special Teams Potential: This is usually why these signings happen. Rich Bisaccia (Packers Special Teams Coordinator) is always looking for guys with "linebacker range" who can cover kicks.
- The Jets Connection: Bartlett originally signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in May 2025. The Packers often scout the waiver wire for guys other teams have evaluated highly but couldn't keep due to roster crunches.
- Versatility: In Jeff Hafley’s defensive scheme, you need guys who can move. Bartlett has shown he can rush the passer from the edge or drop back.
It’s worth noting that Bartlett wore No. 51 during his stint in Green Bay. For many, that’s just a number, but for a guy fighting for a roster spot, it’s the uniform that could change his life.
The Reality of the Roster Bubble
Look, let’s be real for a second. The NFL is a business. A cold one. While the Green Bay Packers Jared Bartlett signing gave him a shot, the path to the 53-man roster was crowded.
Green Bay’s linebacker room was already stacked with high-profile names:
- Quay Walker: The unquestioned leader.
- Edgerrin Cooper: The high-upside rookie everyone is watching.
- Isaiah McDuffie: The reliable veteran who knows the system inside out.
- Ty’Ron Hopper: Another draft pick the team is invested in.
Bartlett was competing with guys like Kristian Welch and Isaiah Simmons for those final "core four" special teams spots. By late August, the Packers had to make the tough calls. On August 26, 2025, during the final roster cutdowns, Bartlett was waived.
Where Is He Now?
If you're wondering if his journey ended there, it didn't. That’s the thing about the NFL—one team's cut is another team's developmental project.
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After leaving Green Bay, Bartlett had a wild few months. He spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, where he actually made his NFL debut on November 9, 2025, against the Seattle Seahawks. He even got a brief stint on their active roster.
Most recently, on January 12, 2026, Bartlett signed a reserve/future contract with the Carolina Panthers. This is basically a "golden ticket" to 2026 training camp. He’s getting a fresh start in a system that might value his specific blend of speed and collegiate pass-rushing stats even more than Green Bay did.
What This Move Tells Us About the Packers' Strategy
The Green Bay Packers Jared Bartlett signing wasn't a failure just because he didn't make the final 53. It’s evidence of how the Packers front office operates. They are never "done" with the roster. They are constantly cycling through talent, looking for that one outlier who can help them win a Super Bowl.
They value college production. Bartlett’s 21.5 career sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss weren't accidents. They also value high-character "football guys"—the kind of player who wins the "Iron Mountaineer Award" (which Bartlett did twice at WVU) for work in the weight room.
Actionable Insights for Packers Fans
If you're tracking these kinds of moves, here's how to look at future signings of this nature:
- Watch the Special Teams Reps: If an undrafted linebacker isn't on the field for the first few kickoff units in the preseason, they likely aren't making the team.
- Look at the "Future" Deals: The fact that Bartlett is now with the Panthers on a reserve/future deal means NFL scouts still see him as a "pro-level" athlete. Keep an eye on his name during the 2026 preseason.
- Don't Ignore the Practice Squad: Most guys signed in late July like Bartlett are actually competing for one of the 16 practice squad spots, which serve as the primary "feeder" for the active roster when injuries inevitably hit.
Bartlett’s time in Green Bay was short, but it’s a perfect case study in the relentless churn of an NFL roster. It’s about the grind. Sometimes, you’re a Packer for a month, and that month is exactly what you need to get the next call.
The Packers move on, currently focusing on their core linebacker group, while Bartlett looks to make a permanent home in Carolina. It’s just the way the league works. Keep an eye on the wire; the next Jared Bartlett is probably signing somewhere tomorrow.