Packers Roster Moves: Bowden, Coyle Released

Bowden, Coyle Cut as Packers Trim Roster

The Green Bay Packers made a pair of roster moves on Tuesday, releasing defensive lineman Anthony Bowden and outside linebacker Randy Coyle. The moves reduce the Packers' roster to 80 players, the NFL's mandatory limit by Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. Bowden, 25, was a seventh-round pick by the Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in 16 games last season, starting two, and recorded 11 tackles and one sack. Coyle, 26, signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He played in 10 games last season, primarily on special teams. The Packers are expected to make more roster moves in the coming days as they prepare for their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 11.

Bowden's Release Not Surprising

Bowden's release was not a surprise, as he was buried on the Packers' depth chart at defensive line. Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, and Jarran Reed are all entrenched as starters, and the Packers also have Rashan Gary, Devonte Wyatt, and Kingsley Keke on the roster. Bowden showed some promise as a pass rusher in college, but he was unable to translate that success to the NFL. He was often outmuscled by opposing offensive linemen and struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback.

Coyle's Release Opens Up Opportunity for Others

Coyle's release opens up an opportunity for other outside linebackers on the Packers' roster. Rashan Gary is expected to start at one outside linebacker spot, but the other spot is up for grabs. Preston Smith, Jonathan Garvin, and Isaiah McDuffie are all candidates to start opposite Gary. Smith is a veteran with 56.5 career sacks, but he is coming off a down season in which he recorded just four sacks. Garvin is a young player with潜力, but he has yet to prove that he can be a consistent pass rusher. McDuffie is a rookie who has impressed the Packers' coaching staff with his athleticism and versatility. The Packers are likely to give all three players a chance to compete for the starting job during training camp and the preseason.