The Green Bay Packers are releasing defensive tackle Jack Heflin, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Heflin produced nine tackles, five stops against the run and two total pressures over 109 snaps during the 2022 preseason. He was attempting to make the team as the sixth defensive lineman on the 53-man roster.
It’s possible he could return on the practice squad if unclaimed on waivers.
Heflin was an intriguing underdog story after going undrafted in 2021 but still managed to make the team’s opening day roster last year.
Not heavily recruited out of high school, Heflin walked on to Northern Iowa, where he played three seasons. In 2018 and 2019, he was named to the All-MAC third and first all-conference teams. After earning his degree, he joined Iowa as a graduate transfer.
In his lone season with the Hawkeyes, Heflin totaled 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.
Heflin’s lack of athleticism caused him to fly under the radar of NFL teams during the draft process, however, Green Bay signed him due to their need for depth on the defensive line. Just needing a chance like the one he got at Northern Iowa, Heflin was impressive throughout training camp and preseason.
According to Pro Football Focus, Heflin led the team with six pressures during his first preseason. This was enough to earn him a spot on the Packers’ initial 53-man roster, where he remained for the entire 2021 season.
As a rookie, Heflin appeared in four games and recorded one assisted tackle.
Green Bay released Heflin after getting eliminated from the playoffs but signed him to a future/reserves contract less than a week later.
Not satisfied with their depth on the defensive line, the Packers went on to add two new pieces in the offseason. First, they signed veteran nose tackle Jarran Reed, a former second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks. Then, the team used one of their two first-round picks to select Georgia’s Devonte Wyatt.
Unfortunately, a new influx of talent pushed Heflin further down on the depth chart. Needing another strong preseason, Heflin recorded two pressures and nine tackles in three games. It was a solid performance, but not enough to keep him around in Green Bay.
Heflin could be a candidate for the Packers’ practice squad if he isn’t picked up by another team.
