GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers held their 2026 rookie minicamp over the weekend at Lambeau Field, and it featured some unexpected roster intrigue beyond the usual crop of draft picks and undrafted free agents. Notably, veteran wide receiver Chase Claypool earned high praise from head coach Matt LaFleur during a tryout, while defensive back Brandon Cisse participated in drills despite not currently holding a contract with the team.
These developments highlight the Packers' ongoing efforts to enhance roster depth and assess talent as they prepare for voluntary offseason activities (OTAs) and training camp.
Chase Claypool: Veteran Receiver on a Tryout Basis
Chase Claypool, a 27-year-old wide receiver known for his size and contested catch ability, joined the Packers rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. LaFleur expressed positive impressions of Claypool's efforts and attitude during practice sessions, signaling genuine interest in the former second-round pick.
Claypool entered the NFL as a second-round draft selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. His rookie season was a strong start, totaling 62 receptions for 873 yards and nine touchdowns. However, his career has since been uneven. After being traded to the Chicago Bears in 2022, he posted modest production in Chicago. Subsequent stints with the Miami Dolphins and a period away from the league in 2025 have left him seeking a fresh opportunity.
The Packers' wide receiver room is relatively deep, anchored by young core players such as Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, and first-round pick Matthew Golden, who was chosen in the 2026 NFL Draft. Additional veterans like Skyy Moore and Isaiah Neyor provide rotational depth, but none fully replicate Claypool's unique combination of size, contested-catch ability, and red-zone potential.
LaFleur's public commendation during rookie minicamp is notable because the Packers' coach rarely offers empty praise, especially to tryout players. While the team currently has 11 receivers under contract, Claypool's presence as a tryout player allows the front office and coaching staff to closely evaluate his fit without immediate commitment.
If Claypool impresses sufficiently, it could lead to a futures or training camp contract. Given the Packers' recent pattern of adding veteran depth late in the offseason--as with Malik Heath and Samori Toure in 2025--Claypool represents a potentially high-upside addition at low cost.
Brandon Cisse: Unsigned Defensive Back in Minicamp
Perhaps more unusual was the participation of Brandon Cisse, a defensive back who attended minicamp drills despite remaining unsigned by the Packers. Cisse is a 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback from Georgia who was an undrafted free agent. He spent part of the 2025 season on Green Bay's practice squad before being released late in that year.
It is rare for an unsigned player to be allowed on the field for rookie minicamp, suggesting either ongoing interest from the Packers in signing him or an informal arrangement pending a formal deal.
The Packers currently carry a full complement of defensive backs, with 11 cornerbacks and safeties under contract, including starters like Javon Bullard, Xavier McKinney, Benjamin St-Juste, and Keisean Nixon. Rotational and developmental players such as Carrington Valentine, Domani Jackson (a 2026 draft pick), Kamal Hadden, and Shemar Bartholomew round out the depth chart.
The rationale for Cisse's participation is likely tied to his special teams ability. He has experience as a kickoff and punt coverage player, an area of emphasis for the Packers under special teams coordinator Cam Achord. With some departures among special teams contributors, the team is motivated to find reliable gunners and special teams specialists.
There is also the possibility that the Packers are considering experimenting with Cisse in different defensive back roles or packages, as the coaching staff has shown a willingness to cross-train players in secondary positions. Cisse's athletic profile could make him a candidate for safety conversions or situational packages.
If signed, Cisse would likely receive a futures or reserve contract, allowing him a chance to compete in training camp without immediate salary cap implications.
Packers' Roster Strategy Reflected in Minicamp Moves
Together, Claypool and Cisse's rookie minicamp involvement underscores the Packers' proactive roster management approach under general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur. Despite a solid foundation--including Jordan Love entering his fourth year as the starting quarterback, a strong backfield led by Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd, and defensive upgrades such as Micah Parsons and Javon Hargrave--the Packers remain focused on adding veteran depth and developmental talent.
In an era where injuries and attrition are inevitable across an NFL season, depth at critical positions like wide receiver and defensive back is key to sustained success. The Packers' willingness to evaluate former high-potential players like Claypool, and developmental prospects like Cisse, reflects a "leave no stone unturned" philosophy.
LaFleur's public compliment of Claypool may be a tactical move to signal league-wide interest, but it also appears to be rooted in genuine evaluation of Claypool's current performance and potential fit in Green Bay's offense.
Looking Ahead
As the Packers progress through offseason workouts and approach training camp, attention will focus on whether either Claypool or Cisse receives formal contracts and how they integrate into the roster. Claypool's skill set as a physical receiver with red-zone scoring ability could complement the Packers' offense well if signed. Meanwhile, Cisse's special teams upside and versatility in the secondary can aid depth and contribute on multiple fronts.
While these moves may not generate national headlines, they are emblematic of the meticulous player evaluation and opportunistic personnel decisions that define successful NFL franchises. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the smallest roster additions can make a difference over a long season.
Conclusion
The 2026 Green Bay Packers rookie minicamp offered a compelling glimpse into the team's offseason roster maneuvers. Trevor Claypool caught eyes with his tryout effort and LaFleur's endorsement, whereas Brandon Cisse's unsigned participation demonstrated the coaching staff's interest in his development and special teams abilities.
These developments reveal a team dedicated to optimizing depth and competition across all position groups to complement a core nucleus built for contention. As the offseason unfolds, the Packers will watch closely to determine which players earn roster spots and help push the franchise closer to another Lombardi Trophy.
For Packers fans and NFL observers alike, the minicamp was a reminder that every roster battle matters -- and in Green Bay, no opportunity to enhance the team's chances is overlooked.