Kamal

Martin

The move is a bit surprising as Martin, a fifth-round pick from the Packers’ 2020 draft haul, logged six starts across 10 games as a rookie. Martin, still only 23 years old, began his rookie season on injured reserve with a knee issue but was able to return after five weeks. He earned one sack and 24 total tackles. Given his age and fifth-round draft pedigree, expect some teams to take interest in Martin as a depth option at interior linebacker.

This was expected after Martin underwent knee surgery last week. Although he’s eligible to return in Week 4, odds are the rookie remains sidelined through the first half of the season. He was initially in the mix to start at inside linebacker.

He needs his meniscus repaired and will be out until around the halfway point of the season. Martin was in the mix to start on the inside for DC Mike Pettine’s group.

Martin (6’3/240) was a two-year starting weak-side linebacker at Minnesota who missed four games as a senior with a foot sprain and knee injury that also kept him out of the pre-draft process. He has the strength, size, and tenacity to play at the next level, but poor technique and vision led to below-average tackling numbers against the run. In coverage, Martin is likely too heavy-footed to reliably cover NFL players, which may force him into a strict special teams role. His aggressive playing style and ability to work through blocks are traits that should translate there.