Kristian

Welch

Welch appeared in eight games in 2025 and played primarily on special teams. He could be a depth option for the Packers at linebacker, but special teams is where he makes his money. Welch will be fighting for a roster spot during training camp.

Welch has had an adventurous two-year span. The special teams standout left the Ravens roster after the 2022 season, signing on with the Packers in 2023. He then spent the 2024 season playing for the Broncos (Weeks 1-6) and Ravens (Weeks 7-Divisional Round). He now returns to Green Bay, where he previously tallied a career-high six special teams tackles in 2023. Welch has earned at least a 69.9 PFF special teams grade in 3-of-5 NFL seasons.

Trystan Colon, Nick Moore, Geno Stone, Kristian Welch, and Ty’Son Williams were also re-signed. Huntley and the rest of the players were ERFAs. Baltimore tendered them meaning all will return on one-year deals. Huntley started four games while applying the bulk of a fifth contest last year. He threw three touchdowns and four interceptions but also rushed for two scores and 294 yards. Huntley looked like a typical backup but his rushing ability makes it easy to keep the offense unchanged whenever Lamar Jackson is forced from the lineup. Though there’s no quarterback controversy in Baltimore, Huntley is a valuable piece of the roster because of his skill set.

Welch (6'3/239) has missed each of Iowa’s past three games due to an undisclosed injury concern sustained against Penn State on Oct. 12. While Ferentz wouldn’t definitively say that the senior would be back at it against Minnesota this weekend, Welch has been able to practice of late, a good sign for his potential availability. Dillon Doyle and Jack Campbell have been helping to fill in for Welch during his absence.

Welch (6'3/239) was injured during Iowa’s Oct. 12 loss to Penn State, and did not play in this past Saturday’s win over Purdue as a result. With the senior absent from the depth chart it’s likely that he’ll miss a second straight game. Redshirt freshman Dillon Doyle, who started against Purdue, is once again atop the depth chart at middle linebacker with freshman Jack Campbell listed as the backup.