Packers Release TE Ben Sims, Paving Way for Christian Watson’s Return and Dual Kicker Retention in Key NFL Roster Move

In a surprising yet strategic NFL roster move, the Green Bay Packers have parted ways with tight end Ben Sims, clearing the path for the anticipated activation of dynamic wide receiver Christian Watson from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This decision, announced on Tuesday, not only reshapes the Packers’ offensive depth chart but also signals the team’s confidence in retaining two kickers heading into the 2024 season. As training camp intensifies at Lambeau Field, this shake-up underscores Green Bay’s focus on maximizing speed and reliability in their high-octane attack.

The release of Sims, a 26-year-old journeyman tight end who joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2023, comes amid roster trimming efforts to comply with the NFL’s 53-man limit. Sims appeared in just five games last season, logging minimal snaps and no receptions, which likely factored into the Packers’ evaluation. However, the timing of this move is telling: it aligns perfectly with Watson’s recovery timeline from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the offseason program. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur hinted at this synergy during a press conference, stating, “We’re making moves to get our best 53 on the field, and that includes getting healthy players back where they belong.”

Watson’s potential return injects excitement into a Packers offense that finished 2023 with a league-leading 28.5 points per game but struggled with consistency due to injuries. The former North Dakota State star, selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, burst onto the scene with 41 receptions for 521 yards and seven touchdowns over his first two seasons. His explosive deep-threat ability—averaging 15.1 yards per catch—could pair devastatingly with quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for over 4,000 yards last year. Analysts project Watson to reclaim his WR2 role alongside Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs, potentially elevating Green Bay’s passing game to new heights.

Ben Sims’ Packers Tenure Ends Abruptly Amid Depth Chart Overhaul

Ben Sims‘ time with the Green Bay Packers was marked by promise but ultimately limited impact, culminating in his release as part of a broader NFL roster move. Signed after a solid college career at Baylor, where he tallied 45 receptions for 529 yards and five touchdowns, Sims arrived in Green Bay with visions of carving out a role in a tight end room led by veterans like Marcedes Lewis and Tucker Kraft. However, his 2023 rookie season was underwhelming: he suited up for only five contests, primarily on special teams, and failed to record a single statistic.

Behind the scenes, Sims faced stiff competition. The Packers invested heavily in their tight end position, drafting Kraft in the third round of 2023 and re-signing depth pieces like Josiah Deguara. Sims’ practice squad promotion in December offered a glimmer of hope, but with the team prioritizing youth and versatility, his roster spot became expendable. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the release was processed to create immediate space, noting, “This is classic cap and roster management for Green Bay—efficient and forward-thinking.”

Sims’ departure isn’t without sentiment. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst praised his work ethic in a team statement: “Ben was a pro’s pro in the locker room and brought energy every day. We wish him the best in his next opportunity.” At 26, Sims remains a free agent with intriguing upside; his athletic profile (4.60 40-yard dash at his pro day) could attract interest from teams needing tight end depth, such as the Detroit Lions or Chicago Bears in the NFC North. For now, though, his exit paves the way for more established contributors in Green Bay’s scheme.

Statistically, the Packers’ tight end usage has evolved under LaFleur. In 2023, Kraft emerged as a red-zone threat with 29 catches for 304 yards and two scores, while Luke Musgrave added 34 receptions for 421 yards before his own injury. Sims’ minimal role highlighted the depth but also the redundancy, making his release a low-risk decision that frees up approximately $1 million in cap space—vital for a team already navigating extensions for key players like Love and defensive stars Rashan Gary and Jaire Alexander.

Christian Watson’s Activation from PUP List Ignites Packers’ Offensive Firepower

The silver lining of Ben Sims‘ release is the green light for Christian Watson‘s return, a development that could transform the Green Bay Packers‘ aerial assault. Placed on the PUP list in May due to a nagging hamstring issue stemming from his college days, Watson has been sidelined through OTAs and minicamp, forcing the team to adapt without one of its most electric weapons. His activation, expected as early as this week’s training camp practices, represents a pivotal NFL roster move that prioritizes speed over depth at tight end.

Watson’s track record speaks volumes. In his 2022 debut, he exploded for 19 receptions, 268 yards, and seven touchdowns in just 13 games, including a memorable 102-yard touchdown catch against the Bears. Last season, despite missing four games to injury, he posted 22 catches for 253 yards and five scores, showcasing his knack for big plays—three of his touchdowns covered 40 yards or more. Teammate Jayden Reed, who stepped up in Watson’s absence with 64 receptions for 793 yards in 2023, expressed enthusiasm: “Christian’s speed changes everything. Defenses have to account for him deep, and that’s going to open up the underneath for guys like me and Romeo.”

From a strategic standpoint, Watson’s return addresses a key vulnerability. The Packers ranked seventh in the NFL in explosive plays (20+ yards) last year but dipped to 15th without Watson for stretches. With Love’s arm strength—evidenced by his 32 touchdown passes—pairing Watson with emerging talents like Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton could push Green Bay toward the top of the league in passing efficiency. Injury concerns linger, however; Watson has dealt with soft-tissue issues since entering the league, prompting the Packers to implement a customized rehab program under their sports medicine staff.

Experts are bullish. ESPN’s Matt Bowen analyzed the move, saying, “Watson’s activation isn’t just a roster tweak—it’s a statement. Green Bay’s offense was already top-10; with him healthy, they could challenge for the NFC’s best unit.” As camp progresses, all eyes will be on Watson’s integration, potentially debuting in the preseason opener against the Browns on August 10.

Packers Opt for Kicker Redundancy with Carlson and Joseph Duo

In a less flashy but equally pragmatic aspect of this NFL roster move, the Green Bay Packers are set to carry two kickers into the regular season: incumbent Anders Carlson and veteran challenger Greg Joseph. The release of Ben Sims indirectly supports this depth strategy by maintaining flexibility at other positions, allowing the team to hedge against kicking inconsistencies that plagued them in 2023.

Carlson, a sixth-round pick in 2023, had a rollercoaster rookie year: he converted 80.6% of his field goals (25-of-31) but missed critical kicks, including a 41-yarder in a loss to the Raiders that contributed to Green Bay’s wild-card exit. His long-range accuracy was a bright spot, hitting 9-of-11 from 40+ yards, but short-field woes (3-of-7 from 20-29) raised eyebrows. Enter Joseph, a seven-year veteran who spent 2023 with the Vikings and Saints, where he was 33-of-40 on field goals (82.5%). Joseph’s experience in the NFC North—142 points scored against divisional foes—makes him a natural fit for Lambeau’s unforgiving conditions.

LaFleur addressed the kicker competition candidly: “We’re not taking chances this year. Both Anders and Greg have earned their spots, and we’ll let the film decide who handles the bulk.” This dual approach mirrors trends across the NFL, where teams like the Chiefs and Eagles have carried two specialists during camp to mitigate injury risks. For the Packers, who ranked 20th in scoring last season partly due to kicking miscues, this redundancy could prove invaluable, especially in close games that defined their 9-8 campaign.

Historically, Green Bay’s kicking carousel has been turbulent. Mason Crosby held the role for 16 years before his 2022 release, leaving a void that Carlson has yet to fully fill. Joseph’s addition, signed to a one-year deal in March, brings stability; his career 82.1% field goal rate includes clutch performances, like a game-winning 61-yarder for Minnesota in 2021. Training camp battles will be fierce, with simulations of windy Lambeau conditions testing both. If retained, this duo could rotate duties, with Joseph mentoring Carlson while providing a safety net.

Financially, the move is feasible: combined base salaries hover around $3 million, a fraction of the Packers’ $18 million cap space entering camp. Fans, scarred by past misses, have voiced support on social media, with one Packers subreddit thread garnering 5,000 upvotes: “Finally, insurance on special teams—about time!”

Roster Ripple Effects: How Sims’ Exit Shapes Packers’ Depth and Strategy

The Green Bay Packers‘ release of Ben Sims extends beyond the immediate, influencing depth across multiple units and signaling a youth-driven philosophy for the 2024 NFL season. With Christian Watson‘s return bolstering the wide receivers, the tight end group now leans heavily on Kraft and Musgrave, both under 24 and under contract through 2026. This shift emphasizes multi-tool players who can block and catch, aligning with LaFleur’s West Coast hybrid offense that ranked third in yards after catch last year (1,892).

Defensively, the saved cap space could fund midseason acquisitions, particularly at cornerback where Jaire Alexander’s contract talks loom. The Packers’ 2024 draft class—headlined by safety Javon Bullard and edge rusher Edgerrin Cooper—adds athleticism, but Sims’ exit highlights the front office’s ruthlessness in evaluating bubble players. Gutekunst, architect of seven consecutive playoff appearances since 2019, has a 58% hit rate on undrafted free agents, but Sims fell short in a loaded room.

Broader context reveals the Packers’ aggressive roster management. They’ve waived or traded 12 players since minicamp, including running back Emanuel Wilson and linebacker Christian Morgan, to stock the practice squad. This churn fosters competition, with 18 rookies vying for spots—a league-high figure that paid dividends in 2023 when undrafted players like Reed contributed 15% of offensive snaps.

Comparatively, NFC North rivals are active too: the Lions added tight end depth with Brock Wright’s extension, while the Vikings pursue veteran receivers. For Green Bay, prioritizing Watson’s speed over Sims’ potential blocking sets a tone of offense-first rebuilding around Love, who signed a four-year, $220 million extension in May. Analytics from Pro Football Focus underscore this: Watson’s 2.8 yards per route run last season outpaces most tight ends, justifying the positional trade-off.

Injury data adds nuance; the Packers missed 22% of games to soft-tissue ailments in 2023, per team reports. Retaining dual kickers mitigates special teams risks, while Watson’s activation reduces offensive uncertainty. As the roster deadline approaches August 27, expect further tweaks—perhaps targeting a veteran tight end if Musgrave’s core injury lingers.

Looking Ahead: Packers Gear Up for Playoff Push with Revamped Lineup

As the Green Bay Packers finalize their 53-man roster, the release of Ben Sims and activation of Christian Watson position them as NFC contenders eyeing a deep playoff run. Preseason games will serve as a proving ground, with Watson’s snaps against Cleveland and Philadelphia offering early indicators of his readiness. A healthy Watson could propel Love to MVP conversations, especially in a schedule featuring winnable divisional clashes against the Bears (twice) and Vikings.

Projections from The Athletic peg Green Bay at 10.5 wins, bolstered by this NFL roster move. Special teams stability via Carlson and Joseph addresses a 2023 Achilles’ heel, potentially flipping close losses like the 20-17 defeat to Atlanta. Fan engagement surges, too; season ticket renewals hit 98%, per team data, fueled by optimism around the young core.

Long-term, this strategy tests Gutekunst’s vision: balancing immediate contention with sustainable building. If Watson stays durable and the kickers deliver, the Packers could reclaim Lambeau’s magic, targeting Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. For now, training camp buzz centers on unity—Watson’s return symbolizing resilience in a league where adaptability wins championships.