GREEN BAY − Green Bay Packers linebacker and special-teams ace Kristian Welch announced on his Instagram story that he’s returning to the team for the 2026 season.
Welch, who was set to be an unrestricted free agent, shared the news from his agent Ryan Hays.
The move gives the Packers six linebackers for defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s new system. The Packers added Zaire Franklin to replace Quay Walker while returning Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper and Nick Niemann.
The Packers signed the Wisconsin native to a one-year deal in March 2025 and he spent time on the practice squad and active roster. Welch played eight regular-season games in 2025 mostly on special teams. Welch suffered an ankle injury in the Week 16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears and missed the final three games. He recorded three total tackles on defense.
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Packers special-teams standout Kristian Welch announces return
Reporting by Dominique Yates, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Packers News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
