This week, all NFL teams were tasked with filling out an 85 player roster by Tuesday. In need of depth at Safety, the Packers invited four prospective players to a work out. Thanks to a standout performance on Tuesday, the Packers have signed former Virginia Safety De’Vante Cross.
Hoos In The NFL
Heading into the week, the Packers had four safeties out due to various injuries. With only four available players ahead of the NFL deadline and little time to find a solution, the Packers invited four rookie hopefuls to work out for them on Tuesday. At the end of the day, Green Bay awarded the coveted spot at Safety to former UVA Cavalier De’Vante Cross.
Cross went undrafted in 2022 and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders. But in May the Commanders cut Cross, opening up other possibilities within the NFL. Following an unfortunate string of injuries for the Packers’ safeties, Cross’s exemplary performance on Tuesday came at a critical time for the team.
With Darnell Savage, Dallin Leavitt, Tariq Carpenter, and Innis Gaines injured, Green Bay’s backfield is spread thin. De’Vante Cross is joining the only healthy safeties on the roster, Adrian Amos, Vernon Scott, Shawn Davis, and Micah Abernathy. On Wednesday, the Packers held a joint practice with the Saints and on Friday, the two teams will face off in a preseason game.
Making The Cut
For Virginia, Cross appeared in 59 games over the course of five years. He had 34 starts and 129 tackles, 78 of which were solo stops. Additionally, Cross had seven tackles for loss, six interceptions, two sacks, and 21 passes defended.
To secure a spot on Green Bay’s roster, Cross beat out fellow rookie defensive backs Kendall Karcz, Marcus Murphy, and Josh Saunders.
For the Packers to reach the 85-man cutoff, GM Brian Gutekunst released six players and claimed TE Nate Becker, opening up space for De’Vante Cross.
Despite being undrafted in 2022, Cross was a consistent player for the Cavaliers. Hopefully he’ll prove he’s got the chops to establish himself as a force within the NFL as well.
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