The Green Bay Packers have made a recent addition to their practice squad, signing tight end Messiah Swinson. This move comes as the Packers continue to make adjustments to their roster during the 2024 NFL season. Swinson, who brings a unique set of skills and physical attributes to the team, could be an intriguing developmental prospect for Green Bay’s coaching staff to work with.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-7 and weighing 255 pounds, Swinson’s size and athleticism immediately stand out. He played his college football at Arizona State, where he demonstrated his ability to be a reliable target in the passing game and a willing blocker in the run game. Though his college statistics aren’t eye-popping, Swinson’s physical tools make him a player with potential to contribute in the NFL with the right development.
Swinson initially started his college career at Missouri, where he redshirted his first year in 2018. After limited playing time with the Tigers, he transferred to Arizona State in 2021. At Arizona State, he became a more prominent figure in their offensive schemes, especially in his senior season. His ability to line up both as a traditional tight end and as a receiving threat made him a versatile piece in the Sun Devils’ offense.
Green Bay’s decision to bring Swinson onto the practice squad indicates that the team is interested in his potential to develop into a more polished player. The Packers have a history of taking on young, raw talent and refining their skills over time, and Swinson fits this mold. With his size, he could become a valuable red-zone threat, and with the Packers’ recent injuries at the tight end position, Swinson might find an opportunity to move up to the active roster if he performs well in practice.
Swinson’s journey to the NFL hasn’t been easy. He went undrafted in 2023, but that didn’t deter him from chasing his NFL dream. He had brief stints with other NFL teams during the preseason, though he didn’t stick on their final rosters. Now with the Packers, he gets another chance to prove himself and show that he can contribute at the professional level.
For Green Bay, this signing is a low-risk, high-reward move. If Swinson can develop into a reliable option at tight end, it could pay off for the Packers in the future. As the team continues to look for depth and talent at key positions, Messiah Swinson is a name to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
