Packers sign son of former #1 overall draft pick to UDFA deal

TL;DR

The Green Bay Packers have signed R.J. Maryland, the son of former #1 overall draft pick Russell Maryland, as an undrafted free agent. R.J. is a versatile tight end from SMU who ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

Key points

R.J. Maryland signs with the Green Bay Packers as a rookie free agent
He is the son of former #1 overall draft pick Russell Maryland
Maryland played college football at Southern Methodist University
He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine
His father played for the Packers in his final NFL season

Mentioned in this story

R.J. MarylandRussell MarylandGreen Bay PackersSouthern Methodist UniversityDallas CowboysOakland Raiders

DALLAS, TX - November 22: SMU Mustangs tight end RJ Maryland (#82) runs up field after a catch during the college football game between the SMU Mustangs and the Louisville Cardinals on November 22, 2025, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Do you remember the name Russell Maryland? Green Bay Packers fans of a certain age should. Maryland had a 10-year NFL career during the 1990s, one that concluded after the 2000 season, which he spent playing for the Green Bay Packers. Maryland started his career out as the #1 overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, selected by the Dallas Cowboys with that pick after Dallas traded up from #11 two days before the draft. Maryland didn’t quite live up to that billing, but he was a productive player for a decade. He finished 4th in the voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1991 and made one Pro Bowl, in 1993. After five years in Dallas, he left for the Oakland Raiders, where he spent four seasons before finishing out his career with the one season with the Packers. Now, he has a new connection to the Green Bay Packers through his son, R.J. The younger Maryland is a tight end who played college football at Southern Methodist University, and after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, R.J. Maryland is reportedly signing with the Packers as a rookie free agent. While the Packers could use another in-line tight end to help back up Tucker Kraft, Maryland is a different type of player. He’s a versatile option who played a variety of positions in college and is an impressive athlete. At 6-foot-4 and a shade under 240 pounds, Maryland ran a blistering 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, posting a time of 4.51 seconds. After a sophomore season that saw him put up 34 catches for 518 yards and seven touchdowns, he looked on track to be a potentially high draft pick when he came out. Unfortunately, midway through a strong junior season he injured his knee and missed SMU’s final seven games. He was not the same player as a senior, as the rehab from the injury seemed to sap some of his explosiveness. Maryland projects as a fast, intriguing receiving weapon who could push for a roster spot this summer. His blocking will need work, particularly given his size, but Maryland should be a fun player to follow throughout the summer and into training camp. And maybe he’ll get to make his NFL debut for the same team that his father suited up for in his final NFL game.

Q&A

Who is R.J. Maryland and what position does he play?

R.J. Maryland is a tight end who played college football at Southern Methodist University (SMU).

What notable achievements did Russell Maryland have in his NFL career?

Russell Maryland was the #1 overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, had a 10-year NFL career, and made one Pro Bowl in 1993.

How did R.J. Maryland perform in college before signing with the Packers?

R.J. Maryland had a strong sophomore season with 34 catches for 518 yards and seven touchdowns, but his performance declined due to a knee injury during his junior year.

Packers sign son of former #1 overall draft pick to UDFA deal

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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