Former Packers TE John FitzPatrick Facing Quiet Free Agency Market

It may take some time before John FitzPatrick receives his next opportunity in the NFL. The former Green Bay Packers tight end remains unsigned in free agency, and there has been little league-wide buzz surrounding his potential landing spots.

After spending the past two seasons in Green Bay, FitzPatrick now finds himself waiting while teams address the tight end market with bigger names.

Injuries Opened the Door in Green Bay

The 2025 season forced the Packers into a difficult situation at tight end. Starter Tucker Kraft suffered a season-ending injury, creating a significant gap in the offense.

At first, the expectation was that Luke Musgrave would see the largest increase in playing time. However, the situation also gave FitzPatrick a chance to earn more snaps and potentially improve his value heading into free agency.

Unfortunately, the opportunity did not translate into a breakout performance. FitzPatrick later suffered a season-ending injury of his own, cutting short any momentum he might have built.

Limited Production in Three NFL Seasons

FitzPatrick entered the league as a sixth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons, but his career has largely been defined by blocking duties rather than receiving production.

Over the last two seasons with Green Bay, he appeared in 24 games, including four starts during the 2025 campaign. His overall numbers remain modest:

• 13 receptions

• 74 receiving yards

• 1 touchdown

Those statistics reflect the role he typically played in the Packers offense—serving primarily as a blocking tight end rather than a pass-catching threat.

According to Pro Football Focus, FitzPatrick’s average depth of target was only 2.8 yards, indicating he was mostly used as a short outlet option for the quarterback.

He averaged:

• 6 yards per catch

• 4.6 yards after the catch

While he occasionally helped extend plays, he was rarely involved in downfield passing concepts.

Blocking Remains His Strongest Skill

Although his receiving numbers were limited, FitzPatrick did show value as a blocker.

Pro Football Focus graded him at:

• 73.6 in pass blocking

• 66.0 in run blocking

Those numbers suggest he can still contribute in offenses that emphasize physical running games or two-tight-end formations.

For teams looking strictly for a blocking specialist, FitzPatrick could still represent an affordable option.

Tight End Market Moving Without Him

One of the biggest challenges for FitzPatrick is that the tight end free-agent market is already filling up.

Several prominent veterans have drawn interest across the league, including:

• Dallas Goedert, who recently re-signed with the Philadelphia Eagles

• David Njoku

• Jonnu Smith

• Zach Ertz

With those bigger names drawing attention, teams may wait until later in the offseason before considering lower-profile options like FitzPatrick.

Projected Contract Value

According to contract projections from Spotrac, FitzPatrick’s next deal is expected to be modest.

His projected contract is roughly:

• 1 year

• $1.2 million

For most NFL teams, that type of deal would be financially manageable, which suggests that health and upside may be the primary factors influencing his current lack of interest.

Waiting for the Right Opportunity

Despite the quiet market, FitzPatrick’s career may not be over.

Teams often sign veteran depth players later in the offseason when:

• Injuries occur during training camp

• Roster competitions create openings

• Coaches decide they need additional blocking help

If FitzPatrick can prove he is fully healthy, he could still land with a team looking for a reliable blocking tight end.

For now, however, the former Packers player appears likely to wait until the major free agents are signed before receiving his next opportunity in the league. 🏈