Packers claim former Raiders’ safety Johnathan Abram off waivers
The former first round pick has worked with Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bissacia
By PackerAaron
The Packers made a move to add depth to their secondary along with adding some much needed special teams help by claiming former Raiders safety Johnathan Abram on waivers this afternoon.
The #Packers claimed former #Raiders safety Johnathan Abram off waivers, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 9, 2022
Las Vegas reportedly fielded calls with potential trade offers for Abram prior to the deadline, but nothing materialized.
Abram, 26, was drafted 27th overall in 2019 out of Mississippi State. He is on the final year of his rookie contract after the Raiders declining the fifth-year option.
After missing all but one game due to injury as a rookie, Abram started 34 combined games for the Raiders, with over 100 tackles in 2021.
Abram has experience on special teams and will reunite with Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bissacia, who he worked with in Las Vegas.
The veteran could also give the Packers some flexibility in a secondary that will need to be juggled a bit after the injury to Eric Stokes, though it's unlikely the team would have an expansive role for him right away.
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Comments (18)
Lphill
November 09, 2022 at 03:43 pm
He should replace Savage immediately.
PackerAaron
November 09, 2022 at 04:27 pm
You clearly haven't watched him play lol
BirdDogUni
November 09, 2022 at 06:32 pm
He's clearly seen Savage play...
Coldworld
November 10, 2022 at 10:30 am
Have you seen Abrams in coverage?
Leatherhead
November 09, 2022 at 08:39 pm
Yes, because who the Raiduhs gave up on is clearly better immediately than a guy who has started for us for 3 1/2 years, including Championship games.
jannesbjornson
November 09, 2022 at 09:01 pm
point being?
mnbadger
November 10, 2022 at 12:32 pm
we didn't win any of those championship games if I remember correctly. And I believe poor tackling, coverage and a lack of playmaking in the secondary contributed generously. GPG!
stockholder
November 09, 2022 at 03:56 pm
Good!
jannesbjornson
November 09, 2022 at 09:00 pm
He goes sp teams and his strength would be up in the gaps on run sets. See if he can reclaim some mojo.
packer132
November 09, 2022 at 06:35 pm
Help on special teams and Bisacchia should know him well. Depth at safety though his PFF grade is very low. At least the Packers are always looking to improve at every position. Former first round pick, so there must be some talent there. Maybe change of scenery and Jerry Gray can get him going.
ricky
November 09, 2022 at 08:08 pm
Apparently this means the Packers front office has not given up hope for this season. And that has all sorts of implications about who gets playing time, and who doesn't.
PackyCheese500
November 09, 2022 at 08:35 pm
I don’t see this as a win-now move, I think the Packers are trying to see if Abram can become anything decent with a change of scenery - almost a long term planning move.
Coldworld
November 10, 2022 at 10:37 am
Absolutely no harm in seeing what he can do and he does play STs. He’s arguably the Hybrid Pettine was looking for. He can cover better than most linebackers and tackle harder and better than most DBs. He’s not a guy you want deep, covering in space, ever. I do not want him starting for Savage. I’d go with Ford or even Abernathy perhaps first if coverage deep is required. I could see him subbing in for a S in run sets and being an upgrade or close to the line in short passing Ds. It will be interesting to see if he gets time on D and how he is used if he does.
jannesbjornson
November 10, 2022 at 11:15 am
He can be in Walker's spots inside as they will need Walker off the Edge with Gary out until next Halloween.
pantz_bURp
November 09, 2022 at 08:38 pm
Another #24 from da Raidersss worked out pretty well for us...so your sayin' there's a chance...hell yeahhhh!
PackyCheese500
November 09, 2022 at 08:38 pm
This is an interesting move - Abram is a much better tackler than Savage, and he’s only missed 2 this season (according to pff). He is not good in coverage though, but he’s given up a sub-100 passer rtg. when targeted this season. He could be a good depth player, and a change of scenery could even fuel a career rennisance in which he becomes a good starter. I, however, would see what Ford and Abernathy can do before Abram.
Leatherhead
November 09, 2022 at 08:40 pm
You can never have too many guys who can cover and tackle.
Coldworld
November 10, 2022 at 10:39 am
He’d be a good cover ILB prospect if he was about 30 pounds heavier.