The Green Bay Packers have quietly made their first special teams roster move of the 2026 offseason, opting not to tender restricted free agent safety Zayne Anderson — effectively ending his time in Titletown as he becomes an unrestricted free agent when the league year begins March 11, per The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman.
Nov 10, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Nov 10, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Green Bay Packers Cut Ties with Key Special Teamer Zayne Anderson Ahead of Free Agency: Restricted Free Agent Not Tendered
Anderson, who joined the Packers off waivers in 2023 after brief stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, appeared in 40 games (2 starts) over three seasons in Green Bay. While he logged limited offensive snaps (145), he was a reliable special teams contributor, playing 590 snaps on coverage and return units under former coordinator Rich Bisaccia (who stepped down February 17).
Zayne Anderson’s Role & Stats with the Packers
Defensive snaps: 125 total (mostly in 2024, where he recorded 13 solo tackles, 1 INT, 2 PBUs)
Special teams snaps: 590 — his primary role and value
2025 usage: Almost entirely on special teams; only 2 defensive snaps (Week 15 vs. Denver)
The decision is not surprising: special teams depth players like Anderson are often easily replaceable, especially when their cap hit would rise above the $1.03 million he played on in 2025 (per Spotrac). With Bisaccia gone and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in place, Anderson lacked a strong advocate in the building to justify tendering him.
Green Bay Packers safety Zayne Anderson (39) leaves the field in the first half against the New York Jets during their football game Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
Green Bay Packers safety Zayne Anderson (39) leaves the field in the first half against the New York Jets during their football game Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
Implications for the Packers’ 2026 Special Teams
New coordinator search ongoing: Green Bay is interviewing candidates to replace Bisaccia, and Anderson’s departure creates another opening on coverage units.
Roster flexibility: Not tendering Anderson saves cap space and a roster spot ahead of free agency and the draft.
Depth chart impact: The Packers must now find reliable special teams contributors to replace Anderson’s 590+ snaps.
This move is part of a broader offseason reset for the Packers, who are addressing special teams inconsistencies that plagued them in 2025 while building around Jordan Love and a young core.
Packers fans: Smart cap/roster decision to let Anderson walk, or should they have tendered him for continuity? Where do you see the special teams unit heading in 2026? Share your thoughts below!
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