The draft has passed, offseason workouts have begun, and the Green Bay Packers have made some roster moves of late. One of those, announced Monday, involved waiving a rookie receiver out of South Dakota State, designated as an injury cut.
Who is Jadon Janke, Green Bay Packers WR Ex-Signee?
The Packers signed Janke, who went undrafted in 2024 after four years with the Jackrabbits, on May 14, less than three weeks ago. He had previously taken summer reps with the Texans and Dolphins. Green Bay decided to give him a chance in 2025, but that chance did not last long. Hampered by injury, a player like Janke does not, unfortunately, justify taking up a roster spot.
Janke enjoyed a successful career at South Dakota, increasing his numbers every season until he peaked at 57 receptions, 946 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior in 2023. He finished his college days with 170 catches for 2800 yards and 30 receiving scores, in addition to a rushing touchdown.
According to writer Zach Kruse at Packers Wire, Janke appeared in three preseason games in 2024 between Houston and Miami, recording one catch in 39 snaps of action.
The Madison, South Dakota native is now 25 years old.
Recapping Green Bay Packers May Cuts and Signings
Janke is the second receiver the Packers have cut in recent weeks, following Tulu Griffin’s release back on May 5. Like Janke, Griffin last played in college in 2023 and has not appeared in an official NFL game.
Again per Kruse at Packers Wire, other departures include defensive end Jeremiah Martin (May 29), cornerback Kaleb Hayes (May 21) and offensive lineman Marquis Hayes (May 12). Also last month, the Packers signed CB Gregory Junior and quarterback Taylor Elgersma.
As far as incoming pass-catchers, Green Bay brought in Sam Brown Jr. on May 29, an undrafted senior out of Miami. In 2024 for the Hurricanes, he caught 36 passes for 509 yards.
New Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sam Brown
Oct 22, 2022; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Sam Brown (13) leaps to catch a touchdown against the Navy Midshipmen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Along with Brown, the Packers earlier welcomed Matthew Golden (selected 23rd overall) and Savion Williams (87th) during April’s draft. Golden should play an integral role in the receiver room as a rookie.
After OTAs wrap up on June 5, the next date to look forward to will be the beginning of mandatory minicamp, which runs June 10-12.
For More Great Wisconsin Content
Follow me on X at @ezsniper14 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!