Jadon Janke’s short-lived tenure with the Green Bay Packers is already over.
Less than three weeks after signing the South Dakota State product, the Packers announced that they have released Jadon Janke. The 25-year-old signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent last year and spent some time on the Miami Dolphins’ roster, but never wound up playing a snap.
After lackluster production from their crowded receiving room last year, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst addressed the position at the 2025 NFL Draft. Green Bay selected Texas wideout Matthew Golden with the No. 23 pick, marking the first time the organization used a first-round selection on a receiver since 2002 (Javon Walker).
Adding to the mix, Gutekunst used his third-round pick (87th overall) on TCU wideout Savion Williams. Gutekunst then took a flier on Jadon Janke, but decided quickly that it was time to clear out a roster spot.
The Packers haven’t had a true No. 1 receiver since they traded Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. The most receiving yards a Packer has put up since is Jaylen Reed, who had 857 last season.
Green Bay will kick off its 2025 season at home against the NFC North rival Detroit Lions at 4:25 p.m. EST. The Lions have won six of their last seven games against the Pack, including season-series sweeps in 2022 and 2024.
Jadon Janke Was A Star At South Dakota State
Janke was a key part of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits football team that won back-to-back NCAA Division I Football Championships in 2022 and 2023. Janke had his best college season in the latter year, recording 57 receptions for 946 yards and 10 touchdowns.
