The Green Bay Packers are planning to waive inside linebacker James Crawford once the team’s trade for inside linebacker B.J. Goodson becomes official, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
The Packers need to clear a spot on the 53-man roster for Goodson, a 2016 draft pick of the New York Giants who will add depth at linebacker for Mike Pettine’s defense.
Crawford, a second-year former undrafted free agent, made the initial 53-man roster as a special teams contributor. He struggled at inside linebacker throughout the preseason, both against the run and in coverage.
In Goodson, the Packers will add an experienced linebacker who has started 20 games for the Giants over the last two seasons.
The team’s initial roster included four inside linebacker: Crawford, Blake Martinez, Oren Burks and rookie Ty Summers. Burks is hurt and could miss the first month of the season or more.
