The Green Bay Packers are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the 2025 season. After a draft that included a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002, the team is now looking at undrafted free agents and intriguing prospects. One of their most interesting invites has gone out to linebacker Connor Shay, the projected first round pick in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Who Is Connor Shay?
Connor Shay, a former Wyoming star, has been making noise north and south of the border. Despite going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shay’s talent and versatility have kept him in the conversation. Zach Jacobson of Packer Report broke the news on X that the Packers have invited Shay to their upcoming rookie minicamp. Not an official signing yet, but Green Bay is definitely taking a look at the linebacker.
Shay’s appeal goes beyond his college stats. Last season he had 76 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, and 3 passes defended. His performance at the NFL Combine was also impressive, showing his athleticism and ability to compete at the next level.
What makes Shay special is his eligibility for Canadian citizenship (his dad is Canadian), and in the CFL, teams are limited on how many non-native players they can have on their roster. Someone like Shay, a dual citizen with high upside, is a valuable asset. A recent CFL mock draft had him as the #1 overall pick to the Calgary Stampeders.
Why the Packers Are Interested?
The Packers are inviting Shay for more than just to see what he has. They are thin at linebacker going into the 2025 season. Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper are locked in as the top two linebackers on the depth chart, but the drop off after that is big.
Last year, the Packers only carried 5 off ball linebackers on their 53 man roster, and injuries exposed the lack of depth at this position. They would like to carry 6 linebackers next season. If Shay performs well in the rookie minicamp, he could be the 3rd linebacker on the depth chart or higher if injuries strike again.
A Crossroads for Connor Shay
For Connor Shay, this is a big career crossroads. The CFL season starts in May after the NFL rookie minicamps. If Shay impresses in Green Bay he’ll have a tough decision to make: pursue his NFL dream or head north to be one of the CFL’s top young stars.
The Packers are a good opportunity. Their defense was in the top half of the league last year, and any injury to key players could put Shay in a starting role. With limited depth behind Walker and Cooper, Shay’s path to meaningful snaps is clearer than it would be on other teams.
On the other hand, going to the CFL as the #1 pick would guarantee him playing time and a chance to develop against pros. For a player in his position, it’s patience vs opportunity, and both have their merits.
What’s Next for Shay and the Packers?
If Shay shows up to rookie minicamp and stands out, the Packers may offer him a contract to join their offseason program. He’d have a chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp. But time is of the essence. Shay will have to weigh his options carefully before committing to either league.
For Packers fans, this means the team is serious about finding gems and addressing position needs. Whether Shay becomes a household name in Green Bay or a CFL superstar remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: all eyes will be on him at minicamp.