Josh Boyd released by Packers after three seasons in Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers held their rookie minicamp over the weekend, and as expected, the team has made a handful of roster transactions involving undrafted free agents and other young players who participated in rookie camp and announced them in a press release this afternoon.

However, among all of the moves involving rookies is the surprising release of a veteran player. Defensive end Josh Boyd, a 5th-round draft pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, has been given his release by the team.

Boyd's release thins out the depth on the defensive line further this offseason, as the Packers also have lost B.J. Raji to a hiatus from football and moved Datone Jones to outside linebacker. Now, only three players who have taken snaps in a regular season game remain on the defensive line: Mike Daniels, Letroy Guion, and Mike Pennel. Further complicating the situation is Pennel's four-game suspension to start the 2016 season.

In three years, Boyd played in 26 career games with four starts. He recorded 29 total tackles (16 solo) and defended one pass. However, he missed 14 games in 2015 on injured reserve due to a major ankle injury, which involved a bone fracture and ligament damage. it is possible that this injury is connected to his release.

His release will add approximately $36,000 in dead money on the Packers' salary cap in 2016.