Packers sign FB Joe Kerridge and ILB Jordan Tripp for 2017

WEDNESDAY — As of this afternoon, two of the players who contributed heavily to the Green Bay Packers’ special teams down the stretch in 2016 are now under contract for 2017.

According to the NFL’s official transaction wire, the Packers signed fullback Joe Kerridge and inside linebacker Jordan Tripp on Wednesday, in addition to posting cornerback Davon House’s contract.

The Packers signed Kerridge to the practice squad in early October before promoting him to the active roster in November, after which he was active in eight regular season games. Over that time, he was a key component of the kick return and coverage teams and contributed a small number of snaps on offense as well, often in two-fullback formations. Kerridge was an exclusive-rights free agent this offseason and received a qualifying tender from the Packers, so his contract is a one-year deal for the league minimum salary.

Tripp was also a midseason addition, coming over after the Seattle Seahawks released him with an injury settlement. Unlike Kerridge, Tripp was a restricted free agent, but the Packers elected not to tender him. However, his return indicates that they were hoping to retain him all along but at a lower salary than the minimum $1.8 million tender amount. The former Montana Grizzly suited up for two games in the regular season, but was active for all three of the Packers’ postseason games.

The two will compete for roster spots in training camp this August, with special teams being their likeliest route onto the 53-man regular season roster.