Packers sign Quinton Dial, per report

The Green Bay Packers have dipped into free agency more frequently in 2017 than in the past, and Week 1 of the regular season has continued that trend. On Tuesday, the team signed free-agent defensive lineman Quinton Dial, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

A former fifth-round pick, Dial spent his first four NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. After a quiet start to his career, he developed into the starter along the team's defensive line, thriving against the run. San Francisco awarded him with a three-year extension before the 2016 season.

However, after the 49ers transitioned to a new 4-3 alignment this offseason, Dial became expendable. The team attempted to work him into the new scheme throughout training camp and the preseason but ultimately decided it made more sense to save a roster spot and release the veteran defensive lineman during final cuts.

The signing of Dial marks the second time this year that the Packers have benefited from the 49ers' defensive conversion. Late last month, Green Bay signed Ahmad Brooks after San Francisco released the veteran outside linebacker. Both Dial and Brooks could carve out significant roles early in the upcoming season.

In a corresponding move, the Packers released defensive tackle Christian Ringo. The move keeps the roster at 53 players.