Packers sign defensive back Innis Gaines, two others to futures contracts

The Packers have signed undrafted rookie free agent Innis Gaines. A defensive back from Texas Christian University, Gaines first reported the news himself on Twitter, and the Packers announced the move on Friday afternoon.

At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, Gaines offers good size, but his measurables are a mystery beyond that. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, and TCU was among the many universities that had to cancel its pro day as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that’s actually not a problem for the Packers, who had Gaines in for a workout in late August.

Gaines played safety for the Horned Frogs, but his college position coach says that’s not necessarily where he projects best in the NFL. TCU safeties coach Paul Gonzales told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that several NFL teams had inquired about Gaines as a cornerback in the NFL, noting that he did play some corner at times.

A teammate of Packers safety Vernon Scott, Gaines played in 29 games over four years at TCU, recording 69 solo tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions.

Green Bay has also signed two other rookies to futures contracts: wide receiver Chris Blair and linebacker Ray Wilborn. Blair played at Alcorn State University, the alma mater of former Packers receiver Donald Driver, and recorded over 900 receiving yards as a senior in 2019. Wilborn is a hybrid player himself, lining up at linebacker and safety for Ball State. There, he posted four interceptions, three sacks, and over 160 total tackles in two years.

These three players will not practice with the team during the postseason if they remain on reserve/futures contracts. That type of contract gives a player the ability to participate in an NFL team’s offseason program, as they will become part of the 90-man roster following the conclusion of the 2020 NFL season. They will then be able to participate in offseason workouts, OTAs, and minicamp.