Packers begin tendering exclusive rights free agents, starting with OT Yosh Nijman

After retaining running back Aaron Jones on a four-year contract on Sunday, the Green Bay Packers have made their first move to bring back a player over whom they have some level of control for 2021. That player is offensive tackle Yosh Nijman, who suited up in 16 games for the Packers a year ago but made it onto the field for just 14 offensive snaps.

According to Tom Silverstein, the Packers have officially submitted a qualifying contract tender to Nijman, who is an exclusive-rights free agent. That tender is for a non-guaranteed one-year contract at $780,000, the league minimum for a player with one accrued season of experience.

By submitting this tender, the Packers retain sole negotiation rights with Nijman. He can choose to sign the tender — which is likely — or he could try to work out a longer-term deal with the team.

One of the most athletic offensive tackle prospects in recent years, Nijman signed with the Packers as an undrafted rookie following the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent most of his first season developing on the practice squad, then was the team’s reserve tackle in 2020. However, the Packers played musical chairs with their other linemen when there were absences up front, with David Bakhtiari, Billy Turner, Rick Wagner, and Elgton Jenkins all started games at the tackle positions. Nijman should have an opportunity to carve out a bigger role as a backup tackle for 2021.

Look for the Packers to tender their other ERFA players shortly. That group includes wide receivers Allen Lazard and Malik Taylor and edge rusher Randy Ramsey.