The Green Bay Packers are poised to evaluate German-born kicker Lenny Krieg in a workout session scheduled for Monday, occurring just two days prior to the official commencement of their training camp. This strategic move highlights the team's ongoing assessment of their special teams unit. Krieg, a 23-year-old athlete with a background in European football leagues and previous stints in the NFL's developmental system, represents an intriguing prospect for the Packers as they fine-tune their roster. His journey from Berlin to the doorstep of an NFL training camp underscores the global reach of American football and the continuous search for talent across continents. The timing of this tryout suggests a proactive approach by the Packers to solidify their kicking position before the rigorous camp schedule begins.
Lenny Krieg, a native of Berlin, Germany, embarked on his professional football journey within the German Football League and subsequently gained experience in the European League of Football. His transition to the NFL pathway saw him participate in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, where he demonstrated exceptional accuracy by successfully converting all 14 of his field goal attempts. Following this impressive performance, Krieg was integrated into the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad for the 2025 season as an international player, further developing his skills within an NFL environment. Most recently, he was part of the New York Jets organization but was released on June 1st, making him available for opportunities such as this upcoming workout with the Packers.
The Packers currently have two kickers on their roster: sixth-round draft pick Trey Smack, who is widely considered the frontrunner for the starting job, and veteran Lucas Havrisik, who notably set a franchise record with a 63-yard field goal last season. This competitive landscape suggests that Krieg's tryout is aimed at either providing additional depth or potentially challenging the existing specialists. The team also utilizes an international exemption slot, currently occupied by English edge rusher Dante Barrett. A possible scenario emerging from Krieg's evaluation could involve a roster shuffle, where the Packers might release Barrett to sign Krieg, thus adding a third kicker to their camp roster and exploring all options to enhance their special teams.
During his 2025 preseason tenure with the Falcons, Krieg showcased his abilities by successfully converting one of two field goal attempts, both of which were from a distance of at least 50 yards, including a remarkable 57-yarder. He also made his solitary extra point attempt and handled nine kickoffs, demonstrating his versatility in various kicking roles. This prior NFL preseason experience indicates his readiness to perform under pressure and provides the Packers with a tangible record of his capabilities in a professional setting. The team's decision to bring in a kicker with such a unique international background and recent NFL exposure reflects their commitment to exploring every avenue for talent acquisition as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The impending workout for Lenny Krieg signifies the Green Bay Packers' diligent efforts to optimize every aspect of their team ahead of training camp. With existing talent at the kicker position and an international player exemption already utilized, the evaluation of Krieg underscores a comprehensive approach to roster management and the pursuit of competitive advantage. His past performances in both European and NFL preseason environments provide a solid foundation for his candidacy, suggesting that the Packers are seeking to bolster their special teams unit with proven, if unconventional, talent. This late-stage tryout could lead to significant roster adjustments as the team finalizes its preparations for the season.
