Packers waive rookie after he refuses to sign IR paperwork over pay cut concerns, ahead of the 2nd preseason game

Green Bay’s preseason hit turbulence when an internal roster dispute surfaced just days before the team’s second exhibition matchup. What should have been a routine injury designation turned into a decisive split between a rookie and the front office.

The tension arose over the injured reserve (IR) designation — a common NFL move to protect roster depth and allow recovery time for injured players. This time, the process came to a halt when the rookie declined to sign.

At the center of the matter was Kahzir Brown, a safety who spent three seasons at Maine, recording 142 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions, 23 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles before transferring to Florida Atlantic in 2024.

General manager Brian Gutekunst spoke candidly about the standoff: “If you won’t sign the IR papers, you’re telling me you’d rather put short-term pay ahead of long-term health — and that’s not the mindset we want in Green Bay.”

Brown played 12 games for FAU last season, registering 44 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. His versatility in the secondary made him a player to watch in Packers camp.

However, an undisclosed injury in camp kept him off the field for the preseason opener. The setback raised questions about his availability and his ability to compete for a roster spot in a crowded defensive backfield.

By refusing the IR designation, Brown risked aggravating his injury and all but removed himself from contention. The decision left the Packers with little choice but to cut ties before the preseason’s midpoint.

On August 15, Green Bay officially waived Brown, ending his brief stint with the team before he could log a single snap in the Packers’ secondary.