The former Knights standout secured record-breaking guarantees after a dominant rookie minicamp, positioning himself as a high-value defensive asset in Green Bay’s competitive training camp battle.
Former UCF edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly became the Green Bay Packers’ highest-paid undrafted free agent on Tuesday afternoon, earning over $250,000 in guaranteed salary.
Kelly received a $15,000 signing bonus alongside $247,500 in guaranteed salary. He is the most expensive UDFA, earning more than guards Dillon Wade and John Gesky, and wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant ($215,000 guaranteed salary).
The Packers gave the former Knight a full-season rate for a maximum practice squad contract. Such a contract suggests Kelly impressed the team in the rookie minicamp ahead of OTAs.
Green Bay is paying Kelly $9,500 fewer than sixth-round draft pick Domani Jackson. He joins his former teammate, Myles Montgomery, as the other UCF alum to receive a lucrative contract for UDFAs.
Kelly signed with the Packers after the 2026 NFL Draft concluded. The two parties shared an interest in one another as the 6-foot-5 EDGE made a pre-draft visit with the team.
He will compete with players like Anthony Campbell, Warren Brinson and Dante Barrett for a spot on Green Bay’s depth chart. The EDGE position is deep, highlighting an uphill battle for Kelly throughout OTAs and preseason.
Kelly spent his final two collegiate seasons at UCF after transferring from Miami. He lined up on the opposite side of Malachi Lawrence, the Knights’ highest-drafted defensive player in program history.
The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native tallied 99 tackles (56 solo), 17 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four pass breakups and one interception across two years. Kelly’s lone interception came against the North Carolina Tar Heels, and he forced a fumble recovery touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers to close out homecoming week.
“I’m kind of used to it,” Kelly said when reflecting on the crowd’s excitement. “I was just rushing, and the quarterback kept running. So just to finally be able to get him down and get it for a fumble — we were working on trying to get turnovers for about three to four games. So for me to be able to get that, it was fun, and it was a blessing.”
Kelly attempted to apply for a medical redshirt for time missed earlier in his career, but opted to enter the draft. Although he went undrafted, he’s fought his way to become one of the highest-paid UDFAs this offseason.
Green Bay’s OTAs kicked off on Tuesday, meaning Kelly's chance to compete against other rookies and veterans has come. Earning over $250,000 in guaranteed salary could be a promising sign for the UCF alum’s future at the next level.
Join the Community. Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
