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Former Packers Shines in Bengals Camp: A Costly Mistake for Green Bay?

Bengals snag TJ Slaton from Packers, per report - Cincy Jungle

The Green Bay Packers may soon be forced to reckon with a tough reality: sometimes, the players you let walk are the ones you miss the most. Just months after veteran defensive tackle T.J. Slaton signed a two-year, $14.1 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, he’s already turning heads at training camp—and making the Packers’ decision not to re-sign him look like a costly miscalculation.

Slaton, who played in all 68 games since being drafted by Green Bay in 2021 and started every game for the past two seasons, wasted no time making an impact in his new home. Reports from Bengals camp highlight his dominance in the trenches, and he’s already earned the respect of his new teammates—including quarterback Joe Burrow, who recently told the media, “Slaton’s going to be a great player for us.”

For the Packers, Slaton’s immediate success is a bitter pill to swallow. Green Bay let the 26-year-old defensive tackle leave in free agency, banking on Devonte Wyatt to step into a bigger role alongside Kenny Clark. While Wyatt has shown flashes as a pass rusher, there are still questions about whether he can replicate the consistency and run-stopping prowess that Slaton brought to the lineup.

Perhaps no one feels the loss more acutely than Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Speaking with reporters during the first week of training camp, Love reflected on Slaton’s departure:
“T.J. was one of those guys who brought energy to the locker room every single day. He didn’t always get the spotlight, but he was a huge part of our defense. I definitely miss having him around, both as a teammate and as a friend. I wish him nothing but success in Cincinnati, but yeah, it’s tough seeing him make plays in another jersey.”

For four seasons, Slaton was the model of durability and consistency for the Packers, not missing a single game and racking up 134 tackles, six for loss, and two sacks. His presence in the middle of the line anchored Green Bay’s run defense and allowed playmakers like Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary to thrive.

Now, as Slaton quickly becomes a fan favorite in Cincinnati, Packers Nation is left to wonder: Did Green Bay let a key piece of their defense slip away too soon?

Conclusion:
NFL free agency is a game of tough decisions, and the story of T.J. Slaton’s resurgence with the Bengals could become a cautionary tale for front offices everywhere. For the Packers, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the players you undervalue end up shining brightest—just not in your colors.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”