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Green Bay Flashpoint: Quay Walker Tears Into Rookie Who Stormed Out of Camp After Learning a Lower Pick Landed a Fatter Payday

Green Bay, WI – August 11, 2025 — Tempers flared at Packers camp when a promising rookie abruptly left the practice field after discovering that a later draft pick on the roster is earning a larger overall contract.

The moment jarred coaches and teammates alike, particularly because the rookie had just turned heads in Green Bay’s preseason win over the New York Jets, leading the defense in tackles and drawing postgame praise for his play speed and communication.

That rookie is linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, a fifth-round selection who signed a four-year deal worth $4.62 million with $415,000 guaranteed. According to multiple team voices, frustration spiked when he learned seventh-round wide receiver Kaden Prather signed a four-year, $5.28 million contract with $241,000 guaranteed — a higher total value despite the later draft slot.

Veteran linebacker Quay Walker didn’t mince words afterward.

“Skipping practice over a contract? That’s weak. In Green Bay, we punch the clock and earn our snaps. Guys have turned down bigger money just to wear green and gold — if you can’t handle that, hand your jersey to someone who’ll actually fight for it,"

Dumas-Johnson’s exit came less than 48 hours after his six-tackle showing against New York, where he flashed range and triggered quickly downhill in the screen game — precisely the traits the staff highlighted last week. His sudden walk-off has left the locker room puzzled and, for some, irritated.

Prather, the player at the center of the comparison, has flashed as a contested-catch option and special-teams contributor through the first two weeks of camp but logged no notable stats versus the Jets.

Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the matter briefly before pivoting back to preparation.

“We value competitiveness — and that includes handling business the right way. The standard here is availability, accountability, and improvement.”

With roster cuts looming, the Packers are intent on keeping the focus on installation, situational work, and sorting the back-half of the depth chart. Whether Dumas-Johnson returns swiftly or this becomes a turning point in his rookie season remains unclear.

For now, the message from Titletown is simple: commitment comes before contracts.

Cowboys Reunite with a Former Starter, Bolstering a Battle-Tested Defense for the Stretch Run
Dallas, TX – In a surprising yet strategic move, the Dallas Cowboys have officially signed linebacker Luke Gifford on the afternoon of October 8, 2025, just hours after the San Francisco 49ers decided to cut the veteran. The one-year, $3.5 million deal (with performance bonuses up to $1.5 million) marks an emotional homecoming for Gifford to the franchise that launched his career, while also plugging an urgent hole in Dallas’ linebacker depth after multiple injuries out of Week 5.   Gifford, 29, was a reliable glue piece for the Cowboys from 2019 to 2022—an undrafted gem who carved out his role on special teams and situational defense in the star and stripes. After leaving Dallas, he spent time with the Tennessee Titans (2023) and 49ers (2024–2025), earning a reputation as a smart, assignment-sound linebacker who can play WILL/SAM and contribute immediately on kick coverage and sub-packages.   With San Francisco this year, Gifford appeared in four games before Tuesday night’s roster shuffle left him as the odd man out. Dallas pounced. “Luke knows our standard and our language,” head coach Mike McCarthy said after practice. “He’s tough, dependable, and versatile. Given where our linebacker room is right now, he’s exactly the kind of veteran who can stabilize us fast.”   For the Cowboys—leading the NFC East at 4–1 but juggling availability at linebacker—this is timely triage and culture reinforcement. Defensive coaches value Gifford’s communication and angles in space; special teams coordinator notes he can step in on all four core units immediately. Gifford, moments after signing, posted on X: “Back where it started. Let’s work. #HowBoutThemCowboys #DC4L”   Cowboys Nation erupted online as #GiffordReturns trended across the Metroplex, with many fans framing it as a subtle flex against the 49ers—Dallas’ recent playoff nemesis. NFL Network panels speculated Gifford could suit up as early as this weekend if paperwork clears, logging early snaps on special teams and dime looks while the staff ramps him into the defensive packages.   Beyond the depth chart math, the message is clear: Dallas is moving decisively to protect its defensive identity and keep the NFC East lead. If Gifford brings the same reliability and edge-setting discipline he showed in his first stint, the Cowboys may have found the steadying piece they needed for a stretch run.   Can Luke Gifford’s homecoming spark a sturdier second level and help Dallas tighten the screws in crunch time? We’ll know soon enough. #CowboysNation #DallasCowboys #HowBoutThemCowboys