Packers Sign CB Shemar Bartholomew to Practice Squad

Young cornerback joins Green Bay after stints with Jets, Panthers, and Vikings

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:26am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, showing a football player in motion with sharp, overlapping planes of green, gold, and navy blue, representing the Green Bay Packers.The Packers' latest practice squad addition, Shemar Bartholomew, is depicted in a cubist-inspired illustration that captures the dynamic nature of his defensive play.NYC Today

The Green Bay Packers have signed cornerback Shemar Bartholomew to their practice squad, adding the young defensive back after his previous experience with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings. Bartholomew, an undrafted free agent in 2024, has drawn mixed reviews for his potential and development so far in the NFL.

Why it matters

The Packers are always on the lookout for talented defensive backs to bolster their secondary, and Bartholomew represents a low-risk, high-upside addition to their practice squad as they evaluate his long-term fit with the team.

The details

Bartholomew initially signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2024 but was released during training camp. He then joined the Carolina Panthers, appearing in five games as a rookie. After being waived by the Panthers, Bartholomew spent time on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad. The Packers have now signed him to their own practice squad, giving him an opportunity to continue developing and potentially earn a spot on the active roster.

  • Bartholomew signed with the Packers' practice squad on April 10, 2026.
  • He previously spent time with the Jets, Panthers, and Vikings in 2024 and 2025.

The players

Shemar Bartholomew

A young cornerback who has bounced around the NFL, signing with the Jets, Panthers, and Vikings before joining the Packers' practice squad.

Brian Gutekunst

The General Manager of the Green Bay Packers, who announced the signing of Bartholomew to the team's practice squad.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bartholomew's potential is still being evaluated, and we're excited to see what he can bring to our practice squad as he continues to develop.”

— Brian Gutekunst, General Manager, Green Bay Packers

What’s next

The Packers will monitor Bartholomew's progress on the practice squad and determine if he has the potential to earn a spot on the active roster in the future.

The takeaway

The signing of Shemar Bartholomew to the Packers' practice squad represents a low-risk, high-upside move as the team looks to bolster its defensive back depth. Bartholomew's journey so far has been marked by ups and downs, and the Packers will be closely evaluating his development to see if he can carve out a role on the team.