The Packers are bringing back linebacker Jordan Tripp after initially not extending a tender to the 25-year old linebacker.

Entering his fourth season as a pro, this is the first time Tripp will spend a second consecutive year with a team. He’s previously played for the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Miami Dolphins.

A good athlete, Tripp has been relegated to special teams duty throughout his NFL career. He’s been a core contributor on coverage units in each of his NFL stops to date, but he’s never played more than 96 snaps on defense in a season. He wasn’t on the field for a single defensive snap for the Packers last year.

Tripp has a history of making big plays

However, Tripp has a long history of contributing big plays on defense and special teams. In college, he was credited with a game-clinching interception, an 80-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and a game winning blocked field goal.

In recognition of this success, he was selected to wear Montana’s number 37 legacy jersey, continuing a tradition dating back to the 1980s in which an outgoing defensive player selects an up and coming defender who embodies leadership and performance to wear the number.

How Jordan Tripp helps the Packers in 2017

The Packers likely see Tripp mainly as a special teams contributor, but if he can capitalize on his athleticism and size, he could see spot duty on defense.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Joe Thomas, a key defensive contributor last season, was a practice squad player as little as two years ago. If he can go from practice squad to part time starter, there’s nothing to prevent Tripp from making a similar leap.