Former Kansas State wide receiver Malik Knowles, who surprisingly went undrafted after an impressive final two seasons with the Wildcats, has signed with the Green Bay Packers. After the 2023 NFL Draft, Knowles initially joined the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent but spent his rookie season on the reserve/non-football injury list, disappointing Kansas State fans who knew him as a playmaker at both receiver and kick returner.
During Vikings training camp this summer, Knowles was waived with an injury designation before the 53-man roster deadline. Despite the setbacks, he has now found a new opportunity with the Packers, a team known for developing young receivers.
On Wednesday, the Packers announced they had signed the 24-year-old to their practice squad, replacing TJ Luther, who was placed on the injured list. Knowles had a standout five-year career at Kansas State, totaling 2,307 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns. In his final year, he recorded a career-high 889 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 56 touches.
Malik Knowles
As a return specialist, Knowles was a dynamic presence, accumulating 1,691 kick return yards and 3,998 punt return yards, ranking fourth nationally in kick return average (33.1 yards per game). With the NFL’s new kickoff rule, Knowles could potentially see playing time this season or remain a key practice squad player.
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