Former Kansas State Star Signs With Packers

Former Kansas State wide receiver Malik Knowles shockingly went undrafted following the 2023 NFL Draft after having an excellent final two seasons with the Wildcats. 

Knowles ultimately signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent but spent his entire rookie season on the reserve/non-football injury list. This was disappointing for Kansas State fans, as they know he’s a playmaker at receiver but also as a kick returner.

Fast-forward to this summer at Vikings training camp, where Knowles was waived ahead of the 53-man roster deadline with an injury designation.

It hasn’t been easy for the former Wildcat, but he’s landed another opportunity with one of the better young teams in the NFL, who have shown to develop young receivers. 

On Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers announced they signed Knowles to the practice squad. The 24-year-old wide receiver is taking the spot of TJ Luther, who was placed on the injured list.

The two-time All-American had a tremendous five-year career at Kansas State, amassing 2,307 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns. In his last year at K-State, Knowles had a career-high 889 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns on 56 touches.

As a returner, Knowles was one of the more dynamic special teams players. The 6-foot-2 receiver had 1,691 yards on kick returns and 3,998 yards on punt returns.

Knowles was also ranked fourth in the country in kick return average (33.1 yards per game). With the NFL's new kickoff rule, the former Wildcat star could get on the field this season or at least stick on the practice squad.

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