Packers to sign undrafted CB Marlon Jones after Hodgkin’s lymphoma recovery

Reports indicate the Green Bay Packers are signing undrafted rookie cornerback Marlon Jones on Tuesday, May 28. The Vanderbilt defensive back missed the 2024 season after being diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma but was in full remission by 2025 and cleared to return to football. The move gives Jones an NFL opportunity two years after his diagnosis interrupted his collegiate career. He is expected to compete for a spot through the offseason program, training camp and the preseason.

Jones began his college career at Eastern Washington, where he emerged as a standout at the FCS level before transferring to Vanderbilt for a step up in competition. His diagnosis arrived in the spring of 2024, the day before he was set to relocate to Nashville to join Vanderbilt. The illness sidelined him for the 2024 campaign, but by 2025 he had completed treatment, reached full remission and received medical clearance to resume playing.

Following his return, Jones did not post eye-catching production at Vanderbilt, but he showed signs that with additional time to rebuild from treatment he could push for an NFL opportunity. Green Bay’s interest now presents that chance, with the cornerback entering the league as an undrafted rookie.

As with most undrafted players, the path to a roster spot will likely run through special teams contributions and consistent practice performance. If finalized, the signing would place Jones on the Packers’ 90-man offseason roster, where rookies and depth hopefuls compete across organized team activities, mandatory minicamp and training camp for roles on the 53-man roster or practice squad.

Medical recovery and college path

Diagnosis and return timeline

Jones’ cancer diagnosis in spring 2024 halted his plans to start at Vanderbilt. He missed the entire 2024 season while undergoing treatment. By 2025 he was in full remission and cleared to play, enabling him to resume football activities and participate in team work as he rebuilt strength and conditioning.

From FCS standout to SEC test

At Eastern Washington, Jones established himself as a productive cornerback at the FCS level. His transfer to Vanderbilt represented a move into the SEC, where the jump in size, speed and scheme complexity typically demands an adjustment period even without a major health setback. That context helps explain why on-field impact immediately after remission can be limited as players regain form.

Roster outlook in Green Bay

Camp competition and path to a role

Undrafted rookies often earn consideration by stacking steady practices and flashing in preseason snaps, particularly on special teams. Jones will aim to show reliable coverage technique and physical resilience after a taxing medical journey. Coaches commonly weigh versatility and availability when filling the final spots on the depth chart and practice squad.

What the addition signals

The move reflects Green Bay’s continued search for developmental depth in the secondary and willingness to evaluate late-emerging prospects. For Jones, the opportunity marks the next step in a comeback that required extended recovery time and patience after treatment.

The Packers’ offseason schedule continues into June, with training camp to follow. Jones’ bid to secure a role should become clearer as preseason reps arrive and roster decisions approach.