Justin Vogel knew he was facing an uphill battle in Green Bay, so he orchestrated his way out of town.

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Vogel requested to be released after the Packers drafted punter JK Scott in the fifth round last week. The Packers granted that request Friday.

Vogel set the franchise record for net punting and was a Pro Bowl alternate as a rookie last season, but he would have entered training camp as the underdog in the punting battle behind Scott, the 172nd overall pick.

GM Brian Gutekunst called Scott a “rare” punting talent after drafting him last Saturday.

Vogel wasn’t interested in the punting competition in Green Bay, so he’ll look for employment elsewhere.

It’s an unfortunate end for both sides.

The Packers could have used the competition for a rookie in training camp. No first-year player is ever a sure thing, even if the Packers really like Scott’s ability. The hit rate of drafting punters is nowhere near 100 percent. Vogel would have provided a strong insurance plan.

It’s equally disappointing for Vogel. He might find an easier competition elsewhere, but the NFL is built on competing for a job, and he wasn’t willing to battle for his against a rookie. Even if he lost the job later this summer, a strong camp and preseason would have put Vogel in a prime position to get picked up elsewhere. Punters are claimed off waivers all the time before the season.

The end result is probably all the same. Scott is the Packers’ punter. Vogel is looking for work elsewhere. That’s the reality now. It likely would have been the reality come August.