Ricky Jean-Francois is ready to be a major contributor on the Green Bay Packers defensive line this season. However, he never thought he would be playing for the defending NFC North champions.

Last week, Jean Francois talked to Stu Courtney of PackersNews.com and he was surprised the Packers had interest in him considering the team does not sign many free agents during the offseason.

“To get that phone call that the Green Bay Packers want you is rare,” Jean Francois said via Pro Football Talk. “It’s rare that you see them go outside and pick guys up and if they do, it’s for a reason.

“On the first day of meetings when all the new guys stand up, I’m used to seeing like five or six guys stand up and there were only three guys to stand up. I’m blessed to get picked up.’”

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Jean Francois chose the Packers over the Seattle Seahawks and he signed a one-year, $3 million deal. He will add depth to the middle of the defensive line as well as mentor young players such as Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry.

The LSU alum has been in the NFL since 2009. He has previously spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins.

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