A speedy SMU tight end and son of former No. 1 overall pick Russell Maryland, now trying to make Green Bay's roster as an undrafted rookie.
RJ Maryland spent four seasons at SMU, developing into one of the program's most productive receiving tight ends before going undrafted in 2026. He signed with the Packers, where his father, Russell Maryland, closed out his own playing career in 2000.
Path to the league
Maryland is the son of Russell Maryland, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft and a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys who finished his career with the Packers in 2000. RJ attended Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas, before playing four seasons at SMU from 2022 to 2025.
Career highlights
Maryland's best season came in 2023, when he caught 54 passes for 518 yards and 7 touchdowns and earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4, giving him rare speed for a tight end prospect.
2025 season recap
In his final year at SMU, Maryland caught 27 passes for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns on 38 targets. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed with the Green Bay Packers, where he will compete for a depth role behind Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave.
Sources
- Wikipedia: R. J. Maryland
- ESPN: RJ Maryland
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- injuredReserveOrOut
- College
- SMU
- Hometown
- Southlake, TX, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- day-to-day
