The Green Bay Packers have always been about drafting, developing, and retaining talent. But this offseason has been anything but normal. With 11 unrestricted free agents hitting the market, the Packers only retained two. As the organized team activities (OTAs) approach, the Packers are in the midst of one of the most unusual free agency periods in franchise history. Let’s break down who stayed, who left, and what it means for the future.
Who Was Re-Signed?
Despite the talent drain, the Packers made sure to sign a couple of key guys before free agency even started.
K Brandon McManus
After a carousel of kickers failed to provide stability in 2023, McManus was the answer. The veteran kicker went 20-of-21 on field goals during the regular season, second in the NFL with 95.2% accuracy. He was a godsend. You don’t realize how much a reliable kicker can calm a team down until you’ve gone through the chaos we went through earlier in the season.
“He was a godsend for us,” one team insider said. “You don’t realize how much a dependable kicker can stabilize a team until you’ve been through the chaos we faced earlier in the season.”
LB Isaiah McDuffie
McDuffie, a 6th round pick in 2021, proved himself last season by starting all 17 games and recording 97 tackles. Although he allowed 5 TD passes (tied for most on the team), his versatility and experience got him a 2 year, $8M deal.
TE John FitzPatrick
FitzPatrick wasn’t tendered as an RFA but was brought back on a 1 year, $1.5M deal. He had 1 catch for 2 yards but his presence on offense and special teams makes him a depth piece.
Who Signed With Another Team?
The Packers lost several familiar faces, and there are some big holes on the roster.
C Josh Myers
Myers, a 2nd round pick, started 16 games and played over 1,000 snaps for the 3rd straight season. He settled for a 1 year, $2M deal with the Jets, which was surprising given his consistent play.
DT TJ Slaton
Slaton, a 5th round pick in 2021, started all 17 games last season but didn’t do much beyond basic run stopping. He got a 2 year, $14.1M deal from the Bengals, and the Packers’ defensive line is thinner than ever.
LB Eric Wilson
Wilson returned to Minnesota after 72 tackles, 2 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss in 2024. He leaves another hole in the Packers’ linebacking corps.
CB Eric Stokes
Stokes, the 1st round pick in 2021, finally stayed healthy in 2024 but didn’t live up to expectations. With 0 passes defended in 7 starts, he signed a 1 year, $3.5M deal with the Raiders.
Other departures include CB Corey Ballentine (Colts), RB AJ Dillon (Eagles) and OT Andre Dillard (49ers). Each player left for fresh opportunities and the Packers roster is thinner.
Who Did the Packers Sign?
The Packers brought in some interesting names, but not without controversy.
G Aaron Banks
Banks, a 2nd round pick by the 49ers, got a 4 year, $77M deal despite mediocre pass blocking metrics. He’s a big investment in protecting Jordan Love.> “Big risk, no doubt,” said one analyst. “But if he pays off, it’ll solidify the interior of the OL for years.”
CB Nate Hobbs
Hobbs signs with the Packers on a 4 year, $48M deal after 3 seasons with the Raiders. He played 11 games last season due to injury, but his upside as a slot corner is huge.
WR Mecole Hardman
Fills two needs: speed at receiver and dynamic returner. His production dipped with the Chiefs last season, but his career return numbers (9.2 yards per punt, 23.8 yards per kickoff) are valuable.
LB Isaiah Simmons
Simmons, the 8th overall pick in 2020, is on a 1 year, $1.34 million prove it deal. He has experience at linebacker and in the slot, if he can stay healthy.
Who Remains Unsigned?
One name stands out who is still unsigned: TE Tyler Davis. After missing the last 2 seasons with injuries, Davis won’t be back in Green Bay.
Instead the Packers will go with Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims and FitzPatrick to fill the void.
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