Green Bay Packers Football: Team Roster, Schedule & More

Tag: Green Bay Packers

  • Aaron Rodgers Just Gave the Packers One Last Gift to Crush the Bears

    Aaron Rodgers Just Gave the Packers One Last Gift to Crush the Bears

    We’ll start out by saying this — the NFL schedule makers knew exactly what they were doing. They knew before anyone else, and the result is delightfully diabolical.

    The Chicago Bears spent their offseason trying to build on an underwhelming 2024 season. After a 5-12 record, a bumpy rookie year for Caleb Williams, and a coaching staff shakeup, they’ve doubled down on their plan to develop a franchise quarterback.

    In theory, this season was supposed to be the turning point.

    But here’s the twist: a pair of familiar faces — and a brutal stretch of games — might have other plans.

    A Season-Ending Gauntlet Looms for the Bears

    Aaron Rodgers will face the Bears in Week 12 as the new quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers . Two weeks later, Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers get their shot at Chicago in Week 14. And then comes another Packers-Bears meeting in Week 16.

    That means there’s now a real chance that Green Bay and its most legendary former QB can — in their own weird way — team up to bury Chicago’s season before Christmas.

    This may not have been part of any formal plan, but for Packers fans, it’s hard not to find the timing a little poetic — and potentially hilarious.

    Rodgers and Love Could Deliver the Final Blow

    Rodgers made a living out of torturing the Bears, stacking up a ridiculous 24-5 record with 64 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions against them. That “I still own you” moment at Soldier Field in 2021 came after years of dominating the rivalry and shifting the all-time series in favor of Green Bay.

    Now, even on a new team, it’s hard not to assume he’ll beat Chicago again.

    In Week 12, Rodgers steps back into a matchup he knows better than anyone — only this time, he’s wearing black and gold.

    Then, just one week later, the Bears have to turn around and face the Eagles in Philadelphia. Right after that, they travel to Lambeau Field, where Jordan Love has taken up Rodgers’ mantle.

    In four career games against Chicago, Love has thrown for over 800 yards and six touchdowns, winning three of those matchups.

    If the Bears are still clinging to playoff hopes by late November, they’ll have to fight through a minefield to get there. A late-season stretch featuring Rodgers, the Eagles, and the Packers twice in five weeks is the kind of gauntlet that sends teams into offseason mode fast.

    For Packers Fans, This Is Too Perfect

    And that’s where this gets fun for Packers fans . For all the years Rodgers made Chicago miserable, he now gets to return as an agent of chaos . Meanwhile, Love, who’s been quietly building his own resume against the Bears, will be waiting to finish the job.

    They won’t take the field together — but they might share the satisfaction of ruining the Bears’ season.

    And if this is truly the last chapter Rodgers writes in this rivalry, Packers fans won’t mind that it ends in black and gold — as long as it ends with Chicago going home early.

    Thanks, Aaron — for the selfless gift.

  • Zach Tom Plans to Win Back His Spot with the Packers

    Zach Tom Plans to Win Back His Spot with the Packers

    Zach Tom has simultaneously played well enough to be considered one of the NFL’s best right tackles and be in line for a megabucks contract extension, and not played well enough that he is immune to the Green Bay Packers’ competition-a-palooza on their offensive line this offseason.

    No wonder the fourth-year right tackle was taking it all in stride on Tuesday as he spoke with reporters following the second open-to-the-media organized team activity (OTA) practice of the spring.

    “I’m just moving forward,” Tom said.

    At this time last year, Tom had been reduced to a spectator, having suffered a torn pectoral muscle while bench-pressing early in the team’s offseason program. He subsequently underwent surgery to repair it at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, forcing him to sit out the OTA practices, and he was limited to individual drill work for the first week and a half of training camp last summer.

    Nevertheless, he started all 18 of the Packers’ games last season (including playoffs) and played 1,070 of the Packers’ offensive snaps in the regular season (98.7%). Pro Football Focus had him as their sixth-highest graded offensive tackle league-wide, as the third-year starter finished with an overall grade of 85.8, a run-blocking grade of 87.8, and a pass-blocking grade of 81.0 — all personal bests.

    He also finished third among right tackles in the Associated Press’ annual All-Pro balloting, behind Detroit’s Penei Sewell and Philadelphia’s Lane Johnson. No other right tackles league-wide received a vote.

    Which is why the 26-year-old Tom would seemingly be a no-brainer for a contract extension, now that he’s eligible for one after starting 39 games — 34 at right tackle, four at left tackle, and one a left guard — in his first three seasons.

    In his position, more than a few players have chosen to skip the voluntary portion of the offseason program to protect themselves from an untimely injury that could impact their earning power.

    Not Tom.

    “I don’t think it’ll do me any good to sit out. I’m trying not to worry about the contract situation. I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team,” Tom said. “And being here with the guys, I think that’s worth a lot more.

    “The contract situation will take care of itself. So, I’m just here working and grinding with the guys.”

    Coach LaFleur Praises Tom’s Work Ethic

    Asked if he was happy that Tom decided to attend the offseason program despite his contract situation, head coach Matt LaFleur replied, “I think that tells you how much it means to him. You always want, you want everybody here this time of the year, and understanding that it is voluntary, but, yeah, that means a lot. I know for me, it means a lot to me.”

    But at the same time, the 6-foot-4, 304-pound Tom is — at least according to offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, the team’s former line coach — competing to keep his starting job.

    If that seems incongruous to Tom, given his résumé, Tom insisted Tuesday that it doesn’t bother him — and that it’s simply part of the journey of a former fourth-round pick who must constantly prove himself.

    “I mean, it’s the NFL. You’re always competing,” Tom said. “In my career, I’ve never had anything handed to me. I’m a little undersized, maybe, so I’ve had to work for everything I got. It’s always a competition. So, I’m not too concerned about it.

    “You always have to go out there and earn your position every day.”

    Competition Is Real, But Tom Remains Focused

    During the two open-to-reporters OTA sessions so far, Tom has worked with the No. 1 offensive line at right tackle nonstop. Rookie second-round pick Anthony Belton took the right tackle reps with the No. 2 offense on Tuesday, but he hasn’t worked with the starters at this point.

    And while LaFleur spoke of Tom’s versatility Tuesday, he also emphasized that “the plan” is for Tom to stay at right tackle.

    “That’s where he’s kind of found his home,” LaFleur said. “I think Zach’s in a lot better space physically than he was a year ago. I mean, it’s tough when you’re rehabbing to get stronger and faster and in better shape [while] you’re practicing and doing all the drill work.”

    Which is why, for his part, Tom is focusing on the bigger picture of earning his place among the NFL’s elite tackles, setting his current circumstances aside.

    “At the end of the day, it’s still football. So, whether you get a new contract or not, you’re still playing football,” he said. “I’m just not trying to think about it. I’m just trying to get better.

    “I’ve just got to hone in on my technique, being consistent in that, because I think when I’m at my best, I’m the best in the league. But I’ve just got to be able to do that more consistently than I think I have.”

  • Packers New Coach Fixes Jordan Love Biggest Weakness

    Packers New Coach Fixes Jordan Love Biggest Weakness

    The Green Bay Packers’ new quarterbacks coach, Sean Mannion, has a tough act to follow by replacing the legendary Tom Clements, but he’s already busy helping Jordan Love fix his biggest issue: footwork.

    Love comes from the Aaron Rodgers Quarterback School, and while it never hurts to land a front-row ticket to watch a four-time MVP, mimicking Rodgers’ unique style can lead to some bad habits. It became frustrating to watch Love not set his feet, which led to inaccurate throws, and Mannion plans to fix that.

    “What we’re really trying to focus on is just the fundamentals and the footwork,” said Mannion. “That will help you be your most consistent accuracy-wise, decision-making-wise, and timing-wise. That’s our main area of focus with him.”

    His words are music to Packers fans’ ears.

    The Good, the Bad, and the Footwork

    It’s a blessing and a curse. Rodgers’ ability to throw off-platform, even with both feet in the air, led to magical moments. Love, too, has allowed his ridiculous arm strength to do the talking, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but marrying that with more consistent footwork could help his game explode.

    Like Love’s MVP mentor, he has shown All-Pro ability through two seasons as a starter. We all remember his jaw-dropping, Toyotahon-fueled stretch to close out the 2023 season.

    Love completed over 70% of his passes while tossing 18 touchdowns to one interception during a stunning 6-2 run, and he followed it by dicing up the Dallas Cowboys defense in his playoff debut. We’re talking about an MVP-level stretch.

    Love’s Road to Redemption

    Jordan Love can reach another stratosphere by improving his footwork, and the Packers’ new QB coach is on it.

    Love battled injuries and frustrating mistakes from his wide receivers last season, but he still failed to elevate his game to that same late-2023 stratosphere. Ironing out the inconsistencies with his footwork is the perfect remedy.

    The best part? Love is fully on board and admitted he must improve his footwork.

    “Consistency. I think it all starts with my feet with me, and just being consistent with my footwork,” Love told ESPN’s NFL Live in February.
    “At times, my feet get off and the accuracy goes. Just continuing to focus on those things when getting into the game. It’s easy to do throughout the week, but when you get into the game and your brain shuts off, just to be able to go back on all those coaching points I worked on throughout the offseason.”

    A Fresh Perspective

    Love also said he must use his legs to rush more frequently, an underrated skill in his arsenal that can punish defenses that get a little too man-heavy. It’s hard to imagine the injuries didn’t limit that area of his game last season.

    A Love-Mannion connection comes at a good time. They have both learned from Clements’ experienced leadership, but Mannion offers a slightly different perspective.

    He is a recently retired NFL quarterback and spent time playing in a Sean McVay-Matt LaFleur offense with the Los Angeles Rams. That will help him communicate more effectively with Love.

    Mannion received praise for his work as a backup quarterback and his ability to help the starter. He can bring that perspective into his coaching, and it’s hardly surprising that multiple teams were interested in hiring him.

    A Clear Focus for the Future

    His number one task is to help Love reach the next level. It begins with footwork, and if the third-year starter can ace that part of his game, look out.

    With Mannion’s experience and expertise, there’s hope that Love can become more consistent, more accurate, and more efficient in 2025. The Packers’ offense is counting on it.

  • Green Bay Packers Sign Former Miami WR Sam Brown Jr.

    Green Bay Packers Sign Former Miami WR Sam Brown Jr.

    The Green Bay Packers have signed wide receiver Sam Brown Jr. to add depth and experience to the receiving corps. Brown, an undrafted rookie free agent, has experience from West Virginia University, the University of Houston and the University of Miami.

    With a 6-2, 200 frame Brown can make an impact at the next level. He recently attended the Miami Dolphins’ rookie camp to showcase his skills and keep his NFL career alive.

    A Collegiate Journey of Growth

    Brown started his college career at West Virginia, where he became a reliable target. He then transferred to Houston and became a key part of the Cougars’ passing attack. In his first season with the Cougars, he had 41 receptions for 471 yards and 4 touchdowns.

    His best year was 2023 when he earned All-Big 12 honorable mention after having 62 receptions for 815 yards. He played with Packers’ first round pick Matthew Golden, so he may adjust quickly to life in Green Bay.

    After the 2023 season, Brown moved to Miami, where he continued to show his skills. In 2024, he played in 12 games, started 9 and had 36 receptions for 509 yards and 2 touchdowns. His best game was against Louisville, where he had 3 catches for 125 yards and a touchdown and was named ACC Receiver of the Week.

    Physical Projections and Potential

    Brown’s athleticism is impressive with a 40 time of 4.44 and a vertical jump of 41.5 which puts him among the top at his position. He has the speed and explosiveness to be successful in the NFL.

    He will wear No. 17 for the Packers, which was previously worn by Davante Adams, one of the best receivers in the league. He’s going to have to carve out his own identity in Green Bay.

    What This Means for the Packers

    With the Packers needing depth at wide receiver Brown’s signing makes sense. His versatility, size and experience can play right away if injuries or underperformance hits the current roster.

    He’s not a household name yet but his college production and physicals make him a guy to watch. If he keeps developing he’ll be a big piece of the Giants’ offense .

  • Will Jordan Love Rise to the Occasion as Packers Target the Playoffs?

    Will Jordan Love Rise to the Occasion as Packers Target the Playoffs?

    As the Green Bay Packers get ready for another NFL season, the team is at a crossroads. With one of the youngest rosters in the league, the Packers have made the playoffs the last two years. This year they want to keep that trend going with minimal losses in free agency and a top 10 roster.

    The NFC North is tougher than ever and with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings looking strong, the Packers need to be ready to step up if they want to make a deep run.

    Building a Competitive Roster

    Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has been building this team for 8 years and has made 80 draft picks. The Packers are 8th in the league in roster depth but face stiff competition in the division.

    The Lions and Vikings are not just good teams, they’re built to win now. The Lions went 15-2 last year with injuries and the Vikings went 14-3 and added Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to the defense.

    The Lions and Vikings: Foes to Fear

    The Detroit Lions even with injuries showed they can play at a high level. Their offense is a juggernaut and their defense will be better with Aidan Hutchinson back. They also added defensive pieces through the draft and free agency.

    The Minnesota Vikings with a 14-3 record present their own challenges. Although they have uncertainty at QB with J.J. McCarthy starting, their roster is otherwise solid. Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen added to the defense only makes them better.

    Jordan Love: The Key to Success

    For the Packers to go further, Jordan Love has to step up. The team has surrounded him with a good offensive line and talented wide receivers. Emerging stars like Tucker Kraft and Josh Jacobs who had a great debut season with the Packers help out.

    The addition of first round wide receiver Matthew Golden could put the offense in the top 10. But none of that matters if Love can’t take control of the field and lead the team.

    Defensive Strength and Potential

    Defensively the Packers made some smart moves to maintain their strength. Despite a spotty pass rush last year, the addition of Nate Hobbs and the growth of Edgerrin Cooper looks promising. Consistency from the defense will be key to the team’s overall success.

    But how will the defense hold up against the elite offenses in the NFC North?

    Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

    While the Packers are good, there are still questions, especially with special teams and quarterback evaluation. The team’s performance in those areas will decide their fate in the NFC North.

    With the Lions likely to win the division, the Packers need to fix those issues. As the season goes on the Packers will be watched closely. Jordan Love’s development and the team’s ability to adjust and grow will be the keys to playoff success.

    The road gets tough, but with a good roster and good leadership the Packers can make some noise. Whether Jordan Love can deliver when it matters most will be the question of the year.

    As the NFC North gets more competitive, the Packers will have to prove they can handle the heat and take the next step in the rebuild.

  • Did Jordan Love Regress in 2024? Packers Still Believe in His Potential

    Did Jordan Love Regress in 2024? Packers Still Believe in His Potential

    Two days after the Packers lost to the Eagles in the wild-card round of the playoffs, Matt LaFleur said the next step for Jordan Love was to “evolve as a vocal leader.”

    Four months later, LaFleur likes what he sees. And it doesn’t stop there.

    On Wednesday, after the first OTA practice of the spring, LaFleur was ready to challenge anyone who thought Love regressed last season in Year 2 as the starter.

    “I think there’s like a narrative out there for whatever reason that he wasn’t as productive as the year before,” LaFleur said. “Well, he missed significant time.”

    That time came early, when Love sprained his left MCL in the season opener and had a lasting impact. Even when he returned after missing two games, Love’s mobility was limited, which in turn limited his footwork and accuracy. Just when Love seemed mostly recovered from the knee injury, a groin injury took him out of the second half of the Week 8 game against the Jaguars.

    Still, the Packers went 11-6, two wins more than Love’s first season as the starter. During that 2023 run, he was praised for a hot streak to close the season, when he threw 18 touchdowns and one interception over the final eight games, and then blowed the doors off the Cowboys in the playoff opener only to lose in the final seconds of the next round to the 49ers.

    But there was the perception the Packers — and Love — took a step back last season after they failed to get out of the first round of the playoffs.

    “I mean, what is a step back is what I’d ask?” Love said. “You know what I mean? Everybody has different opinions, things like that. You gotta block that stuff out. It’s all about the goals of the team at the end of the day. I’d say we won more games than we did the year before. That’s why I ask people, ‘What is a step back?’”

    The Narrative of Regression: Fact or Fiction?

    He’s not buying it. LaFleur isn’t buying that Love regressed.

    He pointed to the injuries as the reason for Love’s performance last season. The missed time affected his rhythm, footwork, and timing with receivers.

    But the Packers still won, and Love showed improvement late in the season. His accuracy dipped slightly from 64.2% in 2023 to 63.1% in 2024 but that could be because of the number of dropped passes by the offense (the Packers had the highest drop rate in the NFL).

    In fact, Love’s off target percentage actually went down from 16.1% in 2023 to 14.4% in 2024 so he was more accurate despite the challenges.

    Focus on Leadership and Growth

    Instead of dwelling on the past, Love is looking ahead. A new position coach from former NFL quarterback Sean Mannion hasn’t changed the focus for Love’s offseason work.

    “Just trying to be as consistent as possible with accuracy, ball placement, things like that, the timing of my feet, timing up with the routes, trying to marry all that stuff up,” Love said when asked what he’s working on this offseason.

    And then there’s the leadership development.

    “He’s played a lot of ball and along with that has gained a lot of confidence,” LaFleur said. “I think he’s certainly comfortable in helping lead others and telling them what to do. He’s a coach on the field. He knows this offense as well as anybody in regards to the details and what we’re trying to get accomplished. And I think he articulates that well to the other players.”

    Calm Under Fire

    Love’s even keel has also been praised by teammates.

    Receiver Jayden Reed said he appreciates Love’s composure.

    “He’s probably one of those most calm quarterbacks I’ve ever been around, in my opinion,” Reed said. “He’s so poised in the huddle, whether we’re going through adversity or anything, he’s the same person. He’s always calm, he’s cool, collected. I think he does a great job, we’ve just got to help him, rally around him, and just be better for him.”

    And Love knows a phony or out of character approach can get exposed as fake in an NFL locker room.

    “I think at the end of the day, with leadership and speaking vocally to guys, you’ve got to be yourself,” Love said. “You never want to be forcing things or sound like a message isn’t coming from you, it’s coming from somebody else. It’s always trying to find that balance of being yourself.

    “But I think that the biggest thing is just having those hard conversations with guys when something needs to get done and it might not be getting done the right way.”

    Why the Packers Believe in Love?

    While Love faced his share of struggles in 2024, the coaching staff and teammates are confident in him. He is working on all that, and they’re not budging.

  • Jaire Alexander Future in Doubt as Packers Face Defensive Uncertainty

    Jaire Alexander Future in Doubt as Packers Face Defensive Uncertainty

    The Green Bay Packers are in a make or break offseason, and the future of star cornerback Jaire Alexander is hanging in the balance. As the team tries to find its defensive identity, Alexander’s contract situation is front and center for fans and analysts alike. Will he be a cornerstone of the defense, or is he gone? The answers to those questions will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.

    The Financial Puzzle Surrounding Alexander

    At the heart of this is a financial problem that is the NFL contract negotiation puzzle. With $17.5 million due to Alexander, this year the Packers have a tough decision to make. His recent injury history has raised questions about whether his current deal reflects his on field value.

    For the Packers, restructuring his contract into a more team friendly deal seems like an increasingly viable option—one that would benefit both sides.

    For Alexander, taking a new deal might mean he stays in Green Bay and has long term security. For the Packers, it would free up cap space and allow them to allocate resources to other areas of need. But the balance between talent, market demand, and fiscal responsibility makes this a high stakes game of chess.

    Absence from Offseason Activities: A Sign or a Strategy?

    Alexander’s no-show at voluntary workouts has everyone wondering about his commitment to the team. But this might not be as bad as it seems. Communication lines are open between Alexander and the Packers and daily talks are helping both sides understand the situation.

    This is a strategic patience from both sides as they navigate the negotiation process.

    Josh Jacobs: The Offense’s Bright Spot

    While the defense is in flux, running back Josh Jacobs is the offense’s beacon of hope. After a 15 TD, 1,329 yard season, Jacobs is not taking anything for granted.

    He’s working on the little things to turn near-misses into explosive plays and his offseason mantra of focusing on the “little things” that separate the good from the great is proof of his drive for greatness.

    The Bigger Picture for the Packers

    The Alexander contract situation and Jacobs’ improvement is the perfect microcosm of the Packers’ challenges and opportunities. As the team tries to shore up the defense and ride the offense, the outcomes of these individual stories will dictate the Packers’ path.

    With Jaire Alexander’s future in doubt, the Packers have to decide if they invest in a player who’s been a cornerstone of their defense or look elsewhere.

    A Turning Point for the Pack

    In the big chess game of NFL team building, the Packers are at a crossroads. How they handle Alexander’s contract and leverage Jacobs’ talent will tell us a lot about their priorities and vision .

    In the uncertainty and strategy, one thing is clear: the Packers are committed to growth and every move is calculated to get an edge.

  • Jadeveon Clowney Fires Back at Packers in the Loudest Way Possible

    Jadeveon Clowney Fires Back at Packers in the Loudest Way Possible

    When Jadeveon Clowney speaks, people listen—and his recent comments after being released by the Carolina Panthers have sent shockwaves through the NFL. The Green Bay Packers, in particular, should be paying close attention. Clowney didn’t mince words when addressing his future, and his message was loud and clear: he’s ready to prove himself again, and the Packers could be the perfect team to give him that chance.

    Clowney’s Bold Statement to the NFL

    After being released by the Panthers, Clowney told The Athletic he’s not done dominating on the field. He said:

    “I’m definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that,” Clowney said. “I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that.”

    Clowney wasn’t kidding. Despite the circumstances around him in Carolina, he had a great season. According to Pro Football Focus, his 44 pressures was second only to one Packers pass-rusher (Rashan Gary, 47)—and he did it in three fewer games. His 5.5 sacks would’ve been second on the Packers’ roster, as would his 11 quarterback hits.

    In 2023 alone, Clowney had 9.5 sacks—more than any Packers defender last season. He’s proven himself, and he’s determined to prove doubters wrong.

    Why the Packers Need Clowney

    The Packers’ pass rush has been a mess, and Clowney could be the solution. They added Barryn Sorrell in the fourth round of the draft, but relying solely on new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington to fix things is a risk. Lukas Van Ness, their first-round pick from 2023, hasn’t lived up to expectations yet, and the pressure is mounting to fix this problem.

    Clowney isn’t just another veteran—he’s a proven Pro Bowl pass-rusher who can lift the whole defense. Pairing him with Rashan Gary would be a nightmare for opposing offenses. Clowney’s experience and leadership would take some of the pressure off Van Ness to develop without having to carry the weight of high expectations.

    A Strategic Move Against Division Rivals

    Signing Clowney wouldn’t just add to the roster—it would keep him away from division rivals like the Detroit Lions who are reportedly one of the top contenders for his services. Imagine Clowney lining up against Green Bay twice a year instead of the other way around. That’s a scenario the Packers must avoid at all costs.

    With a rotation of Gary, Clowney, Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Sorrell the Packers front seven would be a much deeper and more versatile unit. That’s what could make or break their championship hopes next year.

    What’s Next for Clowney and the Packers?

    Clowney has thrown down the gauntlet and now it’s up to the Packers to respond. Signing him wouldn’t just fill an immediate need—it would send a message to the rest of the league that Green Bay means business in 2024.

    “He sent a message and the Packers better listen” one insider said.

    If the Packers want to avoid last year’s struggles they need to sign Clowney.

  • Packers Highly Unusual NFL Free Agency Continues

    Packers Highly Unusual NFL Free Agency Continues

    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.

  • Derrick Harmon, Jahdae Barron Gain Momentum as Packers’ Draft Favorites

    Derrick Harmon, Jahdae Barron Gain Momentum as Packers’ Draft Favorites

    The Green Bay Packers are making some noise in the NFL Draft conversation after the Scouting Combine, and Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron are at the top of the list. Top draft analysts are linking the Packers to these two studs, and it’s easy to see why. Both fit huge needs for Green Bay and after the combine, it’s only more obvious.

    Why Derrick Harmon Could Be a Game-Changer for the Packers

    Derrick Harmon 6-4 ½ 313 ran a 4.95 40 at the combine. That’s rare for a man of his size. His athleticism was on full display and it matches his on field production. Last season Harmon led all FBS defensive tackles with 34 pressures and had a 10.7% pressure rate 2nd among all defensive tackles.

    What the Analysts Are Saying?

    Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Harmon going to the Packers at 23 overall and said:

    “Harmon (6-4 ½ 313) was one of two defensive tackles over 305 pounds to run under 5.00 seconds in the 40. His athleticism off the ball was reflected in his FBS best 55 pressures last season.”

    Jordan Reid of ESPN agreed:

    “Given the draft capital the Packers have used on the defensive line, the returns haven’t been as good as they hoped. Let’s get Green Bay a difference maker. Harmon is the type of interior presence needed in Green Bay alongside Kenny Clark.”

    Why the Packers Need Harmon?

    TJ Slaton is a free agent, Kenny Clark had a down year and Devonte Wyatt is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Packers defensive line needs help. Harmon’s size, speed and disruption would be an instant upgrade for Jeff Hafley’s defense.

    Jahdae Barron: Secondary Swiss Army Knife

    Jahdae Barron is gaining a lot of steam with the Packers. The Texas Corner ran a 4.39 40 yards at the combine! He’s a little small but he’s Versatile and that fits Green Bay’s secondary perfectly. He played perimeter corner, nickel back and even some safety snaps in Texas.

    What the Analysts Are Saying

    Lance Zierlein from NFL.com sent Barron to the Packers in his post combine mock draft and wrote:

    “If Barron is still available at 23, Brian Gutekunst might run this card up to the podium. Barron’s playmaking and versatility would be a huge addition to the secondary.”

    Luke Easterling from Athlon Sports also likes Barron:

    “Jaire Alexander is on his way out and Barron’s versatility and playmaking would be a great replacement for Green Bay.”

    Why the Packers Need Barron

    Jaire Alexander is likely to be gone this offseason and the Packers need a new anchor in the secondary. Barron can play outside and inside, that gives Green Bay flexibility and his big play ability will fill the void left by Alexander.