Green Bay Packers Football: Team Roster, Schedule & More

Tag: Packers Offseason Moves

  • Will Jaire Alexander Stay with the Packers? Contract Restructure Could Be Key

    Will Jaire Alexander Stay with the Packers? Contract Restructure Could Be Key

    The Green Bay Packers and cornerback Jaire Alexander may not be done with each other. That was the impression earlier this offseason, when reports suggested a clean break between the two sides. But ESPN’s Rob Demovsky has revealed that a reunion is back on the table. There’s one condition: the Packers and Alexander need to agree on a contract restructure.

    The Financial Hurdle: Is a Deal Possible Without a Restructure?

    A deal without that restructure? “No way,” says Demovsky. Alexander’s 2025 contract includes $17.5 million in cash. The Packers aren’t likely to swallow that without some adjustments. At the start of the offseason, both sides seemed ready to move on. The Packers were frustrated with Alexander’s inconsistent availability, and Alexander was open to a fresh start if he took a pay cut.

    But the 2025 NFL Draft changed everything. The Packers waited until the seventh round to address their cornerback needs. Cornerbacks, it turns out, are heavily overdrafted in the second round. That realization has made Alexander look like one of the best options available for the Packers’ secondary. That’s rekindled talks between the team and Alexander’s camp.

    Why the Packers Need Alexander?

    The Packers didn’t go after top cornerbacks in free agency or the draft, so they’re thin at the position. 12 cornerbacks were taken in the first 100 picks of the draft and other cornerback-needy teams filled gaps via trades (Jalen Ramsey) or free agency signings. Alexander could be stability at outside corner if the financials work.

    As Demovsky pointed out, the lack of alternatives has forced the Packers to rethink their stance. Meanwhile Alexander might find his best opportunity in the league is to stay put depending on how much flexibility the Packers give him in restructuring his deal.

    Lessons from Preston Smith’s Restructure

    Contract restructures aren’t new for the Packers. Last year they messed with defensive end Preston Smith’s contract, lowering his base salary and adding performance based incentives for sacks. Smith didn’t meet those numbers and was traded midseason but the framework shows the team is willing to get creative with player contracts.

    Could they do the same with Alexander? A restructure could be reduced base pay but added incentives for performance metrics like pass breakups, interceptions or defensive snaps played. That could work for both sides, keep Alexander in green and gold without breaking the bank.

    What’s Changed Since April?

    Just 8 days ago, Demovsky said there was “no way” Alexander would be back with the Packers in 2025. Around the same time the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein reported the Packers were shopping Alexander and would move on as early as February. Clearly things have changed in the last two weeks.

    After the draft, Demovsky said, “The two sides were kind of looking at each other like ‘what now?’” With no upgrades coming in, the Packers are open to bringing Alexander back in, at the right price.

    Where Does Alexander Stand Right Now?

    Alexander participated in the Packers’ virtual OTAs during draft week but was not in the photos taken during the first day of voluntary in-person workouts on Monday. This absence raises questions about his commitment to coming back, or if negotiations are still ongoing behind the scenes.

    Alexander is due $700,000 in workout bonuses in 2025, if he attends these voluntary sessions. But with things still fluid, his presence (or lack thereof) may depend on the progress of contract talks.

  • The Packers’ Next Big Move? Targeting Steelers WR George Pickens

    The Packers’ Next Big Move? Targeting Steelers WR George Pickens

    The Green Bay Packers are “serious” about getting Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Pickens is in the final year of his rookie deal and the Steelers just locked up DK Metcalf with a $132 million extension. Will they pay market value to keep Pickens around?

    Packers Show Serious Interest in Steelers’ George Pickens

    Pickens was drafted by the Steelers in 2021 and has 2,841 receiving yards in three NFL seasons. He’s big, fast, and a big play threat. The Packers need a target for Jordan Love, and Pickens is an interesting option. But the Steelers might not want to get rid of him unless they can’t afford to keep him long term.

    After signing DK Metcalf to a $132 million extension, questions remain if they will pay top dollar for Pickens, too. If they can’t match the market for both receivers, moving Pickens might be the move, and the Packers are ready to pounce.

    A Missed Opportunity in 2021?

    This isn’t the first time the Packers have shown interest in Pickens. In 2021 they brought him in for a pre-draft visit but chose to trade up for Christian Watson instead. Watson has shown flashes of brilliance but injuries (most recently an ACL tear) have limited his availability and impact.

    For Packers fans, it feels like a missed opportunity now. And to add insult to injury Watson’s health issues have left the team searching for reliable options at wide receiver. Could getting Pickens finally give the offense the stability and firepower it needs?

    What Would It Take to Get Pickens?

    Schultz’s reporting says the Packers are serious about getting Pickens, but a draft week trade isn’t a slam dunk. Timing is everything, especially with physicals and finalizing terms. And any deal would likely require the Packers to give up draft capital—a big price to pay for a player who hasn’t signed a long term deal yet.

    If the Packers do get Pickens, he’d likely sign an extension with his new team. According to Spotrac, Pickens’ projected deal would be 4 years, $94.3 million. That’s a big investment in a player who’s a cornerstone for the future.

    Is Schultz Reliable? A Word of Caution

    Before Packers fans get too hyped, let’s not forget that Schultz’s track record isn’t perfect. He previously predicted Odell Beckham Jr. would come to Green Bay multiple times—a move that never happened. He also way overestimated the number of players at the NFL Draft, saying 8-10 would show up when 18 did.

    While Schultz’s report on Pickens is interesting, skepticism is warranted until we see some actual progress. But the mere possibility of this trade has the NFL world buzzing.

    Why This Trade Makes Sense for Both Teams?

    For the Packers, getting Pickens addresses a huge need at wide receiver and gives Jordan Love a real target to grow with. For the Steelers, moving Pickens frees up resources to focus on other areas of need if they’ve already committed big money to Metcalf.

    But trading during draft week is no easy task. Teams have to navigate the timing, negotiate fair compensation, and get all the medicals done. It’s unlikely—but not impossible—that a deal gets done before the draft ends.

  • Packers’ Future Hinges on Wide Receiver Upgrade —What’s Next?

    Packers’ Future Hinges on Wide Receiver Upgrade —What’s Next?

    It’s no secret the Green Bay Packers have been in need of wide receivers for years. This offseason is no different and if anything the situation is even more dire. While you can debate whether the Packers need a top tier wideout on the roster, the need to bolster the receiving corps goes far beyond just adding star power.

    The State of the Wide Receiver Room

    Right now the Packers have 10 wide receivers under contract. But here’s the catch: 8 of them are on deals that expire within the next 2 years. Only Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks are signed through 2026 and not a single wide receiver is signed beyond 2027. Let’s break it down:

    Unrestricted Free Agents in 2025

    Three players—Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Mecole Hardman —are set to hit free agency after the 2024 season.

    • Doubs is projected to get around $11.9 million per year which isn’t crazy but he’s not exactly a game changer either. He’ll get an even bigger deal on the open market.
    • Watson one of the starters is currently injured and won’t be back until midseason. His absence makes things even more complicated.
    • Hardman signed a one year deal and hasn’t made an impact yet.

    Restricted Free Agents

    Two players—Malik Heath and Bo Melton —are restricted free agents. To keep their rights the Packers would need to tender them, the cheapest option is around $3.45 million. If they want compensation if another team signs them they’d have to pay a lot more (up to $7.89 million for a first round tender). If the Packers don’t tender them they’ll be unrestricted free agents.

    Exclusive-Rights Free Agents

    The three late season additions—Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson, and Tulu Griffin —are all exclusive rights free agents if they make the roster. They’re cheap to keep but their roles are far from guaranteed.

    How Did It Get This Bad?

    The Packers had a good group of complementary receivers during the latter years of Aaron Rodgers’ tenure because Davante Adams was the clear alpha. But once Adams was gone, the cracks started to show. General manager Brian Gutekunst didn’t do enough to restock the position and the team was left scrambling.

    In Matt LaFleur’s first three years as head coach, the Packers drafted one wide receiver Amari Rodgers in the third round of the 2021 draft—and he was cut two years later. The trade of Adams and the departures of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard in free agency between 2022 and 2023 forced the Packers’ hand.

    Gutekunst finally addressed the issue by drafting three wideouts in 2022 (Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure) and 2023 (Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Grant DuBose). While this influx of young talent provides depth it also creates a clock: all these players are on rookie deals that will be up in the next two offseasons.

    A Realistic Solution to the Problem

    They can’t let this cycle happen again. If Gutekunst keeps drafting multiple wide receivers in a row without a long term plan the same problem will happen again in 4 years. Here’s how they can build sustainable depth at the position:

    Draft Early and Often

    Wide receiver is one of those positions where teams should be investing consistently. Like OL, DL and CBs wide receivers need regular infusions of talent. For the Packers this means targeting a Day 2 pick this year.

    Re-Sign Key Players Strategically

    Next offseason they can re-sign Watson or Doubs to reasonable extensions and keep Reed and Wicks around for at least one more year. By 2026, they can draft another receiver to replace Wicks and extend Reed before his deal expires.

    Volume Over Perfection

    Not every draft pick will work out—that’s just the NFL. But by drafting wide receivers consistently the Packers will always have a pipeline of cheap talent. Even if they miss on one or two picks the volume will help offset those losses.

    Why This Matters Now

    The Packers wide receiver room is bare and the lack of long term contracts is uncertainty. Without a plan they’ll be entering another offseason with huge holes at the position. By drafting receivers regularly and managing contracts strategically the Packers can avoid the same mistakes.

  • Will the Packers Draft a WR in Round 1? NFL Mock Draft Predictions

    Will the Packers Draft a WR in Round 1? NFL Mock Draft Predictions

    For over 20 years the Green Bay Packers have not drafted a wide receiver in the first round. The last time they did was in 2002 when they took Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick. But trends may be changing as mock drafts are connecting the Packers to top wideouts with the 23rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Let’s get into the latest buzz and takeaways on the Packers first round decision.

    The Packers’ Historical Draft Trend

    The Packers have historically avoided taking wide receivers early in the draft. Instead they’ve focused on other areas of the roster—defense and offensive line. This has been true in recent years but the trend may finally be changing. With Jordan Love in the starting lineup, the receiving corps is now a priority.

    Mock drafts are now suggesting the Packers may break their 20 year trend and take a wide receiver in the first round. Here’s what the experts are saying who might be on the board at 23.

    Wide Receiver Options for the Packers

    Matthew Golden (Texas)

    According to Chad Reuter of NFL.com, the Packers could look to Matthew Golden to be a long-term answer at wide receiver. Golden’s speed and ability to win contested catches makes him a downfield threat. His performance at the NFL Combine and second half of the 2024 season has raised his stock big time.

    Why He Fits: Golden could be a stable presence in a Packers wide receiver room without a true #1.

    Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)

    Josh Liskiewitz of Pro Football Focus likes Emeka Egbuka as a high-floor guy who can play immediately. Despite three years of draft hype surrounding Egbuka, he’s a consistent producer and reliable. There’s draft fatigue on him, but he’s an attractive option.

    Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports says: “Egbuka isn’t going to blow you away with speed or size, but he’s just a good player. The Packers have taken guys based on traits at WR and it hasn’t worked out. This time they take the guy who can play the position.”

    Defensive Options at 23

    While wide receivers are rising in mock drafts, defensive players are still in play for the Packers. Here are some of the top defensive prospects connected to Green Bay:

    Derrick Harmon (Oregon)

    Multiple analysts, including Ben Standig of The Athletic and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY, have the Packers taking Derrick Harmon on the defensive line. His interior pop and pass-rushing ability would play well with Green Bay’s recent first-round linemen.

    Why He Fits: Harmon brings immediate defensive disruption and flexibility to handle current defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt.

    Mock Draft Takeaways

    1. End the WR Drought: The Packers have never taken a wide receiver in the first round. Mock drafts are starting to say they will this year. Matthew Golden and Emeka Egbuka would be long term solutions to the receiving problems.
    2. Defensive Depth Still Matters: Even with all the WR talk, defensive prospects like Derrick Harmon, Shavon Revel Jr., and Donovan Ezeiruaku are still in play for the 23rd pick.
    3. Trade Scenarios: With running backs like Omarion Hampton and quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart popping up in this range, the Packers could trade their pick to a team that needs one of those.

    Top Picks in Mock Drafts

    • Cam Ward (QB, Miami): Number 1 overall in all mocks.
    • Abdul Carter (Edge, Penn State): Number 2 in most mocks.
    • Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): 2-3 in 9 of 10 mocks.
    • Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado): Top 5 in every mock.
    • Mykel Williams (Edge, Georgia): 9-29 in range, could go to Packers at 23.

    2025 NFL Draft Trends

    • Top picks set in stone? Miami QB Cam Ward went number 1 in all mocks.
    • Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) back in top 3 after strong finish.
    • Georgia’s Jalon Walker (EDGE) is a wild card—top 5 or slide.