The Packers have several players about to hit the open market when the new league year begins next month, giving them limited time to make overtures to bring any of them back in 2026 and beyond.
Green Bay has managed to do last minute deals in the past with the likes of Aaron Jones, but they will be better off letting this year’s crop of pending free agents test the market and possibly find pastures new.
Romeo Doubs has been an important part of Matt LaFleur’s offense during his time in Green Bay and arguably had his best year in 2025.
He is not in the upper echelon of receivers in the league though, and the Packers have Matthew Golden waiting to take on a bigger role in 2026.
Based on how Golden played in his more limited opportunities as a rookie, he deserves that chance to expand his role. It is time to let someone else read the rewards of a player like Doubs and pay him accordingly.
Rasheed Walker has been a passable if unremarkable left tackle, and not only did he not improve in 2025 to warrant an extension, he probably had the worst season of his career in a contract year.
Considering former 1st round pick Jordan Morgan is waiting in the wings, and the fact that Walker will likely command a contract that exceeds his ability, this seems like an easy decision.
Sean Rhyan filled in admirably at center after starting the season at guard. He moved around a fair bit during his time in Green Bay but could never fully nail down a starting position without injuries creating an opening.
He has been a valuable, versatile piece for the Packers, is still young and could be fairly cheap to retain. However, the stats showed he was actually one of the worst centers in the league in pass protection after moving there.
There is a chance he comes back, but it may be best to move on at this stage and look to upgrade.
Kingsley Enagbare is a bit overrated by the fan base. The former 5th rounder has made some nice plays over the years, specifically in the run game, where he has been an asset, but he is a below average pass rusher and has become less effective the more snaps he has played.
Since he probably wouldn’t cost all that much to keep, there is a world where Enagbare stays. In that case though he may serve as a progress stopper for the likes of Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, who need more playing time to show what they can do.
Van Ness needs to be a starter next year. His performance in 2025 warrants it, as he was much more impactful down to down and his overall numbers would have looked a lot better if he didn’t miss time with injuries. Removing Enagbare from the equation would make his path easier.
Quay Walker is a three-down linebacker who is solid in all aspects, if not spectacular in any regard.
He is a good run defender and rarely misses tackles. There is a baseline of value in that, and overall he probably gets a bit of a rough time from the fans, partially because of his draft pedigree.
For what the Packers would have to pay him though, there are other linebackers who could be available who would likely cost more, but would be more worthy of the investment.
There is just no way Malik Willis will be a Packer next year. He will cost too much and should have interest from teams who can offer him a chance to at least compete to start.
John Fitzpatrick was a good blocking tight end for Green Bay, and could have had a good argument to be brought back on a cheap deal, but his torn Achilles scuppered any of those ideas.
It does not make sense to sign him back, at least he is healthy, which could be very late next season based on the timing of his injury.
With the number of players the Packers are about to set free, expect a healthy complement of compensatory draft picks for 2027.