The Green Bay Packers are facing difficult choices as the 2026 offseason approaches. With their current salary cap situation, the team may have to let several players test free agency. Complicating matters, a significant portion of their payroll will go to a key player who might not be ready to start the 2026 season. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst fielded repeated questions about the Micah Parsons trade during Tuesday’s NFL Scouting Combine.
“During a lengthy session Tuesday at the NFL combine with writers who cover the Packers, Gutekunst said he is “absolutely” glad he made the trade. During separate sessions with Wisconsin television stations and then later at the podium in the media center, Gutekunst said he had “no regrets” and “none” about the move,” ESPN’s Rob Demovsky wrote.
Micah Parsons with the Packers
Dec 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Packers brought Micah Parsons over from the Dallas Cowboys right before the regular season kicked off. He also secured a four-year, $188 million contract extension, locking him in as a key part of Green Bay’s lineup for the foreseeable future.
Parsons tore his ACL in December, bringing his season to an early end. His status for Week 1 of the 2026 season remains uncertain as he continues his recovery.
Dec 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) walks off the field with help from medical personnel following an injury during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The biggest question now centers on Parsons’ recovery timeline. In January, he expressed confidence that he could return by Week 1, though he acknowledged that Week 3 might be a more practical target. Gutekunst, however, hinted that the Packers could take a more cautious approach, prioritizing Parsons’ long term health over rushing him back to the field.
Parsons’ rehab is expected to draw significant attention in Green Bay when training camp opens this summer, with his progress likely becoming one of the team’s central storylines.