The Green Bay Packers kicked off their off-season roster tinkering by restructuring the contract of All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney. This particular move is estimated to save Green Bay nearly $9 million is salary cap space. However, there is more to do.
Indeed, the 2025 NFL season did not end the way anyone expected or would have liked. When Micah Parsons went do with a torn ACL, the Packers lost five consecutive games, including their Wild Card matchup against the Chicago Bears in the NFL Playoffs.
As the team looks ahead to the 2026 season, they are going to be hopeful for better health, but also must address some clear needs on the roster.
The Green Bay Packers must figure out center and cornerback
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Elgton Jenkins (74) walks off the field with an injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
One of the most obvious needs on offense is at the center position. Elgton Jenkins is likely going to be a salary cap casualty, and Sean Rhyan is entering free agency. With no clear answer on the roster, Bleacher Report named this Green Bay’s missing piece on offense:
“A center who can bring a shifting offensive line together. Elgton Jenkins did not work at the pivot. Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan are both free agents. This is an offensive line in transition. Just like the Lions, they should be taking a close look at prospects like Sam Hecht or Brian Parker II or lining up an offer for Tyler Linderbaum.”
Stranger things have happened, but the idea of Green Bay trying to pursue Tyler Linderbaum in free agency is a far-fetched one. He is widely believed to become the highest paid center in NFL history on his next contract, and the Packers simply are not going to be the team that pays him.
Defensively, it should not be a surprise that Bleacher Report lists cornerback as the team’s missing piece:
“This is undoubtedly CB1. The Jaire Alexander era is officially over. Without a first-round pick, they might have to look at landing Jaylen Watson or Greg Newsome in free agency.”
Newsome has been a name linked to Green Bay before, and they could realistically afford him. However, he has not played at a CB1 level much himself over the last couple of seasons. More than likely, the Packers will address this position mostly in the upcoming draft.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at@theotherRobin19 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!