Free agency is right around the corner, and the Green Bay Packers will once again enter the offseason walking the familiar tightrope between aggression and patience.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has historically approached free agency with a specific blueprint. Green Bay rarely dives headfirst into the expensive first wave. Instead, the front office tends to target younger second-contract players who still have room to grow and fit the team’s physical prototypes.
That philosophy has worked in the past. But after a season where depth issues in the secondary and along the interior of the roster became clear, the Packers may need a few strategic additions before the 2026 campaign begins.
With that in mind, here are three realistic free agents Green Bay could pursue.
Cam Taylor-Britt Could Strengthen the Green Bay Secondary
One area where the Packers could look for help is cornerback, and Cam Taylor-Britt stands out as a name to monitor. The former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback is entering free agency at just 26 years old, making him the exact type of player Green Bay has historically targeted. He brings starting experience, physical play in coverage, and the kind of upside teams often bet on when players change environments.
Taylor-Britt’s 2025 season was shortened after suffering a Lisfranc injury, limiting him to just eight games. During that stretch, he recorded 21 tackles and five pass breakups, but the injury and inconsistent play created some uncertainty around his value heading into free agency.
Still, the larger sample size paints a more intriguing picture. Across 47 career games, Taylor-Britt has produced 203 total tackles, seven interceptions, 38 passes defended, and two defensive touchdowns. If Green Bay believes a change of scenery and a healthy offseason could unlock his potential, he could be a relatively affordable addition to a secondary that could use more depth and competition.
Leo Chenal Could Bring Versatility to the Packers
Another possibility is linebacker Leo Chenal. The former Kansas City Chiefs defender has quietly built a reputation as a versatile and physical linebacker despite never becoming a full-time starter. Chenal has consistently graded well against the run, posting strong run-defense metrics throughout his career while maintaining a relatively low missed tackle rate.
Over four seasons in Kansas City, Chenal recorded run-defense grades of 72, 90.6, 90.1, and 76.2. Those numbers highlight a player who thrives attacking downhill and disrupting plays near the line of scrimmage.
The biggest question is usage. Chenal has never surpassed 527 snaps in a season, often working as a rotational defender and situational specialist. However, his ability to line up outside the tackle and operate in multiple roles could appeal to defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
There is also a potential hometown angle. Chenal played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, meaning a move to Green Bay would bring the former Badger back to familiar territory. If the Packers decide to reshape their linebacker room this offseason, Chenal could be a smart and affordable addition.
Connor McGovern Could Solve the Packers Center Question
Perhaps the most practical free agent target for Green Bay is offensive lineman Connor McGovern. The current Buffalo Bills center has quietly become one of the more reliable interior linemen in football since transitioning to the position full-time. After beginning his career primarily at guard, McGovern shifted to center in 2024 and immediately stabilized Buffalo’s offensive line.
During the 2025 season, McGovern played over 1,000 snaps and started every game he appeared in. His pass protection stood out in particular, earning a 73.4 pass-blocking grade and allowing zero sacks throughout the season.
McGovern also brings versatility, with starting experience at both guard and center. That flexibility could help Green Bay navigate potential changes along the offensive line when roster turnover occurs. Just as importantly, McGovern has proven durable over the course of his career, missing very little time since entering the league.
Green Bay Packers’ Usual Free Agency Approach
Green Bay likely won’t dominate headlines when free agency opens. That simply isn’t how Gutekunst has historically built the roster. But that doesn’t mean the Packers will stand still. If Green Bay can land even one or two contributors from that tier of free agents, it could quietly strengthen the roster heading into the 2026 season.