Brian Gutekunst
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Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is reportedly not he hot seat
The Green Bay Packers are set to begin 2026 NFL free agency with a huge opportunity. After being a clear-cut Super Bowl contender last season before injuries took a hold of the season, they aren’t far off from bringing the Lombardi Trophy back home to Lambeau Field.
Brian Gutekunst and the Packers’ front office have clear needs to address this offseason. Perhaps the biggest of those needs comes in the defensive secondary.
It was clear last season that the cornerback room needed help. Keisean Nixon played decently, but he’s nowhere close to being a No. 1 cornerback. The same could be said for both Carrington Valentine and Nate Hobbs.
Heading into free agency, Green Bay must find a way to upgrade the cornerback position. There are a few different directions the Packers could choose to go to find that upgrade.
With that being said, Green Bay has been connected to two potential free agency options at the position.
Green Bay Packers Linked to Two Potential Cornerback Free Agents
Freddie Boston of Lombardi Ave took a look at five potential free agents the Packers could actually sign this offseason. When it came to cornerbacks, he suggested both Roger McCreary and Jamel Dean.
Here’s what he had to say about McCreary being a potential fit for Green Bay.
“Green Bay gets another opportunity in free agency. McCreary offers inside/outside versatility, which the Packers love,” Boston wrote. “He proved his ability as a boundary corner during the Rams’ playoff run, allowing a passer rating of just 73.7, per Pro Football Reference. On top of that, the 2022 second-round draft choice is a strong run defender.”
As for Dean, he thinks that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ cornerback could be a strong fit with the Packers.
“Dean’s PFF coverage grade ranked 10th among all cornerbacks last season. The Packers need to make a move at the position, and signing Tampa Bay’s 2019 third-round pick won’t break the bank,” he wrote. “It’s exactly the kind of win-now move the Packers need to consider.”
What Would Each Free Agent Cornerback Bring to the Packers?
McCreary is coming off of a 2025 season split between the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans that saw him play in 14 games. He recorded 37 tackles, one sack, one interception, and two defended passes.
Throughout his entire four-year NFL career, he has played in 61 games and totaled 257 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, three interceptions, and 17 defended passes.
Spotrac has suggested a market value of $6.2 million per season for McCreary.
Dean, on the other hand, played in 14 games last season with the Buccaneers. He recorded 46 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and nine defended passes.
His market value is projected at $12.5 million per season.
Expect to see the Packers be very active this offseason. Gutekunst and the front office may not make a ton of moves, but they will certainly be looking to improve to make a more serious run at a championship next season.