The Green Bay Packers have addressed several areas of their roster during the early stages of free agency, but questions remain as the offseason continues. One analyst has identified edge rusher depth as a key area still in need of attention.
Green Bay’s defensive front features established contributors, like Micah Parsons, yet the overall depth at the position remains a concern. The lack of experienced rotational options could become a challenge over the course of a long and physically demanding season.
Green Bay Packers, Micah Parsons, Skip Bayless
Jan 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons walks to his seat during the first quarter of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The importance of edge rushers in today’s league cannot be overstated, as consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks often defines defensive success. Without sufficient depth, maintaining that level of disruption becomes more difficult, particularly against high-powered offenses.
The Packers’ defensive structure places a strong emphasis on versatility and the ability to generate pressure from multiple alignments. Strengthening the edge rotation would provide greater flexibility and help sustain performance across different game situations.
NFL Expert Bill Barnwell Says Green Bay Packers Must Address Edge Rusher Depth
Green Bay Packers, Javon Hargrave
Jul 25, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave answers questions at a press conference following Day 3 of training camp at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
The team’s depth at edge rusher has been named as its primary weakness. This is detailed more in an analysis by Bill Barnwell for ESPN.
Gary and Kingsley Enagbare have departed, and the Packers have to expect that there will be early-season concerns about Parsons, who tore his left ACL in mid-December. Lukas Van Ness will be ticketed for a larger role, but he might have been more successful rushing from the interior in 2025 than he was on the edge. The Packers could reduce Van Ness inside when they had Gary and Parsons outside, but as they approach 2026, they won’t have Gary and might not have Parsons to open the year. And after the Parsons trade, the Packers also won’t have a first-round pick in each of the next two drafts, limiting general manager Brian Gutekunst’s ability to add cost-controlled talent on the edge.
While the team has made progress in other areas, the need for additional reinforcement at edge rusher highlights the ongoing nature of roster building. Addressing the position through the draft or late offseason moves could help balance the defensive unit.
As preparations for the new season continue, the Packers remain in position to refine their roster. Improving depth along the edge could prove to be a critical step in enhancing the defense and supporting the team’s overall competitiveness.
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