Javon Hargrave had his best season as an Eagle under DC Jon Gannon. (Photo: USA TODAY Sports)
By Mark Eckel
Unless there is a late addition, which is always possible, or a surprise subtraction, which is doubtful, the Packers will have 11 new players on their 53-man roster for the 2026 season.
That number could increase if the team keeps alive its streak of having at least one undrafted rookie on the team. For now, however, it appears the team will add its six rookie draft picks and its five free agent signings to the final 53-man roster.
Here's a look at those 11 players with a guess at the kind of impact each one will have.
****Skyy Moore, WR/KR, Free Agent — Moore averaged 27.5 yards on 33 kickoff returns and 11.6 yards on 25 punt returns for the San Francisco 49ers last season. That's about two-and-a-half yards more per kickoff than the five different kickoff returners for the Packers averaged and more than double the 5.6 yards the four punt returners averaged. Moore may go down as one of the best decisions of this offseason.
****Trey Smack, K, 6th-round pick — The release of veteran Brandon McManus last week means the kicking job is Smack's to lose. Lucas Havrisik, he of the team-record 61-yarder, is still around. The Packers didn't trade up to take Smack to have him lose the job to Havrisik.
****Javon Hargrave, DL, Free Agent — Hargrave gives the Packers an inside pass rusher, something they lacked in 2025 after Devonte Wyatt went on Injured Reserve. Hargrave also had his most productive season with Jon Gannon as his coordinator back in Philadelphia. He and a healthy Wyatt could make a big difference up front.
****Brandon Cisse, CB, 2nd-round pick — The Packers first selection in last month's draft out of South Carolina may need a little time. It's seems like only a matter of time, however, before he replaces Keisean Nixon or Carrington Valentine as a starting cornerback.
Benjamin St.-Juste, CB, Free Agent — A third-round pick of Washington in 2022, St.-Juste had his best season in 2025 for the Chargers under head coach Jim Harbaugh and DC Jesse Minter. As a key backup, he allowed just 23-for-43 (53 percent) completions. And his QB rating against was an impressive 68.3. He also made 37 tackles and didn't miss any. If Cisse doesn't take one of the starting spots, he might.
****Zaire Franklin, LB, Free Agent — The veteran former Colt's impact might be felt as much off the field as it is on it. Franklin will bring a much-needed attitude to Gannon's unit. He's likely to come out on passing downs, but he'll be very important vs. the run.
****Tyrod Taylor, QB, Free Agent — The newest Packer will also be the oldest. In his 16th year, Taylor was signed to a one-year deal to be Jordan Love's backup. You always hope QB2 never has to play, but undoubtedly he will be needed. His veteran presence is a huge plus.
****Dani Dennis-Sutton, 4th-round pick — Expected to go higher than he did in the draft, the former Penn State pass rusher could be a factor for the team by the middle of the season. He has bodies ahead of him, for sure, but you never have enough guys who can get to the QB.
****Chris McClellan, DL, 3rd-round pick — Inside DLs take time to develop. The Packers would love to see McClellan make an early impact and battle for a starting spot. But like DDS, his presence might not be felt until after the bye week.
****Jager Burton, OL, 5th-round pick — Burton's first task is to beat out Jacob Monk to be the backup center to starter Sean Rhyan. If he can do that, he'll one of the eight OL to dress every week.
****Domani Jackson, CB, 6th-round pick — The late pick from Alabama could provide immediate help on special teams if he's active on game days. In time he could develop into one of the secondary's key pieces especially in sub packages.