The NFL offseason is nearly over with training camps set to open in about one month. The draft and free agency are both behind us. While Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is always looking for ways to upgrade the team’s roster, the roster now will be very close to the roster we see when the team opens training camp. The Packers have made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons but as the seventh seed each year. So, the question becomes, are the Packers better now than they were in 2025? We will examine this position group by position group.
Quarterback:
Jordan Love returns for his fourth season as the team’s starter. If he can stay healthy, he can continue to improve his game in 2026.
The backup situation has changed since the departure of Malik Willis in free agency. Tyrod Taylor gives the Packers a solid backup, but he’s a step down from Willis for sure. As a result, the overall talent level goes down slightly.
Running Back:
Josh Jacobs returns as the starter and hopefully he can stay healthy this season. His arrest earlier this offseason casts a shadow over his potential availability this offseason pending the NFL’s independent investigation (even if no criminal charges are brought).
The Packers lost Emanuel Wilson but hope to have a healthy MarShawn Lloyd available in 2026. Chris Brooks returns as the third running back and the team’s best blocker at the position.
If Lloyd stays healthy and Jacobs remains on the field, this group can be better. If either of those two things do not happen, however, there could be a big drop off here.
Wide Receiver:
The Packers traded Dontayvion Wicks and allowed Romeo Doubs to depart in free agency. They added Skyy Moore, but his primary job will be returning kicks. Bo Melton also moves back to wide receiver after practicing with the cornerbacks last year.
The improvement of returning players and good health are the keys to this position. Christian Watson and Jayden Reed missed significant time last season. Matthew Golden and Savion Williams must take a step forward in their second NFL seasons. There is less depth here so if injuries strike, the Packers could be in trouble.
Tight End:
A healthy Tucker Kraft makes all the difference here. He played only half of last season and was one of the best tight ends in the league before his season-ending knee injury. Kraft expects to be ready to go for Week 1 which will have a big impact on the offense.
There is solid depth here with Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle playing the role of receiving tight ends and the newly signed Luke Lachey to play the role of blocking tight end.
If Kraft returns to health, this group should be better in 2026.
Offensive Line:
Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins are no longer Packers. The Pack is counting on Jordan Morgan to take over at left tackle, Sean Rhyan at center and Anthony Belton to be the full-time right guard. Zach Tom needs to return and stay healthy as he remains the team’s best offensive lineman. Aaron Banks needs to show more in 2026 after a disappointing and injury plagued 2025.
After Darian Kinnard, there isn’t much proven depth here. Jager Burton looked good at OTAs and minicamp, but the interior offensive line depth is a big question.
This group is thinner and it’s not clear whether this unit is better or worse than last year.
Defensive Line:
The Packers traded away Colby Wooden and added Javon Hargrave as a free agent. In the third round, they selected Chris McClellan.
A healthy Devonte Wyatt will make an impact for sure. On paper, the Packers have three defensive tackles with the ability to get after the quarterback.
This group is a bit more talented and there is plenty of depth. The big question is how will this unit handle the change to a three-man base defense under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon?
Edge Rusher:
Without Micah Parsons, things fell apart late last season. Parsons hopes to be back in mid-October but will miss at least the first four games of the season. Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare departed but the Packers drafted Dani Dennis-Sutton.
The two keys to improvement here are a healthy Parsons and the ability of Lukas Van Ness to step up and be a quality starter. At least for the first half of the season, this group will likely take a step back.
Linebackers:
Quay Walker left via free agency while the team traded for Zaire Franklin. Franklin should add more leadership and experience but has a bit less speed. The key for this group to be better is having Edgerrin Cooper take a step forward in his third season in the NFL. If he does, this group could be better than it was a year ago.
Cornerbacks:
Nate Hobbs left after one disappointing season in Green Bay and the Packers added Benjamin St-Juste as a free agent. Then they drafted Brandon Cisse and Domani Jackson. Neither will likely make a huge impact as rookies, especially early in the new season.
This group lacks a number one cover corner, but Keisean Nixon, Javon Bullard (slot) and Carrington Valentine return. The potential is there for some improvement if the rookies step up and St-Juste is an upgrade over Hobbs.
Safety:
This may be the best group on the roster with Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams giving the team an elite duo of starters. Bullard can play here as well if injuries hit. Kitan Oladapo adds depth. If Williams takes a step forward in year three, this group can be better than it was a year ago.
Special Teams:
The Packers are set at punter with Daniel Whelan, one of the best in the game. Brandon McManus was let go after the Packers drafted Trey Smack, but Smack struggled through OTAs and minicamp. Moore should be an upgrade as a returner over last year.
Cam Achord takes over for Rich Bisaccia as special teams coordinator. Packers fans figure coverage teams and kick and punt protection can’t get worse under the new leadership. Unfortunately, we’ve been saying that for a decade or more under multiple special teams coordinators. Hopefully, this is the year things change for the better.