The Green Bay Packers got in on the action of a busy first day of free agency, agreeing to deals with two players-offensive lineman Aaron Banks and defensive back Nate Hobbs. But as free agency continued, the Packers seemed content with the pair and stood pat on day two.
The team still has other needs to fill, but now we can take a look at what their plans may be going forward into free agency and the draft.
Remaining Free Agents
A couple reunions are possible among the players still available.
- DE Za'Darius Smith
- CB Rasul Douglas
Both players are at positions of need for the Packers but would act more as depth or spot starters. Smith had his breakout season for Green Bay in 2019 but has since jumped around multiple teams, including two stops with rivals.
Similarly, Douglas had his best season as a pro for the Packers in 2023 before the team traded him to Buffalo.
The team has since changed defensive coordinators, making both players questionable fits under Jeff Hafley, but could still serve as reasonable stopgaps.
Other notable players still available that may be of interest to the team include:
- WR Stefon Diggs
- WR Amari Cooper
- OT Jedrick Wills Jr
- OG Kevin Zeitler
- DT Dalvin Tomlinson
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon
How aggressive Green Bay will be going forward will depend on how old they're willing to get. Several of these players, like Diggs, Cooper, and Zeitler, have plenty of years under their belts and won't be long-term options.
The younger options, like Witherspoon and Wills, come with question marks and won't be certain options.
However, I think all of these players would have something to add to the Packers in 2025. Diggs and Cooper remain the best chance the team has at finding a first-option value receiver. Cooper struggled last season and Diggs will be coming off an ACL injury, so it's no sure bet, but other have been in that lead role before.
Dalvin Tomlinson would be a fantastic add at this point of the off-season. He signed a big deal with Cleveland but because a cap casualty as they look to retool. After losing TJ Slaton to Cincinnati, the team could use a big-bodied presence in the middle of the defense who excels against the run.
Jaire Alexander Update
Many expect cornerback Jaire Alexander to be on the chopping block either via trade or release. As the off-season continues, Alexander is still on the roster with no imminent move in sight.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst hasn't provided much insight yet.
At this point, cornerback Jaire Alexander remains a member of the Packers.
While X was down, a source said Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is "not moving him yet."
It remains to be seen what happens if they don't trade him and whether that would lead to his outright release.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 10, 2025
The Nate Hobbs deal suggests that cornerback is an area of need, but this situation may last late into the off-season as the team tries to find a proper replacement.
Alexander hasn't been reliable lately but remains a top option when healthy at a position the team is still thin at. Perhaps a reworked deal is possible or Gutekunst is waiting for a market to materialize for a trade. We may need to sit tight on this one.
Draft Prep
If the leadership for the Packers is moving on from any larger moves in free agency, that only leaves the draft left to prepare for. Still about a month and a half left, there's plenty of work to be done scouting prospects and lining up trades with their full allotments of draft picks.
The team reportedly did not make a formal offer for wide receiver DK Metcalf, suggesting they didn't want to pay either the second-round price tag to acquire him, or the $33 million a year deal to keep him. There are plenty of moves left to be made but the Packers have not typically overpaid for talent, so whether they're gearing to make a big play, or build through the draft, we'll have to wait and see.
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This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 10:19 PM.
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