At his season-ending press conference, Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst talked about the need to ramp up the team’s sense of urgency in the pursuit of a championship. The comment got a lot of attention, with many assuming he meant the front office would be more aggressive in free agency or the draft.
That wasn’t the message he intended. Gutekunst later clarified that he was referring to the mindset inside the building — specifically, how the team approaches its day-to-day work rather than significant roster moves.
The Packers made some notable moves in free agency, signing cornerback Nate Hobbs, guard Aaron Banks, and wide receiver Mecole Hardman — moves that some would consider aggressive by the team’s standards. However, much of the emphasis remains on the players who were already inside the building. They need to raise their urgency and continue developing. Highlighting the importance of development, Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber named a former Packers first-round pick as one of seven players who must make a Year 2 jump.
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jordan Morgan runs a drill during practice.
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jordan Morgan runs a drill during practice.
© Tork Mason/USA Today NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK
"A first-round pick has to be a starter. Maybe not as a rookie, though that would be nice, but certainly by his second season," Huber wrote about Packers offensive lineman Jordan Morgan.
"Morgan was not a starter as a rookie, a season derailed by a chronic shoulder injury that eventually ended in surgery," he added. "Morgan will contend for the starting job at left tackle and right guard. That’ll be tough duty. Going from tackle to guard is difficult. Going from the left side to the right side is even more difficult."
Jordan Morgan took some first-team reps at left tackle during OTAs. While Green Bay’s initial plan was for him to compete for the left tackle job this offseason, the most likely scenario for Morgan to start in 2025 is at right guard. However, his path to a starting role in the interior will not be easy either. Sean Rhyan enters the final year of his rookie deal this season and will be eager to prove himself on the field, hoping to earn a second contract with the team.
"Would the Packers like Morgan to start? Of course," Huber said. "However, if Walker and Rhyan remain in the starting lineup, the Packers would be rewarded with solid compensatory picks should they leave in free agency after the season."
Morgan played 186 snaps last season, with 185 of them coming at right guard. He has enough versatility for the Packers to move him around if needed, giving the coaching staff flexibility up front. However, if the 2025 season ends up being Rasheed Walker’s last in Green Bay, Morgan could head into the 2026 offseason as the leading candidate to take over as the team’s blindside protector.