Title: The Green Bay Packers' Key Priorities for 2025
The Green Bay Packers barely put up a fight in their wild card game versus Philadelphia, losing 22-10. This disappointing finish caps off a season where they went 0-6 against NFC heavyweights Detroit, Philadelphia, and Minnesota. Despite their strong finish with an 11-7 record, they fell short of the expectations many had for them.
With a decent amount of salary cap space, approximately $51 million, and the 24th pick in the upcoming draft, the Packers have the resources to revamp their roster. Let's dive into their areas of need heading into the offseason.
1. Wide Receiver
In an offensive-driven league, finding a star wide receiver should be Green Bay's top priority.The wideout position is a need that's never going out of style for the Packers. And they're in luck as this offseason's free agent class is shaping up to have a strong pool of talent.
Cincinnati's Tee Higgins is a name to watch, as he's reportedly unsure about re-signing with the Bengals. Higgins would likely command a big-money deal, but it's arithmetically possible that the Packers could afford it. Adding Higgins to the team will allow Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs to move into more natural roles as the No. 2 and 3 wideouts.
Other potential options include Tampa Bay's Chris Godwin, Buffalo's Amari Cooper, Houston's Stefon Diggs, and Kansas City's Marquise Brown. Green Bay should set their sights on Higgins first, but the talented group of receivers will give them plenty of compelling choices to consider.
2. Cornerback
Several injuries have left the Packers' cornerback corps in disarray. Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine aren't reliable options for the No.1 spot, and veteran Eric Stokes is likely to be released. The Packers must address this position urgently to improve their defensive backfield.
Green Bay could start by exploring the option of letting Jaire Alexander walk. He's set to make $18.2 million in 2023 and would save the Packers $6.8 million in cap space. Then GM Brian Gutekunst can turn his focus on signing one of the top free agent cornerbacks.
D.J. Reed of the New York Jets, San Francisco’s Charvarius Ward, and Tampa Bay's Carlton Davis are all attractive options. Alternatively, they could use their first-round pick on a talented cornerback such as Jahdae Barron from Texas or Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame. The Packers must make strengthening this position group a priority before the start of the 2023 campaign.
3. Defensive End
With a dominant edge rusher, teams struggle to plan their offensive strategies around the Packers' defense. While the Packers have talented defensive ends like Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, and Lukas Van Ness, they lack a true standout player at the position.
Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers is a top-tier defensive end who would give the Packers a much-needed boost. Although the 34-year-old Mack has hinted at retirement, the Packers could attempt to bring him back to Green Bay, where he nearly signed in 2018. Alternative options for the Packers include Philadelphia's Josh Sweat, Haason Reddick of the New York Jets, and Malcolm Koonce of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The draft is also deep in defensive end talent, with as many as eight projected to be selected in the first round. Choosing the right defensive end will significantly boost the Green Bay defense.
4. Offensive Line
Green Bay's offensive line had some impressive moments in 2023, despite being hindered by injury. However, the falloff from their starters to the reserves was evident in the Packers' wild card game loss to Philadelphia.
Resigning center Josh Myers should be a priority, as he played through a torn pectoral minor during the end of the season. A healthy Myers, along with the return of the 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan, will provide the Packers with a solid foundation.
While the Packers' first unit is one of the best in football, they must prioritize depth. Drafting a quality reserve or signing a veteran free agent could help the Packers avoid relying on lesser-talented options when injuries strike.
5. Linebacker
The Packers' linebacker corps is also in need of an upgrade. Rookie Edgerrin Cooper is the only promising young talent on the roster at this position. Quay Walker is unlikely to return, and Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson will be free agents in March, leaving the Packers with little depth.
After re-signing either McDuffie or Wilson, Green Bay should focus on improving their linebacker corps through the draft. Drafting a talented linebacker can help bolster the Packers' defense, giving the team the type of versatile, instinctive players they'll need to take the next step.
- If the Green Bay Packers manage to acquire Cincinnati's Tee Higgins, it could open up opportunities for Jaire Alexander, as Higgins' potential signing might command a significant salary, allowing Alexander to explore new opportunities elsewhere.
- Jayden Reed and Jordan Love could potentially benefit from the addition of a star wide receiver, as their roles within the team might change and provide them with more opportunities to shine.
- Matt Lafleur and the Green Bay Packers could consider targeting Jayden Reed in free agency, as the team needs to strengthen its cornerback position, and Reed's versatility and athleticism could prove valuable in their secondary.
