All quiet in Wisconsin.
“We need to continue to ramp up our sense of urgency. These opportunities do not come very often. It is time we start competing for Super Bowls.”
Those were the words of Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst following an early playoff exit against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The Packers have a young, talented, and inconsistent roster – one that has shown flashes of greatness but still lacks the elite, game-changing talent needed to take the next step.
Gutekunst’s words, then, came as a breath of fresh air. For the first time in years, Green Bay had significant cap space to work with. The idea of potential trades and aggressive free-agent signings sparked excitement among fans.
The reality, however, has been far less thrilling.
A quiet free agency – so far
The Packers have made just two additions, guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs. Both are solid investments that address areas of need, but neither solves the roster’s most pressing issues.
Banks is a physical left guard whose arrival likely signals Elgton Jenkins’ permanent move to center, replacing the outgoing Josh Myers.
It is a smart adjustment but an expensive one – $77 million over four years. Still, protecting Jordan Love should be a priority, and strengthening the offensive line remains critical.
Hobbs, meanwhile, is a talented slot corner with experience playing on the boundary. His versatility undoubtedly made him an attractive option for Green Bay.
With the additions of Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, and Javon Bullard last year, the Packers’ secondary has quietly become a strength.
Missed Opportunities
While these moves improve the roster, they do not address the biggest needs, wide receiver and pass rusher.
The Packers’ wide receiver room is young, promising, and inconsistent. Adding a proven veteran could have provided immediate stability. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s pass rush, though capable, lacks the dominant presence that could elevate the defense into one of the league’s best.
This approach is nothing new. The Packers have always prioritised future-proofing over short-term splashes – the reason they have remained competitive for over 30 years.
The organisation repeatedly expresses confidence in its young players, and if they are to take the next step, those players must now prove they are ready.
Free Agent Losses
AJ Dillon (Philadelphia Eagles): Never lived up to the hype but remained a fan favourite. The Eagles will hope to help him rediscover his form.
Corey Ballentine (Indianapolis Colts): A perennial special teamer whose snap count dropped significantly in 2024.
Josh Myers (New York Jets): A four-year starting center. His one-year, $3.5 million deal suggests a lukewarm market, but at that price, keeping him might have made sense.
T.J. Slaton (Cincinnati Bengals): A solid run defender with limited pass-rush ability but surprisingly nimble for his size. The 2025 draft class is deep on the defensive line, and Green Bay is likely betting on a younger, cheaper replacement.
Eric Stokes (Las Vegas Raiders): Injuries and inconsistent play saw his role diminish throughout 2024. A disappointing outcome for a former first-round pick.
Eric Wilson (Minnesota Vikings): A special teams leader and a reliable depth linebacker. His departure is a bit of a surprise.
Current Re-Signs
Zayne Anderson: A core special teams safety who stepped up when given defensive snaps and performed well.
Isaiah McDuffie: Provides valuable depth behind Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper.
Brandon McManus: A dependable kicker who ended Green Bay’s kicking woes with a strong 2024 season.
What Comes Next?
I did not expect Green Bay to take an aggressive approach like the New England Patriots. Good teams are rarely the busiest in free agency. But this time, the Packers could have done more.
There is still time for Green Bay to make a move. Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is reportedly available, though the asking price is high.
Whether the Packers will break from their usual approach remains to be seen.
For now, the message is clear – if Green Bay is to become a true Super Bowl contender, the answers must come from within.
