Change is coming. The NFL’s new league year and free agency begin next week, and the Green Bay Packers’ plans for their 2026 roster will start to reveal themselves.
Ahead of the inevitable releases, signings and possibly even trades or pay cuts, let’s examine where Green Bay’s roster stands as of right now, specifically on offense, analyze where reinforcements may be needed and in what form.
Quarterback
The Packers will lose Malik Willis next week (and pick up a healthy compensatory 2027 draft pick in return), so a new backup will need to emerge behind Love. But with a veteran who has started 18 games in the NFL in Ridder, and a 23-year-old who was a draft pick by the Eagles only last year, Green Bay is not in a state of emergency.
They could realistically stand pat until the draft and potentially add another quarterback to the mix at that stage, but the Packers may also look to strike if there is an opportunity for another reclamation project, like Willis two years ago, either in free agency or via trade.
Running back
If Lloyd stays healthy (and that’s a pretty big ‘if’), then in theory Green Bay has a nice one-two punch with different skillsets, as the former third-round pick could add a more explosive element to the backfield alongside the more bruising style of Jacobs.
It was reported Wednesday that Brooks is returning on a two-year, $4.85 million deal, which is a smart move to secure a viable backup in case it simply never happens for Lloyd.
There may also be upside with Martinez, who was drafted by the Seahawks last year and is still only 22. A draft pick could still make sense as more short-term insurance for Lloyd’s injury woes and as a potential long-term successor to Jacobs.
Wide receiver
Romeo Doubs is on the way out of Green Bay barring a late deal, but the Packers do not need an urgent addition to replace him.
Watson appeared to establish himself as the top dog last season, Golden looked ready to take over Doubs’ role (although Wicks will also have something to say about that), and Jayden Reed will be back in the slot.
Williams should be able to ingratiate himself more into the offense after a rookie year marred by injuries, and WR/CB Melton should be back, as he is an exclusive rights free agent.
No intervention via free agency is needed, but a draft pick would be welcome to keep the cupboard stocked, as currently only Golden and Williams are under contract for 2027.
Tight end
Kraft is Green Bay’s do-it-all tight end and looked like a star before his season-ending knee injury. Expect him to get a well-earned contract extension.
Musgrave has his uses but is not an every down player due to lack of blocking prowess, and the other players listed above are unproven to say the least.
Whether Kraft is ready to start the season or not, his injury and the increase in two and three tight end sets around the league mean the Packers could use someone who brings a presence as a blocker but is also at least a viable receiver.
There will be options in free agency, such as Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar, Chris Manhertz, Mo-Alie Cox or Tyler Higbee, but they may wait until the draft rather than using up cap space. Musgrave is a free agent in 2027, so they might need another draft pick at the position anyway.
Offensive line
The most questionable position group on offense by far is the offensive line. Jenkins is on the roster for now, but he won’t be, and that would make Monk the starting center at present, as they’re also set to lose Sean Rhyan to free agency. Morgan should take over from Rasheed Walker at left tackle.
The big question here is whether the Packers sign a center in free agency – including potentially Rhyan – or just wait until the draft like they did in 2021, when they plugged Josh Myers straight in to snap the ball to Aaron Rodgers.
If Green Bay does add a veteran center, expect it to be someone who can also play guard, so they still have flexibility to let training camp figure out the “best five” reveal itself in training camp.
The bench is full of unknowns, including two draft picks whom it’s easy to forget existed in Glover and Williams. Jennings should be back as an exclusive rights free agent. Adding more tackle/guard depth in the draft would be wise.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers pre-free agency roster evaluation Part 1: Offense
Reporting by Mark Oldacres, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
