The NFL offseason is nearly over. The Green Bay Packers will begin training camp on July 23 to prepare for a successful season that hopefully ends in a Lombardi Trophy.
But before we look too far ahead, now is the perfect time to look back at the moves Green Bay made during the offseason. Seth Walder of ESPN graded every team’s offseason, naming their biggest move, a move he liked, and a move he disliked.
Here are Walder’s grade and picks for the Packers:
Clearly, Walder wasn’t a big fan of some of the Packers’ moves over the past few months, notably the deal they gave to their new offensive lineman.
The Packers signed Banks to a four-year deal averaging $19.25 million per year, with $27 million fully guaranteed, making him the sixth highest paid guard in terms of average salary per year.
A 2021 second-round pick by the 49ers, Banks settled into a starting role by his second season. According to Pro Football Focus, he has allowed just three sacks in 1,683 career pass-blocking snaps and received a career-high 68.9 run-blocking grade in 2024.
Still, it’s a hefty price tag for a player who has been solid but not necessarily dominant.
“The issue I have is that we don’t have evidence that Banks is anywhere near that caliber of player,” Walder wrote. “Banks is coming off his best season according to win rates, but he ranked only 38th out of 64 guards in pass block win rate (92%) and 46th in run block win rate (69%).”
The Banks signing came out of left field, as many thought Green Bay would be in the market for a premier pass rusher. Instead, they did the typical Packers move by addressing the offensive line. They could have paid less for a lower-caliber player, but after injuries to the offensive line derailed them in the playoffs against the Eagles, this team isn’t willing to cut corners when it comes to the trenches, and now they have their starting left guard for the foreseeable future.
Walder also thought the deal handed to slot corner Nate Hobbs was a little steep at $12 million per year. The former Raider is coming off a solid year, allowing just 0.9 yards per coverage snap, per NFL Next Gen Stats, though those numbers were above average in 2022 (1.5) and 2023 (1.3).
The move looks better following the decision to cut Jaire Alexander, as Hobbs gives the team some flexibility with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as the potential starters on the outside.
To balance things out, like many of us, Walder liked the selection of Matthew Golden in the first round, adding speed and playmaking to an offense in need of reinforcements at wide receiver.
“Golden gives the team No. 1 WR upside it could use and helps make up for Christian Watson — who tore his ACL in the regular-season finale — possibly not being available for much of this season,” wrote Walder. “Green Bay already had a group of solid receivers in Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks (I’m still a believer) and Watson, though entering the offseason running back Josh Jacobs said he believed the team needed a ‘guy that’s proven to be a No. 1 already.’ Golden is not that, but first-round receivers offer that kind of potential.”
Time will tell if Golden ends up turning into a difference maker. He has already caught the attention of his quarterback, head coach, and fellow receivers this offseason, which is a good sign that he could make a real impact as a rookie.
Taking everything into account, a C+ is a fair grade. The Packers paid more than expected for two free agents who have been steady but unspectacular at this point in their careers. The decision not to use that cap space on a pass rusher could come back to bite them if their four-man rush struggles like it did a year ago.
However, keep in mind: Walder gave the Packers a B- grade for their offseason work ahead of the 2024 season, and that grade looks a bit unkind given the impact created by Gutekunst’s work in free agency and the draft a year ago.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers receive C+ grade from ESPN for 2025 offseason
Reporting by Brandon Carwile, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
