State of the Packers Cap
2026 Available Space: $1.4M over the cap (players under contract: 51+)
2027 Available Space: $84M under the cap (players under contract: 29)
2028 Available Space: $157M under the cap (players under contract: 14)
Rating the 2026 NFL Draft by position
1 = Poor 2 = Below Average 3 = Average 4 = Above Average 5 = Good 6 = Very Good 7 = Excellent
Position Rating
QB 1 out of 7
RB 2 out of 7
WR 6 out of 7
TE - 3 out of 7
OT - 3 out of 7
IOL - 6 out of 7
DL - 5 out of 7
Edge - 4 out of 7
LB - 7 out of 7
CB - 5 out of 7
S - 6 out of 7
Top Needs
Need #1 - Outside cornerback
From reports Gannon plays a lot over cover 4. He also mixes in cover 6/7/8. Cover 7 is a unique defense as it originated in college and we are seeing more of it in the NFL. It is a defense coverage unlike all other coverages. There are many calls and cornerbacks are asked to play man, partial man with hand-offs, and zone. So the cornerbacks in this defense need to be versatile. Hafley ran a vision based defense that lived in cover 3 (and cover 6/8). Cornerbacks were asked to play a lot of deep zone coverages. In a sense it took a lot of pressure off the cornerbacks. Outside of Keision Nixon I have no confidence in any of the Packer's cornerbacks. This room needs a serious influx of talent on the outside. I do feel like Carrington Valentine is a better man than zone cornerback. Even in man I put him as a reserve type cornerback who I would not like to see on the field. What I believe this team will go after are cornerbacks who can play both man and zone adequately (in lieu of one trick pony who excels in one coverage over the other).
Need #2 - 3-4 Nose Tackle
If this team wants to play more odd fronts they have a big hole at NT. Currently they do not have this player on the roster. One guy that can play this role is Nazir Stackhouse. Note Stackhouse is a very limited athlete (with no length) who in my opinion should be on the practice squad. Jonathan Ford is an option, who in week 18 against the Vikings played very well. In Hafley's defense the front is asked to be penetrators/disruptors. I have no idea how good Ford is at stacking/shedding or taking on doubles (the primary skill set of this position in odd front). As the Packers stand they need to add at least one 3-4 NT. Expect them to target a big body who has the ability to eat double teams. This player has to be a 2 gap player who has an elite ability to stack and shed. So awareness, strength, length, and size are a must for this player.
Need #3 - Interior Offensive Lineman
Right now the Packers only have 3 offensive lineman that can play. I am taking a big leap and stating our OT's are good. Zac Tom is amazing and I am projecting Jordan Morgan is going to be a really good LT. His balance and movement skills are top notch. The one concern I have with Morgan is when he goes up against players that have both length and power. Morgan's lack of length shows up against this type of player and I have some doubt if he can handle it. If he fails….this is why. Aaron Banks I put as solid as he got better as the year went on. I am not sold on Anthony Belton. He is ok in the running game but is a mess in pass pro. As of right now the Packers do not have a center. I do not believe Jacob Monk is the type of player the Packers want at this position. Over the past two seasons they have made a concerted effort to get bigger with their offensive line to run more gap/power style runs. Expect the Packers to target more of a mauling type player here.
Ancillary Needs
Need #4 - OT depth
Need #5 - Off-ball linebacker (if Quay not resigned). If going to an odd front they need a guy that can run.
Need #6 - Back-up QB.
Need #7 - In-line tight end who can block….and run just a little bit.
Need #8 - Running back with speed.
Priorities
Priority #1
Tucker Kraft (UFA after 2026 season) - 25 years old
The more I watch Tucker Kraft the more I believe he will be an All-Pro. As a blocker he is top notch. Packers ask him to do everything…has ability to combo block defensive ends with OT; also has ability to block backside end vs odd and even fronts. He has good hands, good speed, and is probably the best yards after catch TE in the league. Every team in the NFL is coveting a player with his skillset. The one knock I give him is he has a little build up speed. Shows up at the top of his stem in man where he can struggle to get separation. The Packers could get a discount due to the ACL tear. This deal has to get done this offseason. I think it would be a colossal mistake not to.
Priority #2
Christian Watson (UFA after 2026 season) - 27 years old
If it were not for his injury history, this would be my number #1 priority. There is no player on the Packers offense that has a bigger impact than Christian Watson. He is a true #1 receiver who can run a ton of routes and get serious separation. His biggest asset is his speed. His best route is the comeback route. I feel like he could run it on every play as defensive backs are concerned with his speed. In off-ball coverage he eats DB's cushion very fast. He is really good against on-ball/press coverages; teams rarely do this against him as he is good against it (and they then have to roll coverages his way). His hands are improving. He will never be a natural hands catcher or ball tracker. But I feel like he has improved enough to be dubbed as a top 10 WR in the league. My one big concern is his injury history. This contract will never be cheaper than now. I am dying to see Watson/Kraft/Golden trio on the field at the same time. I dub all three as difference makers who pose big time problems for defenses.
Priority #3
Devonte Wyatt (UFA after 2026 season) - 28 years old
Wyatt is a penetrating 3 technique who can hold up against the run. Also for a 3 technique he is adequate against doubles. He has the ability to stack and shed as that is what was asked of him during his first 2 seasons under Joe Barry. On their current roster there is a massive drop-off in their interior defensive line talent after Wyatt. It was no surprise the Packer's defense was never the same once he was injuried. He is a just a versatile defender who I believe can do anything asked. If the Packers feel like he can rebound from his ankle injury, this is another player that they need to prioritize.
2025 Unrestricted Free Agents
Quay Walker (UFA) - 26 years old
Walker is a turned into a really good player, just not a great one. He massively improved in the run game and his ability to get off/avoid blocks and press the line of scrimmage. I always like him in pass coverage due to speed and agility. The guy can flat out run sideline to sideline. I see him carry slot receivers on seam routes. He can get lost when players get behind him in zone; but Packers put a little more stress on linebackers to cover larger areas in their umbrella coverages.
My verdict: Resign
I am torn here. I like Walker but I feel like Edgerrin Cooper is going to explode. I am hesitant to pay two off-ball linebackers premium money. But in the limited sample size I have absolutely no faith in Ty'Ron Hopper. Note the 2026 NFL draft is completely loaded from top to bottom at this position. The Packers do have an option of going cheap here and getting one via the draft.
Packer's verdict: Resign
I feel like the Packers will prioritize Walker. He is a really good fit in Gannon's defense, even if he runs more odd front looks. I do feel like he will get paid. However, his asking price may come down due to how good the 2026 draft class is at this position.
Sean Rhyan (UFA) - 25 years old
The Packers coaching staff must hate Sean Rhyan. To me he has been one of their best offensive lineman over the past couple seasons. The Packers have done everything in their power to replace him. His best position is at guard, but I thought he was good enough at center in a pinch. He has really good power in the run game and has enough movement skills in pass pro and the zone run scheme. This is the exact player they now covet on the offensive line.
My verdict: Resign
Sources state his contract would be under 8M a year. I would do this and put him at OC.
Packers verdict: Do not resign.
Every step of the way they have tried to replace him. Now they do not have to worry about it and do not resign him.
Romeo Doubs (UFA) - 26 years old
My one issue with Romeo Doubs is his athleticism. He has size but does not possess long speed or any semblance of explosion. When going up against a good cornerback in man, there is no separation; against great ones, the ball just cannot be thrown his way. He is good route runner with enough nuance to attack some of the cornerbacks in the league. He excels in zone coverage where he has a really good feel for it. He is a natural ball catcher and his best attribute may be ball tracking. Nothing special after the catch due of limited athleticism.
My verdict: Do not resign
Average to good receivers get overpaid. With the depth at receiver on this team I would not resign. Reports are that he will get paid about 12M a year. I would put resources elsewhere.
Packers verdict: Do not resign.
Cap space is too limited and they have better players and bigger needs.
Rasheed Walker (UFA) - 26 years old
He is an enigma. This goes back to the draft. A LT with length and good feet makes it to the 7th round. Why? Teams fall over themselves to draft this type of player multiple rounds too high. To me it comes down to recognition. I think he has the ability to be an average LT in this league. I just do not trust this player. Also, I am not a huge fan of his play strength as he is below average in the run game. At his best, he can lock down the best of defenders. At his worst, he is losing to a chipped defense end with no talent.
My verdict: Do not resign
I do not trust this player. He is a border-line starting LT in the league that I would not pay. I am projecting this, but I fully believe that Morgan will be an upgrade
Packers Verdict: Do not resign
Packers do not have resources to sign this player. Must go cheaper with Morgan. Let some other desperate team pay him 80M.
Malik Willis (UFA) - 27 years old
Prior to the Ravens game this year I liked Malik Willis. After watching his game against the Ravens, my "like" turned into a little something more. Prior to the Ravens game there was a lot of 1 to 2 read concepts. It was predicated off a really good run game and the Packers utilized his speed on QB draws and read-option plays. Against the Ravens they gave him the full play book and it blew me away. His first throw was a dime to Romeo Doubs (against cover 3) on his 3rd read down the left sideline. The rest of the game Ravens were playing umbrella coverages trying to stop his arm. Then you mix in his legs and he looked like the fastest player on the field. The sample size is small, but I have no idea how high is ceiling is.
My verdict: Hesitantly do not resign
If I was a team in need of a quarterback I would 100% take a gamble on him. I fully expect this contract to be bigger than what is being reported. The FA class is poor. The draft is poor. There are a ton of teams that need an upgrade at QB. If I were a GM, I would throw a big number at him with lower guaranteed money.
Packers verdict: Do not resign.
He will find many suitors. Contract will be too rich
Kingsley Enagbare - 26 years old
Enagbare is a solid player with length and quickness. He cannot run and is just overall a limited athlete. But Enagbare does make plays. Generally these plays come off his first step quickness. Also a refined pass rusher who is really good at coordinating his feet and hands together. In 2024 I was really hard on Enagbare as he had limited impact. 2024 was just a bunch of hand-fighting at the line of scrimmage with little impact. In 2025 he got some of his quickness back and looks like a solid rotational player.
My verdict: Resign
This guy is absolutely tailor-made to be an 3-4 edge. I do worry about him dropping into coverage as he cannot run. But he can set a soft edge with his length. This is a premium position. I could see him excelling by playing more 9-tech with his combination of speed, length, and bend.
Packers verdict: Resign
I feel like 3-4 teams will prioritize him. If Packers want to run more of an odd front, I would prioritize him.
John FitzPartick (UFA) - 26 years old
I just really struggle watching him run. Provides nothing in pass game beside arrow, quick outs, and hitch routes. He can block a little, but not really an asset. This is a reserve piece at best.
My verdict: Resign
Must be on a basement level deal. This is depth piece only.
Packers verdict: Resign
What To Do With These Guys?
Elgton Jenkins - 30 years old
(2026 Salary: $24.3M; 2027: UFA) (Dead Cap Hit If Cut: $4.8M)
Jenkins is set to make 24M in 2026. If they cut him they save 20M on the 2026 salary cap. I had some issues with watching him at center this year. I thought prior to the season this was going to be a seamless transition, and it just was not. Every game guys were shooting through the A gap unblocked. A looked that killed them was when Walker/Banks/Jenkins were in ½ man slide protection while the RG and RT were man on man. Either the 2i or MIKE would get a free rush up the A gap with this look. Unsure if RG was suppose to sink or HB missed his scan. But after Jenkins got hurt, this stopped happening.
My verdict: Cut
Whether play him at OC or OG, his contract does not warrant retaining. He is set to make 24.3M in 2026. The next highest paid center is Creed Humphrey at 18.1M. Packers can get out of this for 4.8M. I cannot see a scenario where he is retained.
Packers Verdict: Cut
Rashan Gary - 28 years old
(2026 Salary: $28.0M; 2027 Salary: $31.0M; 2028: UFA) (Dead Cap Hit If Cut: $17.0M)
If Gary is cut the dead cap number would be a hefty 17M (essentially saving 11M in 2026 and 31M in 2027). Gary is still physically gifted. He has size, bend, strength, and length. In 2024 he was probably the best run stopping end in football. The second half of 2025 was terrible. My biggest concern right now with Gary is his explosion/get-off. He just does not win fast enough to make an impact (especially with teams using more of the quick-game passing). When I watch him I do not classify him as losing each rep, but he does not win them either.
My verdict: Approach with restructure
If Gary does not take the restructure I would cut him. There are other priorities that this team has. Possibly find a trade partner as the Packers would have to pay guarantees if traded. This player does have value in the league. Just not $30M a year value.
Packers verdict: Approach with restructure
Nate Hobbs - 27 years old
(2026 Salary: $12.8M; 2027 Salary: $14.0M; 2028 salary: $14.7M; 2029: UFA) (Dead Cap Hit If Cut: $12M)
Hobbs was paid to be an outside cornerback with versatility. What I have seen so far is an overpaid slot cornerback. He was hurt from the start of the season, and that probably had an impact. But I would recommend getting out of this. They already have a 2nd round pick invested in the slot who can play in Javon Bullard. I do not see the need to overpay another slot. If they cut him now they will have about 11M in dead money and $800,000 in cap savings. Get out of this and remake the cornerback room this offseason.
My verdict: Cut
If this guy is only a slot cornerback, the Packers cannot pay him. If the Packers feel like he can play on the outside, they should keep him.
Packers Verdict: Keep
I do believe they will give Hobbs one more chance as they really do not save anything on the 2026 cap. Also, Nixon and Valentine are going into the final years of their contract. If they do not make the right choices this offseason, the cornerback room in 2027 could look worse.
5th Year Extension Candidate
Lucas Van Ness - 25 years old
Van Ness's 5th year option (2027 season) will be in the neighborhood of 15M. His one true calling card is his strength as it shows up on every play. OT's really struggle with it. Against the run he is really good at the point of attack and has speed to chase down back side plays. Right now his pass rush is a work in progress. Injuries derailed a good chunk of 2026. I do think this guy can really play. If he can develop a way to attack the outside should of an OT I think he could make a substantial jump (as his speed to power would then really show up). Right now OT's are betting he cannot win on the outside due to lack of bend and pass rush moves.
My Verdict: Pick it up
I think at worse he is a 6-8 sack a year player who is outstanding against the run. This guy is talented, I would just hate for him to pop with another team.
Packer's Verdict: Pick it up
Restricted/Exlusive Rights Free Agents
Zayne Anderson
My verdict: Do not retain. I like him, but he just cant stay healthy
Packers verdict: Do not retain
Emmanuel Wilson
My verdict: Retain. Needed depth. Limited power for size. Shows adequate vision.
Packers verdict: Retain
Bo Melton
My verdict: Do not retain, unless keeping six WR's
Packers verdict: Retain. Its obvious the Packers love this guy
Jonathon Ford
My verdict - Do not retain. My guess is Packers will be addressing this position via the draft and free agency to fit what Gannon wants.
Packers verdict: Do Not Retain
Brenton Cox
My verdict: Retain. I really like Cox. Has really good power for size.
Packers verdict: Retain
Aaron Mosby
My Verdict: Do not retain
Packers verdict: Do not retain. If retained it will be for special teams only
Josh Whyle
My verdict: Do not retain. Terrible route runner who cannot block. Find another option for depth
Packers verdict: Do not retain
Darian Kinnard
My Verdict: Retain. He is a waste bender with bad feet. But they have no depth at tackle.
Packers verdict: Retain
Chris Brooks
My Verdict: Do not retain. Not special with limited physical attributes. Does all of the little things well. Is ok in zone run scheme. Is one of my personal favorites as he is elite in pass pro.
Packers Verdict: Do not retain
Kamal Hadden
My Verdict: Retain. Depth at CB is weak. I do feel like Hadden can play a little man and zone. I believe this is the type of cornerback Gannon will want on his defense for depth.
Packers Verdict: Retain
Donovan Jennings
My Verdict: Retain. Need depth at all offensive line spots
Packers Verdict: Retain
*** All contract numbers from Over The Cap ***
Top Needs
Need #1 - Outside Wide Receiver (who can separate vertically)
The Christian Watson injury is nothing short of a disaster for the plans of the Packers in 2025. He is truly the only outside man beater. Also shows vast improvements in getting off the line of scrimmage; beats press and is the only player the Packers have that can vertically stretch the field (especially against zone). Jayden Reed is limited and is a true slot receiver. I do question his agility as he does not possess ability to get open vs man. One aspect of his game that is overlooked is ability to track the ball in the air. Dontayvian Wicks was a disappointment in 2024. Obvious set-back was drops. He does possess wiggle and excellent body control to beat man/zone horizontally. His lack of deep speed was on full effect when asked to play the Y wide receiver position. He could not separate vertically palying on the outside. Romeo Doubs is the most steady of all of the receivers. Possesses good hands, body control, and is a nuanced route runner. His drawback his is athleticism. He has good size, but does not possess burst or speed to be a great player. Bottom line on this, if the Packers do not get a vertical receiver they are screwed. LeFluer will not be able to gameplan around this. Teams will challenge our receivers and put too much stress on short/intermediate areas of field.
Need #2 - Outside Cornerback
Note the overall philosophy for the Packers is to play variations of many zone defenses. The most common is cover 2 with one safety coming down in the robber position. The outside cornerbacks are asked to play outside tech funneling receivers to the middle of the field. I do feel like Keisan Nixon is an adequate number 2 cornerback in this defense. He possess long speed with solid burst to break on receivers. Exceptional at diagnosing wide receiver screens and stopping the run. He does lack overall agility to stick with smaller receivers. Carrington Valentine has a good combination of size of speed for the position. However, he does not possess enough stickyness for my liking. He has trouble with in-breaking routes which allows receivers to get a ton of separation. His feel for the Hafley's zone scheme did get better as the year progressed. I do feel like he will get better at anticipating routes which will lead to more interceptions.
Need #3 - Edge (Designated Pass Rusher)
The Packers philosophy at edge is to maintain gap integrity and not allow quarterbacks to break outside contain. First off I love this philsophy as it prevents big plays from the running quarterback. However, it does limit freedom of the edges to get after the quarterback. Also, they do not line their edges up in the wide 9 tech to change their angle to get at the quarterback; again their philosophy is containment. I do feel like Rashan Gary is the most undervalued player on the roster. Against the run, I am not sure I have seen a better defensive end. He is the focus on opposing defensives as he continually gets chipped by tight end or picked up by running back. Even being how great he is against the run I would like to see him removed on early downs and inserted on later downs as he only plays roughly 59% of snaps (due to Packer's philosophy). He was the only edge that in my opinion consistenly got after the quarterback. I want to see another year out of Lucas Van Ness before I can really get a feel for the player he will become. There is a speed to power component to his game that is obviously poorly utilized. Has excepetional power in his hands that really jolts back offensive tackles. This part of his game really shows up in the run. However, there is absolutely no pass rush plan to his game. At point of attack everything looks good and then he stalls. I do question if he has enough bend to ever be a truly great pass rusher. Brenton Cox to me was the surprise of the season. He kept getting better and better with experience. He has some power to his game that just fits what the Packers need out of their ends (true case of round peg, round hole). Kingsley Enagbare to me is the most over-rated Packer. He is ok at point of attack due to length. His quickness is ok and can win with it at times. He just does not possess the athleticism or size to ever be a difference maker.
*** Note expect contracts to be higher than anticipated due to dramatic increase in salary cap number ***
Expiring Contracts in 2024
Josh Myers
If the Packers do not bring him back it poses two problems: 1) you have to probably shuffle the line with Rhyan having to play center (something I do not want) and 2) creates a further depth issue at this position. If the price is right (say under 4 years 50 million) I would do it. I do not think his talent justifies to go over that number.
TJ Slayton
Let him walk. He is a nice rotational player who gets a ton of single teams. Draft is too good at the position to give any money to.
Erik Stokes
Let him walk. Not close to the player he was as rookie. Not good in man or zone at this point. I really do not see him as a zone cornerback.
Robert Rochell/Corey Bellantine - expiring contracts in 2024
Sign one of them for depth pieces. This will be a basement level deal. I lean towards Bellantine as I feel he is a touch better player.
Other Players To Note
Zac Tom is turning into a premier right tackle in the league. Needs to be a priority this summer to get signed to an extension. Note this extension will be bigger than we are anticipating.
Christian Watson/Romeo Doubs - Expiring contracts in 2025. I would take the wait and see approach with both of them. If the Packers feel confident that Watson can heal of knee injury, he is who I would prioritize.
Rasheed Walker - Expiring contract in 2025. I have questions around his game. He was a tackle coming out of Penn State with solid length and good feet. How does he make it to the 7th round? I do question some of his recognition skills, especially early in the season...gets better as season goes on. I could see this one going both ways. With the Jordan Morgan pick I he could be expendable as he will probably be in that 80 million plus range for a contract.
Sean Rhyan - Expiring contract in 2025. Continues to get better. I would get this deal done prior to the start of the season
Kingsley Enagbare - Let him walk. Not a good enough fit for defense.
Devonte Wyatt - 5th Year Option Looming. Accept 5th year option. Expected to be about $13-$14 million.
Quay Walker - 5th Year Option Looming. Decline 5th year option. Expected to be about $14-$15 million. This is too much for off-ball linebacker. Work on an extension.
What to do in Free Agency
Number 2 need is outside cornerback. Sign a top end free agent cornerback. Players to look at are Bryon Murphy and Paulson Adebo. I really like Murphy as he can play inside and outside and would fit nicely into Packer's defense.
Nothing else of importance
I would love to see them do something about this wide receiver position. But the receiver pool just does not have what they need. One player that the Packers could target is DJ Chark. A vertical receiver that would not break the bank.
I could see them going after an edge. A lot of the free agent edges are a bit older. Also, the rookie draft class is really good at edge. I do hear some rumors around Chase Young. He would work as he is an above average pass rusher and below average run stopper. Would be ideal to come in on later downs. I would NOT go past the 2 year mark. If he gets a 3 or 4 year contract I would not be interested. Also hearing buzz about Dayo Odeyinbo. He really fits their size and weight requirements (6'6", 287 lbs). A lot of length. Similar to Young he is a much better pass rusher than run defender.
What do in the Draft
The buzz/strength of this draft is around the defensive line/edge. At pick #23 there will be someone there. A few names that really fit are: Mykell Williams, Shemar Stewart, Walter Nolan, Nic Scourton, Derrick Harmon, and Landon Jackson.
Assuming the Packers pick at #23 I cannot see them sticking at #54 in the 2nd round. Looking at the draft I feel like they would need to move up to get one of these bigger outside receivers who can stretch the field vertically. If they package their 2nd round pick (54) and 3rd round pick (87), they can move up to about pick #39. If they package their 2nd round pick (54) and 4th round pick (123), they can move up to about pick #46. Guys of interest are Jayden Higgens and Tre Harris.
After that it is all best player available. Need depth at OL. This draft is littered with zone offensive tackles with versatility. Also need depth at cornerback.