The Green Bay Packers have survived post-Aaron Rodgers era with ease much like they did when they parted ways with Brett Favre, who was ironically replaced by Rodgers.
Jordan Love era started off slowly in 2023, but he elevated his game in the second half of that season, made the playoffs and smoked the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas during the NFL Wildcard Weekend. The Packers rewarded him with a massive 4-years, $220 million deal last off-season, hoping his ascent will continue.
The team finished 11-6, but Love's number fell down from a year ago. His passing yards fell to 3,389 yards, down from 4,159 yards in 2023. Just like in 2023, he got off to a slow start in the first half of the season by throwing a pick in his first 8 games.
While second-half heroics are fine, Love can't afford to get off to a slow start for a third-consecutive season and put the team behind the eight-ball early in the season if the Packers are to win the loaded NFC North and make a deep playoff run.
Free Agency
Notable Packers players hitting free agency:
- CB Corey Ballentine
- TE Tyler Davis
- T/G Andre Dillard
- RB AJ Dillon
- C Josh Myers
- CB Robert Rochell
- CB Eric Stokes
The Packers lost DL T.J. Slaton, who signed a 2-year $15.5 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday during legal tampering period. He is the only free agent who left the Packers as of this writing. They re-signed LB Isaiah McDuffie, a sixth round pick in 2021, who started all 17 games in 2024 to a 2-years, $8 million.
Speaking of the 2021 NFL Draft, C Josh Myers and CB Eric Stokes are free agents whose future with the Green Bay Packers is up in the air. If Drew Dalman was not available or signed elsewhere, Myers would have been an option for the Bears' center position. Stokes had a strong rookie season but suffered a Lisfranc injury in 2022, which derailed his career.
The Packers signed Nate Hobbs from Las Vegas on Monday to a 4 years, $48 million contract to be their nickel back, replacing Keisean Nixon, who is moving to cornerback. Nixon is likely replacing Jaire Alexander and Hobbs' signing puts the future of Alexander in serious doubt. But the addition of Hobbs probably ends the tenure of both Corey Ballantine and Robert Rochell.
They also made another huge signing by adding guard Aaron Banks to a 4-year, $77 million deal on Monday. He was linked to the Bears once Trey Smith received a franchise tag, elevating Banks as one of the top guards available in free agency. Considering the amount Banks received, it is safe to say the Bears made a wise choice trading for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney rather than breaking the bank for Banks.
Keep an eye out for Andre Dillard. A former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019, he has starting experience for them from 2019-22 and with the Tennessee Titans in 2023. He barely played for the Packers last season and the Bears could sign him to be the depth piece on their revamped offensive line.
Draft needs
The Packers have eight picks in the April's draft
- First round: 23rd
- Second round: 54th
- Third round: 87th
- Fourth round: 123rd
- Fifth round: 160th
- Sixth round: 200th
- Seventh round: 239th
- Seventh round: 251th
The Packers are looking to add a pass rusher and a wide receiver. The Packers have been adamant about not needing a No. 1 receiver. However, running back Josh Jacobs beg to differ, which ruffled the feather inside the organization. They missed out on DK Metcalf, who was traded to Pittsburgh on Sunday despite the strong relationship between general manager Brian Gutekunst and Seattle general manager John Schneider, who worked together in Green Bay.
Still, many draft experts do not think this year's wide receiver class is as strong as last season's, when Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze were in the top 10. They could use more speed at the position. Players like Missouri's Luther Burden III and Texas' Matthew Golden could be available with their first-round pick.
As for the fixing their pass rusher, with Myles Garrett no longer available if he ever was, they could be involved in Trey Hendrickson sweepstakes if they feel he is worth giving up either their first or second round pick. That is the kind of excitement they might need to generate as this year's draft is being held in Green Bay.