The Packers finished the 2024 season with a respectable record but fell short of being true contenders. With Jordan Love proving his potential as a franchise quarterback, the focus now shifts to building a more competitive roster around him.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has been vocal about the urgency of addressing roster gaps. The team’s favorable salary-cap situation, the healthiest since 2019, positions it to make aggressive moves in free agency and the draft. But where should they start?
Top Positions the Packers Must Strengthen
Edge Rusher: The Top Priority
A strong pass rush is essential for playoff success – an area where FanDuel’s NFL Matchup Predictions currently grade Green Bay as a mid-tier unit. They ranked 26th in pass rush win rate, highlighting the need for improvement.
Rashan Gary, the team’s top edge rusher, managed only 47 pressures in 17 games. To put that into perspective, Detroit Lions rookie Aidan Hutchinson recorded 45 pressures in just five games. The disparity underscores the Packers’ need for a proven edge rusher.
The Packers’ Pro Bowl running back, Josh Jacobs, also pointed out the need for a defensive end, saying, “We’re probably missing… another defensive end.” Adding a high-impact pass rusher through free agency or the draft should be the Packers’ top offseason priority.
Cornerback: Addressing Uncertainty in the Secondary
Another major concern is the cornerback position, especially given Jaire Alexander’s uncertain future in Green Bay. If Alexander departs, the Packers will face a significant void in their secondary.
Eric Stokes and Corey Ballentine are entering free agency, leaving the team with limited depth. Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are the only reliable options, and that’s not enough for a team with playoff aspirations.
The Packers could target a veteran cornerback in free agency or leverage NFL picks to select a top prospect early in the draft. As Josh Jacobs emphasized, “We need another defensive back.” Strengthening this position is critical to maintaining a competitive defense.
Wide Receiver: Supporting Jordan Love with a True No. 1 Target
Jordan Love has shown he can lead the Packers’ offense but needs more help. The team lacked a consistent No. 1 wide receiver in 2024, and Christian Watson’s ACL injury only adds to the uncertainty.
Watson and Romeo Doubs are entering the final year of their rookie contracts, and neither has emerged as a reliable go-to target. The Packers must explore options to acquire a proven No. 1 receiver this offseason.
Could Davante Adams be brought back? Or go for a free agent like Tee Higgins? While a trade or signing is possible, the draft might offer the most realistic path to finding a dynamic playmaker. Josh Jacobs echoed this sentiment, saying, “We need a guy that’s proven to be a No. 1.”
Defensive Line: Improving Interior Play
The Packers’ defensive line underperformed in 2024, prompting Head Coach Matt LaFleur to fire defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich. Kenny Clark, typically a reliable force, had a down year with just one sack. Meanwhile, Devonte Wyatt showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency.
The Packers need to add depth and talent to their defensive line to improve their run defense and interior pass rush. This could happen through free agency or the draft, but either way, it’s a position that requires attention.
Offensive Line: Bolstering Depth and Addressing Free Agency
The Packers’ offensive line was solid during the regular season but was exposed in the playoffs due to injuries. Starting center Josh Myers is a free agent, and his potential departure could force the team to reshuffle its lineup.
First-round pick Jordan Morgan is expected to play a bigger role in 2025, but the Packers need versatile linemen who can step in when injuries occur. To ensure stability, Gutekunst may invest multiple draft picks in this area.
How the Packers Can Address Their Needs
To address their roster weaknesses, the Packers have several options:
- Free Agency: With a healthy salary-cap situation, the Packers can pursue proven veterans at key positions like edge rusher and cornerback.
- Draft: The Packers have a history of finding impact players in the draft. They could target a wide receiver, cornerback, or offensive lineman early.
- Trades: Gutekunst has shown a willingness to make bold moves, and a trade for a star player like Davante Adams could be on the table.
Balancing short-term fixes with long-term development will be crucial as the Packers aim to build a sustainable contender.
Conclusion
The Packers have an exciting offseason ahead, with edge rusher, cornerback, and wide receiver standing out as their top priorities. With Jordan Love leading the way and a young, talented roster, the team has the potential to take a significant step forward in 2025.