Inexperienced Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur speaks following rookie minicamp Friday, Could 1 2026, at Lambeau Discipline in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs
© Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Photographs.
The NFL offseason is over, all 32 groups have transitioned to minicamp, and coaching camp arrives in about 5 weeks. And with the perk of hindsight, CBS Sports activities has determined that the Minnesota Vikings’ principal rival, the Inexperienced Bay Packers, had the fourth-worst offseason across the sport.
It’s uncommon shade for Inexperienced Bay, a franchise largely recognized for sensible decision-making.
Packers Have Roster Questions forward of 2026 Common Season
Inexperienced Bay Packers defensive finish Micah Parsons celebrates after a victory over the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Discipline in Inexperienced Bay. Parsons loved the divisional win on November 23, 2025, because the Packers secured an essential late-season outcome and the star defender continued including influence performs to his spectacular marketing campaign. Obligatory Credit score: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Photographs.
Jordan Dajani: Packers’ Offseason Was Tough
Per Dajani, the Jacksonville Jaguars took the naughty prize of the worst offseason, however the Packers weren’t far behind, three spots away.
He defined, “Green Bay has established itself as a middle-of-the-road team, and the problem is I think it got worse this offseason. Green Bay lost its most reliable wide receiver in Romeo Doubs, linebacker Quay Walker and left tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency.”
“The Packers also parted ways with cornerback Nate Hobbs and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, and traded pass rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to the Eagles. As far as additions go, the headliners were veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin, defensive lineman Javon Hargrave and South Carolina defensive back Brandon Cisse.”
Oddsmakers anticipate Inexperienced Bay to complete in second place within the NFC North, narrowly shedding out on the highest spot to the Detroit Lions.
Dajani continued, “Then factor in that star pass rusher Micah Parsons is expected to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means he will miss at least four games, and the Packers should be worried about star running back Josh Jacobs, who is facing domestic violence charges. When you look at the NFC North, the Bears are coming off their best season in more than a decade, the Lions are always going to be competitive and the Minnesota Vikings have reason for optimism with new quarterback Kyler Murray.”
“Talking heads have tried to label the Packers as sleepers in 2024 and 2025, ever since that impressive 2023 playoff run in Jordan Love’s first season as a starter. However, I feel less optimistic about Green Bay than I have in years.”
Losses Outweigh the Additions
Dajani outlined the Packers’ additions — Franklin, Hargrave, and Cisse, amongst others — however the subtractions have been sadly noteworthy.
Offloading Jenkins, Gary, Wicks, and Hobbs, along with Malik Willis, Quay Walker, Romeo Doubs, Kingsley Enagbare, and Emmanuel Wilson, is not any small challenge. Inexperienced Bay even had a short relationship with cornerback Trevon Diggs, however was not fascinated about prolonging it.
The Packers might discover a method “not to miss” all their departures, however from a June perspective, they mentioned goodbye to extra expertise than they welcomed.
Assist Wanted at OLB, at Least for a Whereas
Inexperienced Bay additionally wants assist at exterior linebacker. It’s unclear when Parsons will return — it may very well be October, or it may very well be close to Thanksgiving. Parsons is such a star that it might be completely silly to hurry him again from his torn ACL.
Inexperienced Bay Packers defensive finish Lukas Van Ness waits within the tunnel earlier than an NFC wild-card sport in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Monetary Discipline. Van Ness ready for postseason motion on January 12, 2025, as Inexperienced Bay opened its playoff run and the younger move rusher entered one other essential stage of his growth. Obligatory Credit score: Eric Hartline-Imagn Photographs.
Within the meantime, the Packers will depend on these EDGE defenders:
Lukas Van Ness
Barryn Sorrell
Dani Dennis-Sutton
Brenton Cox Jr.
Arron Mosby
Nyjalik Kelly
Dante Barnett
For a Tremendous Bowl-contending crew, that group is underwhelming, and till the Packers signed a free agent like Joey Bosa or Leonard Floyd, they’re merely hoping for one of the best.
The membership has additionally been tied to Jadeveon Clowney’s free company within the rumor mill, although each NFC North crew might stand so as to add Clowney. It’s a summer time of 2026 oddity — each NFC North squad appears to wish yet one more move rusher.
Packers Often Determine It Out
In case you’re a Packers fan studying this — in all probability not on a Vikings-themed web site, proper? — don’t have any worry. Inexperienced Bay has an uncanny tendency to take advantage of suspect conditions, even after Aaron Rodgers left the franchise in 2023.
Jordan Love and Co. appear to have the NFC’s seventh seed on lock, and till confirmed in any other case, onlookers ought to pencil them for a 9-8 report or higher. The Packers are coached properly, Love is a Prime 15 passer, and the remainder simply falls into place.
Inexperienced Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love drops again to move in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Enviornment in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Love directed the offense on September 6, 2024, throughout the NFL’s worldwide opener as Inexperienced Bay started its season and the quarterback continued his rise because the franchise’s starter. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs.
Concerning the naughty listing — all of the departures and the “bad” offseason — the Tremendous Bowl is likely to be a protracted shot. It’s why Inexperienced Bay has +2200 Tremendous Bowl odds, when a membership just like the Los Angeles Rams is at +550.
The Packers’ season begins in about 80 days at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in opposition to — you guessed it — the Vikings.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
