The Green Bay Packers will start the 2026 season looking to improve upon their third straight season as the NFC’s seventh seed. GM Brian Gutekunst made some real changes to the roster over the offseason, and the team will also benefit from the return of several injured stars. Here is a look at the five deepest positions on the Packers roster at the start of this season. Positions with one player on the roster like punter or kicker are not eligible for the list.

Packers Deepest Position Number Five: Quarterback

The Packers have a top 10 starter in Jordan Love and a capable veteran backup in Tyrod Taylor. Love gives the Packers a starter who can make all the throws, does a good job of reading defenses and is growing as a leader.

If Love missed some games, the Packers would see a significant drop off. As far as backups go, however, Taylor has experience and savvy. He still has a solid arm and while not as quick as he was in his prime, can still move well enough to escape the pocket.

Kedon Slovis joined the practice squad after final cuts and will serve as the emergency, third quarterback.

Number Four: Linebacker

The Packers have a good mix of talent and depth here. Zaire Franklin gives the Packers an experienced starter with a competitive attitude. Edgerrin Cooper enters his third year with the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl player at the position due to his combination of speed and big play ability.

The depth here is solid. Isaiah McDuffie brings football intelligence and experience. While McDuffie has athletic limitations, he gets the job done when he’s called upon. Ty’Ron Hopper has athleticism and is a hitter but hasn’t reached his potential after being a third-round pick in 2024.

Packers Deepest Position Number Three: Tight End

Gutekunst made some trades late in the preseason that changed this position from one of the weaker on the team to one of the deeper position groups.

Tucker Kraft returns to the lineup after suffering a torn ACL that ended his season last year. Before the injury, Kraft showed himself to be one of the best tight ends in the game. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch are elite.

Jonnu Smith gives the Packers an experienced backup who can catch the football. Smith made the Pro Bowl after the 2024 season and indicated that being able to play with Love as his quarterback was a major reason he chose to come to Green Bay.

The Packers also traded for Mark Redman to be the team’s blocking tight end. Josh Whyle adds depth.

The Packers still have Luke Musgrave on the PUP list due to a neck injury. If he returns to the lineup, he adds a deep threat element as a receiver.

Number Two: Defensive Line

The defensive line started the offseason as a major question mark but has developed into a deeper and more talented group.

The Packers signed free agent Javon Hargrave who can get pressure on the quarterback. They also drafted Chris McClellan who can play multiple positions along the line. Former first-round pick Devonte Wyatt returns to the lineup after ending last season on IR.

Jonathan Ford gives the team size at nose tackle while Karl Brooks and Warren Brinson can rotate in and get some pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Anthony Campbell was a feel-good story in training camp where he just kept making plays and knocking down passes. He surprised everybody by making the team.

Packers Deepest Position Number One: Safety

This remains the team’s deepest and most talented position. Xavier McKinney was first team All Pro in 2024 and second team All Pro in 2025. Teams respect his ability so much they are hesitant to throw deep over the middle against the Packers when he’s on the field.

Evan Williams enters his third season in 2026. He was playing at a Pro Bowl caliber level last season and should get the recognition he deserves with another strong season. Williams plays well near the line of scrimmage and in coverage.

Javon Bullard and Kitan Oladapo provide depth. Bullard will be the team’s slot corner but is always available to play safety if anything happens to McKinney or Williams.

 

 

 

 

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