The Green Bay Packers won two more games in 2024 and returned to the playoffs while still having the youngest roster in the NFL. However, this season, they lost in the first round of the playoffs. But like any NFL team in the salary cap era, the Packers still have several positions on their roster that will need reinforcements if the team hopes to take the next step forward in 2025. Here are the top five Packers areas of need entering the 2025 offseason. Again, these are subject to change depending on which players are back with the team next season and which players the team moves on from.

Fifth Area of Need for the Green Bay Packers Heading into the 2025 Offseason: Kicker

The Packers solved their kicking problems before Week 7 when they signed Brandon McManus. However, McManus will be an unrestricted free agent.

The Packers almost certainly want McManus back. They struggled with kickers after Mason Crosby was let go after the 2022 season. Anders Carlson led the league in missed kicks in 2023 and Brayden Narveson struggled through the first six weeks of this past season.

McManus will turn 34 in July. His leg remains strong as he made 55-yard field goals consistently and with room to spare even in chilly Green Bay in January.

If the Packers don’t re-sign McManus as expected, the search for a reliable kicker begins again.

Fourth Area of Need: Center

Josh Myers will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. If he’s not re-signed, the Packers will need a new starting center.

Other starters along the offense line can play center. Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins both have experience at the position. Rookie fifth-round pick Jacob Monk also started some games at center in college.

The Packers will look to improve the center position this offseason. Whether GM Brian Gutekunst opts to bring back Myers, draft another center or sign a free agent, this is an area of need.

Third Area of Need for the Green Bay Packers Heading into the 2025 Offseason: Edge Rusher

The Packers defense struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks by rushing just their four down linemen.

Rashan Gary led the team with 7.5 sacks. He was the best of the bunch, but his sack total was disappointing as he adjusted to the new 4-3 defense under Jeff Hafley.

Kingsley Enagbare added 4.5 sacks. Brenton Cox didn’t see much playing time until after the trade deadline but still managed four sacks. Cox could take a step forward next season. Former first round pick Lukas Van Ness provides solid run defense but has yet to develop a secondary move to get to the quarterback.

If Hafley wants his defense to continue to improve, better pass rush off the edge will be critical. Look for Gutekunst to address this position in the draft possibly via free agency as well.

Second Area of Need: Wide Receiver

The Packers lacked a true number one receiver last season. Christian Watson was the closest thing the team had to a number one wideout, but he will miss much of the 2025 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in the season finale against the Bears.

Romeo Doubs suffered multiple concussions last season. Since concussions are cumulative, that has to be considered when discussing Doubs’ future.

The Packers still have Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, but both suffered from dropped passes and neither has established themselves as a number one receiver.

Bo Melton and Malik Heath provide depth and should be back.

Whether Gutekunst decides to trade for a receiver, add one in free agency or the draft, this is a position that needs to be fortified this offseason.

First Area of Need for the Green Bay Packers Heading into the 2025 Offseason: Cornerback

Will Jaire Alexander be back with the Packers in 2025? He himself didn’t seem sure when the team was cleaning out their lockers. Even if he does return, he’s played more than seven games in a season just once in the last four years, so the team needs to upgrade here either way.

The other starters are Carrington Valentine who improved late in the season and Keisean Nixon who showed versatility in playing both the slot and on the perimeter. Rookie Javon Bullard took over in the slot.

Depth players Corey Ballentine, Eric Stokes, and Robert Rochell are all unrestricted free agents, so depth is an issue.

Cornerback is a premium position that every NFL team prioritizes. It is also a position where having an elite player can change the way you play defense. Your weakest link is also critical as opposing offenses can exploit it no matter how good your best corner is.

Look for Gutekunst to add multiple players at cornerback through the draft, free agency or a trade.

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

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