The first wave of NFL free agency is winding down and Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst made two significant additions in guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs. The team also lost some players including starters at center and defensive tackle. Today, we are ranking the Packers three biggest areas of need after the first wave of NFL free agency.
Packers Biggest Areas of Need After the First Wave of Free Agency: Number Three: Cornerback
The addition of Hobbs gives the Packers depth and versatility at the position. He can play either in the slot, or on the perimeter. However, the departure of Eric Stokes and the forthcoming likely departure of Jaire Alexander leaves this as a need the team still needs to address.
As of now, the top four players on the depth chart will be Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Hobbs, and Javon Bullard.
Expect Gutekunst to address this position at the draft next month and also perhaps as part of the trade for Alexander if he’s able to work one out.
Number Two: Wide Receiver
The Packers have yet to address the wide receiver position this offseason. The Pack lacked a bona fide number one wideout last year. Before the Super Bowl, running back Josh Jacobs started to publicly push for the Packers to add a veteran presence here who can fill the role.
Popular, high-profile options like D.K. Metcalf and Davante Adams are now off the board. There are still some remaining free agents available who could help like the recently released Cooper Kupp. Adding through the draft remains likely but is less likely to yield immediate help than adding an established NFL wideout.
The current roster situation remains a question mark. The Packers know Christian Watson will miss at least half of the 2025 season as he recovers from knee surgery. That leaves Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks as the top three with Bo Melton and Malik Heath available for depth. The top three all had issues with drops at various times and the Packers are hoping they can take a step forward in their third or fourth NFL season (depending on the player).
The bigger issue for the Packers remains the future beyond 2025. Watson and Doubs will be unrestricted free agents in a year unless the Packers sign them to extensions. Watson’s future continues to be uncertain following the knee surgery while Doubs is coming off two concussions suffered during 2024 although appears to be healthy and working out again right now.
Gutekunst will almost certainly address the receiver position during the draft, but will he also add a veteran via trade or free agency? Expect Gute to add more than one player at wide receiver before the season gets under way.
Packers Biggest Areas of Need After the First Wave of Free Agency: Number One: Defensive Line
The Packers still need a pass rusher to help Jeff Hafley run the defense the way he prefers, with the front four providing most of the pressure.
The departure of T.J. Slaton means they will also need to add a player to fill his role as a space eating, blocker occupying run defender. It is possible Kenny Clark moves to the nose and fills that role for at least some snaps, but depth is needed.
Right now, Clark, Karl Brooks, and Colby Wooden top the depth chart at tackle, while Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox, and Lukas Van Ness are atop the depth chart at defensive end.
Look for the Packers to use multiple draft choices along the defensive line including a likely addition on day one or day two. A veteran addition via trade also remains a possibility. Either way, Gutekunst needs to add talent and depth along the line both inside and outside.
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