The first wave of NFL free agency is over with most of the biggest names now signed to new teams. The Green Bay Packers have said goodbye to some long-tenured players while adding free agents like Benjamin St-Juste and Skyy Moore. The Packers have several key players with contracts that expire after the 2026 campaign, so GM Brian Gutekunst has some tough decisions to make. Here is a look ahead to the Packers potential free agents in 2027. The emphasis here is on players who start or play a significant role on the team as of now. Obviously, the team could sign one or more of these players to extensions at some point within the next year, taking them off the market. Only players who will be unrestricted free agents are included in this list. They are not listed in any particular order.
Packers Potential Free Agents in 2027: WR Christian Watson
Christian Watson enters the 2026 season as the team’s presumptive top receiver. He became a more complete receiver last season after missing the first six games of the season. Watson caught 35 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games last season. His outstanding combination of size and speed makes him a difference maker to the offense even when he’s not getting the ball.
Watson enters the 2026 season on a one-year extension he signed in 2025. Gutekunst will likely make extending Watson long-term a priority in the coming months.
TE Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft was off to a record-setting pace for a Packers tight end last season before he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 8. The former South Dakota State star caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games. His ability to run after the catch makes him an integral part of the Packers offense.
Kraft enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2026. If he returns to the lineup and shows no ill effects from the injury, he should also be a top priority for Gutekunst to extend.
Packers Potential Free Agents in 2027: CB Keisean Nixon
Keisean Nixon became the Packers top cover corner in 2025, although he is better suited to being a CB2. Nixon’s struggled with inconsistency last season and his play tailed off in the second half of the year. He intercepted one pass and broke up a career-high 17.
Nixon will turn 30 during the next offseason, so his age may be a concern to Gutekunst, who only gives third contracts to a select few players. Barring a very strong performance this season, 2026 could be Nixon’s last in Green Bay.
WR Dontayvion Wicks
Dontayvion Wicks enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2026. The former Virginia star caught 30 passes last season for 332 yards and two touchdowns.
Wicks possesses the ability to get open but has inconsistent hands. When he’s playing well, he can be a difference maker. When he’s struggling, he can be a major frustration. Wicks faces a number game with three wide receivers and two tight ends on expiring contract next year. He will need a strong 2026 to earn a second contract in Green Bay.
Packers Potential Free Agents in 2027: DT Devonte Wyatt
Devonte Wyatt will play the upcoming season on his fifth-year option. Will Gutekunst seek to extend him? Wyatt provides the team with good pass rush from the interior of the defensive line, but he has trouble staying on the field and is average at best against the run.
Last season, Wyatt recorded four sacks and six tackles for loss in 10 games. He needs to stay healthy and have a productive season to earn another contract from the Packers.
WR Jayden Reed
Jayden Reed operates out of the slot. He led the Packers in catches in each of his first two seasons. Reed gives the Packers a reliable target on short and intermediate routes. Matt LaFleur also utilized him on jet sweeps and bubble screens to help get the ball in his hands in space.
Reed missed 10 games last season but still caught 19 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. The numbers game at receiver may cost him a chance to stay in Green Bay, but a strong 2026 campaign could change that outcome.
Packers Potential Free Agents in 2027: LB Isaiah McDuffie
Isaiah McDuffie signed a two-year extension prior to the 2025 campaign. The veteran Boston College alum gives the Packers a reliable and intelligent player at linebacker. He also provides leadership.
Last season, McDuffie started 12 games and made 92 tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss.
McDuffie has limited athleticism and struggles in pass coverage. He contributes on special teams in addition to defense. McDuffie could return on another reasonable contract if he continues to produce this season.
CB Carrington Valentine
Carrington Valentine has come a long way since the Packers drafted him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He started 11 games for the Packers last season and broke up four passes.
Valentine is ok in coverage, but his tackling leaves a lot to be desired. He is physical off the snap and does well in press coverage. The Kentucky alum will have to battle St-Juste to hold on to his starting job opposite Nixon. Unless he steps up his game in 2026, it could be his last season in Green Bay.
Packers Potential Free Agents in 2027: DE Brenton Cox
Brenton Cox went undrafted because of off-the-field issues but had the talent to be a high draft pick back in 2023. Injuries limited him to four games last season, and he recorded one sack and three quarterback hits.
Cox can get after the quarterback, but he needs to stay on the field. He would be considered the favorite to take over Kingsley Enagbare’s role as the third defensive end in the rotation. If he does well, the Packers could re-sign him to another contract for 2027.
DE Lukas Van Ness
Gutekunst must decide whether to pick up Lukas Van Ness’ fifth-year option by May. He could also sign him to a long-term extension. If he does sign him, then cross Van Ness off this list.
The Iowa alum should start this season for the first time in his NFL career after the departure of Rashan Gary. If he does well, Gutekunst could sign Van Ness to a long-term extension. So far, he has yet to live up to his potential as a pass rusher although he plays the run well. Last season, he played only nine games due to injury and recorded 1.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits.
Packers Potential Free Agents in 2027: TE Luke Musgrave
Luke Musgrave also enters the final year of his rookie deal. The former second-round pick out of Oregon State caught 24 passes last season for 252 yards. He started 10 games last season including the final nine after Kraft was lost for the season.
Musgrave provides a downfield threat from the tight end position. The Packers need to utilize him more effectively and he needs to play more consistently to earn a second contract with the team.
DT Karl Brooks
The 2026 campaign will be Karl Brooks’ fourth and final season on his rookie contract. Brooks has been a solid rotational player at defensive tackle. He showed some pass rush ability as a rookie, but last season, he recorded just half a sack and five quarterback hits.
Brooks will need a strong season to prove he deserves a second contract with the Packers. The addition of Javon Hargrave and the likelihood that the Packers add a run-stopping nose tackle in the draft may reduce Brooks’ role next season.
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