The offseason continues and Green Bay Packers still have plenty of work to do. While the Packers are unlikely to make major headlines with any particular signing, the team still has holes to fill and depth to add at many positions. Here are the top five things the Packers and GM Brian Gutekunst still need to do this offseason.
Top Five Things the Packers Still Need to Do This Offseason: Number One: Resolve the Jaire Alexander Situation
According to recent reports, the Packers are still looking to trade cornerback Jaire Alexander. They just refuse to rush into making a trade. Gutekunst appears to be waiting to see where things stand at the draft or maybe even after the draft with the hope of maximizing return. While the return is unlikely to be spectacular, the Packers don’t want to have to cut ties with Alexander for nothing.
It remains highly unlikely that number 23 will play for the Packers in 2025, but the team still needs to work out the details of his departure. The addition of Nate Hobbs already shows the team has planned for life after Alexander. Gutekunst may also add another cornerback in the early rounds of the draft.
Number Two: Extend Zach Tom
The Packers have several starters who will be free agents next season and are now eligible for a contract extension. The most important of these is offensive tackle, Zach Tom.
Tom has graded out as the team’s best offensive lineman for each of the last two seasons. The former fourth-round pick out of Wake Forest can play anywhere along the offensive line. He is a smart football player with great technique to make up for his lack of elite size for the position.
The Packers have three offensive line starters who will be unrestricted free agents at the end of next season, but Tom should be the priority of the three by far and the sooner Gutekunst can get him signed, the more the Packers will be set along the line.
Top Five Things the Packers Still Need to Do This Offseason: Number Three Add a Pass Rusher
We don’t know if Gutekunst is still considering adding a veteran or if the draft will have to provide the Pack with an upgrade at rushing the passer by their front four.
No Packers defensive lineman finished 2024 with more than 7.5 sacks and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley often had to blitz in order to create pressure. That was not part of his original plan for the defense, so Hafley had to adjust throughout the season.
Statistically, great pass rushers have to be selected in the early rounds of the draft. So, if the Packers aren’t going to sign a free agent or acquire a player like Trey Hendrickson via trade, Gutekunst will have to address the defensive line on day one or day two of the 2025 NFL Draft which takes place next month in Green Bay.
Number Four: Add a Wide Receiver
The Packers lacked a number one receiver last season and running back Josh Jacobs called for the team to add a proven veteran during Super Bowl week.
So far, Gutekunst hasn’t traded for or signed an experienced wideout who could be a go-to receiver for Jordan Love.
We already know Christian Watson will miss at least half of the 2025 season as he rehabs from knee surgery, and we don’t know when he’ll return and how much he’ll be able to contribute when he does.
The Packers will likely draft a receiver during the first two days of the draft, but a veteran would also help give Love a more reliable target in clutch situations.
Top Five Things the Packers Still Need to Do This Offseason: Number Five Add Depth at Defensive Tackle
T.J. Slaton departed in free agency, so the Packers need to add a run stuffing defensive tackle. Devonte Wyatt is also entering the final year of his contract. Kenny Clark may not be with the Packers after 2025 unless he’s willing to renegotiate the terms of his deal due to his high cap hit.
The Packers still have talent here for 2025, but they need to replace Slaton and prepare for the possibility of additional departures.
This year’s draft is deep at defensive tackle and Gutekunst will likely address the position on day three with one or more picks.
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