The Green Bay Packers head into the 2026 offseason with some strengths and several obvious needs to fill. Historically, we have seen GM Brian Gutekunst double down on positions of need in both the draft and free agency. Sometimes, he combines both to reinforce a position group. For example, Gutekunst signed edge rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in free agency in 2019. Then he drafted Rashan Gary in the first round. In 2023, he used a second-round pick on tight end Luke Musgrave and then a third-round pick on Tucker Kraft. Here are three positions the Packers could double dip at in the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.

Three Positions the Packers Could Double Dip At, Number Three: Defensive Tackle

The Packers have a quality pass rushing defensive tackle in Devonte Wyatt although he has struggled to stay healthy. Wyatt plays at nearly a Pro Bowl level when he’s in the lineup, but he missed seven games last season due to injuries. The Packers need another defensive tackle who can provide some inside pressure on the quarterback.

The Packers also need a run stuffing nose tackle to complement Colby Wooden. Wooden plays the run well but a big run stuffing nose tackle remains a need for the Packers. Undrafted free agent Nazir Stackhouse was the closest the Packers had on their roster to fill that role, but he struggled to adjust to playing in the NFL.

A moderately priced free agent and one or two draft choices could realistically be used to improve this important area.

Number Two: Interior Offensive Line

The Packers expect significant changes along their offensive line this offseason. Center Elgton Jenkins remains one of the leading candidates to be released for cap purposes. Gutekunst could also try to trade Jenkins before the new league year starts next week.

Sean Rhyan started at center after Jenkins suffered a season-ending injury. He will be an unrestricted free agent next week unless the Packers sign him to a new contract.

Starting left guard Aaron Banks struggled through a disappointing and injury-plagued first season in Green Bay after signing a big free agent contract last offseason.

At the end of the 2025 season, second-round pick Anthony Belton became the starter at right guard. He did not grade out well according to Pro Football Focus although the Packers were pleased with his play by the time the season ended. Belton was drafted as a tackle and could return there.

The lack of experienced depth remains an issue.

The Packers should add at least one interior offensive lineman in the draft and probably two. A low-cost free agent is also a possibility, or the team could re-sign Rhyan.

Three Positions the Packers Could Double Dip At, Number One: Cornerback

The Packers lack a legitimate number one cover cornerback. After Micah Parsons suffered a season-ending injury, the Packers weakness at the corner position was exposed.

Keisean Nixon remains the team’s best cornerback, but on a good team, he’s realistically a solid number two corner at best. The other starting boundary corner was Carrington Valentine. He was average in coverage and missed far too many tackles. The Packers would like to upgrade.

Last year, Gutekunst signed Nate Hobbs as a free agent. He believed Hobbs could play the boundary, but he struggled through a disappointing and injury-plagued season.

The Packers don’t have a first-round pick in this year’s draft, but they should use either a second or third rounder on a cornerback if one who fits their athletic criteria is available. A day three pick would also be a possibility along with another free agent signing or a trade.

Gutekunst tends to double down at positions of need. Odds are he will double down on one or more of these positions over the course of this offseason.

 

 

 

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