Micah Parsons not being ready until October and uncertainty around Josh Jacobs could create more roster openings for Green Bay to begin 2026.
Quarterback (2)
Jordan Love, Tyrod Taylor
The Packers needed a new No. 2 quarterback with Malik Willis getting a three-year deal in Miami, and veteran Tyrod Taylor is more than capable of stepping up if Jordan Love misses time again. Kyle McCord is likely headed to the practice squad, but he’ll try to force his way onto a roster spot with Green Bay or another squad with a strong preseason.
Running back (3)
Josh Jacobs, Chris Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd
The NFL often taking time to let the legal process play out leads to Josh Jacobs being on the projected 53-man roster despite being arrested for five charges of domestic violence—and a veteran addition would make sense if Jacobs became unavailable. Behind him, Chris Brooks is the favorite to be the backup with 2024 third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd struggling to stay healthy through two seasons, and there is a chance for Pierre Strong Jr. or Damien Martinez to also make it.
Wide receiver (6)
Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Savion Williams, Skyy Moore, Bo Melton
Romeo Doubs leaving for New England in free agency and Dontayvion Wicks being traded to the Eagles makes wide receiver a lot clearer—as Christian Watson (who just received a big extension), Matthew Golden (taken in the first round last year), and Jayden Reed (also extended this offseason) will be the clear featured trio. Savion Williams could see more action on designed opportunities in Year 2 and Skyy Moore is set to be the team’s primary returner, but I like Bo Melton to make the team again based on the speed he provides off the bench. However, if there might be a surprise here, keep an eye on undrafted rookie J. Michael Sturdivant.
Tight end (3)
Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Josh Whyle
Tucker Kraft is expected to be back from a torn ACL suffered last November, and the emerging star will be playing for a new contract if he’s not extended before the season. It’s also a contract year for Luke Musgrave as the first tight end selected for Green Bay in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the competition to watch is Josh Whyle trying to hold off undrafted rookie RJ Maryland and others.
Offensive tackle (4)
Jordan Morgan, Zach Tom, Darian Kinnard, Travis Glover
Rasheed Walker is another key player on offense who went elsewhere this offseason, and the Packers are essentially going all in on 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan at left tackle—as Walker signed a modest deal with Carolina that could have been matched. Zach Tom is the best player up front for Green Bay, and I’m projecting them to keep both Darian Kinnard and Travis Glover as depth.
Guard (3)
Aaron Banks, Anthony Belton, Jager Burton (R)
The reshuffled offensive line not coming together is a real concern for the Packers, as left guard Aaron Banks wasn’t quite an impact player in his first year of a huge contract—and right guard is unsettled with 2025 second-round pick Anthony Belton being a converted college tackle. Fifth-round rookie Jager Burton should be the clear backup and could even find his way into the lineup if Belton struggles.
Center (2)
Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk
Sean Rhyan is now moving to a full-time role at center with Elgton Jenkins gone, but it’s safe to assume there will be changes—including Rhyan potentially going back to right guard—if the unit doesn’t come together. Jacob Monk will be battling John Williams as depth at center, and he might also face a challenge from Jager Burton to be the primary backup there.
Interior defensive line (6)
Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Karl Brooks, Chris McClellan (R), Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse
Jordon Riley suffered a torn Achilles in December after signing off the Giants practice squad, so he’s at least going to miss the start of the season—which works in favor of second-year defenders Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse being safe behind an established starting trio and third-round rookie Chris McClellan. Undrafted rookie Jaden Crumedy and big Jonathan Ford will look to push the former Georgia teammates in Brinson and Stackhouse, though.
Edge defender (5)
Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Dani Dennis-Sutton (R), Collin Oliver, Brenton Cox Jr.
Green Bay’s defense is a lot less threatening with Micah Parsons (knee) out, so they need former No. 13 overall pick Lukas Van Ness to step up in his fourth season. Of course, Rashan Gary is now in Dallas, so Barryn Sorrell should start across Van Ness to open the year—while fourth-round rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton and Collin Oliver are the top backups. I’d anticipate Brenton Cox Jr. will be on the roster until Parsons is back.
Linebacker (5)
Edgerrin Cooper, Zaire Franklin, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann
A key thing to note about Green Bay is the transition to more 3-4 looks under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon—so Edgerrin Cooper might be used more aggressively to shoot gaps with Zaire Franklin acquired from Indy to help clean things up on the second level. Assuming the starting duo is healthy, Isaiah McDuffie won’t see as much action after 37 starts over the past three years, but he’s probably locked in as the third linebacker with Ty’Ron Hopper also pushing for snaps. If five linebackers are kept, the battle to keep an eye on is Nick Niemann versus Kristian Welch and undrafted rookie TJ Quinn.
Cornerback (6)
Keisean Nixon, Brandon Cisse (R), Carrington Valentine, Benjamin St-Juste, Kamal Hadden, Domani Jackson (R)
There should be an open competition for a starting job on the outside, but second-round pick Brandon Cisse should be considered the frontrunner across from Keisean Nixon with Javon Bullard (listed at safety) in the slot. Carrington Valentine is coming off a down year with seven touchdowns allowed and Benjamin St-Juste is now on his third team in as many seasons, so Kamal Hadden—if healthy after a broken leg suffered just when he was set to see expanded snaps—has room to climb on the depth chart. The same is true for sixth-round rookie Domani Jackson, but he and Hadden aren’t locks with MJ Devonshire Jr. claimed from Buffalo last month with a skillset to perhaps be the backup in the slot.
Safety (5)
Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladipo, Johnathan Baldwin
Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, and Javon Bullard form a tremendous trio at safety, and Kitan Oladipo is in good shape to make it behind them. Special teams is often crucial to make it as safety depth, so Johnathan Baldwin (one appearance last season), Mark Perry, and undrafted rookie Murvin Kenion will try to standout in preseason action.
Special teams (3)
Trey Smack (R), Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech
The Packers will have a competition for kicking duties with Lucas Havrisik also on the 90-man roster, but Trey Smack was taken in the sixth round and was probably the best kicker in the class. Daniel Whelan is back as the punter and Matt Orzech is back as the long snapper.
Injured (2)
DL Jordon Riley, EDGE Micah Parsons