With the first wave of NFL free agency having come and gone, the Green Bay Packers still have a lot of roster questions that need to be answered.
Brian Gutekunst and company saw a lot of players leave Green Bay in free agency. A few of those players were quarterback Malik Willis, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker, linebacker Quay Walker, and pass rusher Rashan Gary.
So far this offseason, the Packers have only added three outside players. They signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and return man Skyy Moore in free agency, while also trading for linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts.
Now, the question becomes, what is the next move Green Bay could make to improve?
A few positions with clear needs include defensive end, cornerback, and offensive line. There is one defensive end that Gutekunst should strongly consider pursuing in the second wave of free agency.
Green Bay Packers Could Target a Former No. 1 Overall Pick
Green Bay could consider bringing in a player like Jadeveon Clowney. Micah Parsons is set to miss at least the first few games of the 2026 season and the Packers have a lot of unproven talent behind him.
Trading Gary left a void for Green Bay. Gary didn’t play at a high level for much of last season, but he was clearly the second-best pass rusher on the roster outside of Parsons.
Clowney could come in and make an immediate impact. He was able to have that effect on the Dallas Cowboys last season.
Throughout the course of the 2025 NFL campaign with the Cowboys, Clowney played in 13 games. He recorded 41 total tackles to go along with 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes. Those numbers would be a welcome addition to a needy Packers’ pass rush.
It’s Time for the Packers to Truthfully Go All-In
Last offseason, Green Bay traded away two first-round picks to acquire Parsons. No one would go back and change that deal, but the Packers were going all-in on bringing the Lombardi Trophy home to Lambeau Field.
This offseason, Gutekunst has seemingly been playing the compensatory pick game. It’s too late to play that game after trading two first-round picks.
Signing Clowney might not be an option for Green Bay if the front office wants to accumulate as many draft picks as possible. The Packers should put that goal aside.
Bringing in a player like Clowney would improve the defense now. That is what Green Bay should be focused on.
Whether or not the Packers will actually show any level of interest in the 33-year-old defensive end remains to be seen. If they were to sign him, they would be able to head into the NFL Draft and have the ability to focus on other positions outside of edge rusher.
Spotrac has projected that Clowney will cost his next team around $5.7 million on a one-year contract.
Packers Could Take Chance on Former No. 1 Overall Pick