No one knew what to expect from the Green Bay Packers to open up the 2026 NFL offseason.
With many free agents poised to leave town, there was hope that the Packers would be able to retain some key talent. At the very least, fans were hoping to see Brian Gutekunst and the front office get aggressive in adding talent from the outside.
Among the list of players who have decided to leave Green Bay this offseason are linebacker Quay Walker, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, quarterback Malik Willis, and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker. The Packers also chose to part ways with Rashan Gary, Emanuel Wilson, and Nate Hobbs, along with other players.
So far in free agency, the team has only made one sizable addition. That was the move to sign former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
Skyy Moore was also signed in free agency, but he is known for being a return man. He could help upgrade the special teams unit, but not much more.
With that being said, Green Bay is facing some harsh backlash for the way it has started the offseason.
Green Bay Packers Receive Brutal Grade for Free Agency Start
Bill Huber of On SI, a longtime reporter covering the Packers, did not hold back in his assessment of what the team has done so far this offseason.
In a new column taking a look at the beginning of free agency, Huber gave Green Bay a D+ grade. He also offered a short and brutal one-liner about the Packers’ free agency performance.
“There’s a saying that states if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse,” Huber wrote. “It’d be hard to argue the Packers have gotten better.”
A lot of talent has walked away from Green Bay. To this point, the front office does not seem motivated to replace much of it. Zaire Franklin was acquired in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts to replace Walker and Benjamin St-Juste was acquired to replace Hobbs.
Both of those players could see key roles in 2026, but there is more work to be done.
Packers Facing Uphill Battle If They Strike Out in Free Agency
Perhaps the Packers are trying to sign free agents. Maybe they will get more deals done in the near future.
However, should they be unable to do so, they’ll be in hot water. Due to the Micah Parsons trade last offseason, Green Bay does not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Without that pick, the Packers will have to draft nearly perfectly to fill the holes left on their roster.
Green Bay was close to being a Super Bowl caliber team last season. Seeing the team take a big step back in 2026 would be extremely disappointing.
Expect to continue hearing rumors about the Packers in the coming hours and days. It’s likely that they’re not done trying to bring in talent, but moves have to be made.
Packers Facing Heavy Backlash Following Dismal Free Agency Start