The Green Bay Packers are about to enter April – aka draft month – and still have needs that need to be addressed. Now, don’t get me wrong. The Packers can line up for a game tomorrow, and honestly be competitive with how their roster is currently constructed. But, as Brian Gutekunst has said himself, “player acquisition in the NFL is a 365-day-a-year job.”
It doesn’t end. That’s just the nature of the beast. So, need isn’t always about whether or not a team can compete tomorrow, but also years down the line.
Because of that, it’s important to take into account player contracts.
With all of that in mind, let’s look into what positions are still a need for the Green Bay Packers:
Player Needs For The Packers Offense
Let’s break this down by position starting with quarterback.
As I mentioned in my last article, Green Bay still needs to determine who will be their backup quarterback. But that isn’t all. What about the starting quarterback? Jordan Love seems to be absolutely locked in as the starting quarterback for years to come. But, in all honesty, Green Bay already has a built-in out next offseason. This is according to Spotrac. The Packers have a designated time in which Love is owed an option bonus in 2027 that has to be paid out by the sixth day of the league year.
In other words, after 2027, all guaranteed money will have dried up and Love will more than likely be looking for a contract extension. In 2029, he will be a thirty-year-old free agent. Time moves fast. I wouldn’t expect it this year, but I would expect the Packers to draft a quarterback fairly high in next year’s draft to be the backup but also to have as a contingency plan. You know, just in case contract negotiations with Love head south.
Offensive Skill Positions
Now, onto other offensive players. What about running back? Yes, there is still a bit of need at running back. The Packers could start the season with Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks at the running back position for this season and be content. However, Lloyd hasn’t been healthy in his first two season in the league and Josh Jacobs will more than likely be a cap casualty next season.
The Packers very easily could draft a running back in this year’s draft, although I’m going to guess that their hope is that MarShawn Lloyd can stay healthy and draft one next season.
Green Bay also has need at tight end. They really need a third tight end who specializes in blocking but will also need to quickly find a replacement for Luke Musgrave for after this season.
The Wide Receiver Dilemma
Wide receiver is a whole other issue. The Packers are heading into the season with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams, Bo Melton, and Skyy Moore. The top five receivers are the first five listed above. With the addition of Bo Melton (who last season played cornerback too) and Skyy Moore in the return game, it really seems like the Packers are set at the position.
Here’s the rub. Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks both need extensions and honestly are not likely to get one from Green Bay. Skyy Moore is only signed for a one year deal while Bo Melton has only one year left as well, but is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent next offseason. Christian Watson only has one year left too, but I would be shocked if he didn’t get an extension.
In other words, the Packers only have Matthew Golden and Savion Williams under contract for next season pending a Christian Watson extension. The Packers will need to draft a receiver this year and cut ties with either Reed, Wicks, or Melton.
Packers Offensive Line
The Green Bay offensive line was the worst it has been in years last season. It wasn’t up to the Packers standards, but after signing back Sean Rhyan, the starting five might already be a lock. From left to right: Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, and Zach Tom are the likely starters. But, behind them, there isn’t much depth. Additionally, injuries happen while other players just don’t develop.
Of course, we hope this group can figure it out but the Packers need to add depth and contingency plans. Adding depth to the big guys up front is just good practice anyway.
Offensive Conclusion
As you can see, the Packers still have a ton of needs left to fill. And with only seven picks in this year’s NFL Draft, the Packers will likely be tapping back into the free agent market after the draft, specifically on Monday, April 27th after free agent pickups won’t affect the compensatory picks formula.
Next week, I’ll go over the needs that still remain on the defensive side of the ball! So, stay tuned!
And as always,
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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