With the end of the offseason fast approaching, thank goodness, the number one take away from the Packers offseason is the team has identified their core. The Packers spent the majority of their offseason capital on extending key players rather than acquiring top free agents. The Packers extended Sean Rhyan, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and are in discussions to extend Tucker Kraft. With Love, Parsons, and Tom under long term contracts, the Packers core is clear.
The past few seasons were designed around playing the young talented players to see who can be the guys. With the recent moves off letting Rasheed Walker, Romeo Doubs, Kingsley Enagbare, and Quay Walker walk in free agency, trading Rashon Gary, Dontayvion Wicks, and Colby Wooden, releasing Nate Hobbs and Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay seemed more than comfortable with letting these player leave to make space for other players. Their focus has been making sure guys like Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Sean Rhyan, and Tucker Kraft are here for the long haul.
In addition to these roster moves, it became crystal clear that the Packers want to make way for players like Jordan Morgan, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams. The density of the Packers 2025 wide receiver made it challenging to get Golden on the field consistently. He should have no problem finding the field in 2026. A few weeks ago, Packers Offensive Coordinator Adam Stenavich told the media that “It’s going to be a big year for him.”, when asked about Golden. Stenavich also said that he is “really excited” to see Jordan Morgan play left tackle.
The Packers Difference in 2026 vs 2025 & 2024
The approach to how the Packers handle their rotation and playing time should be different in 2026 than the previous few years. Green Bay seemed comfortable with any of their wide receivers being on the field at any point. They seem willing to shuffle their offensive line. The Packers may continue that approach in 2026 to some extent but their current roster construction screams that they want certain players on the field. They want Jordan Morgan and Matthew Golden taking the majority, if not all, of the snaps. They know that more Christian Watson and more Jayden Reed will make their offense that much more dynamic.
The Packers free agent signings and trades confirm their plan to build this 2026 roster around this new core. Adding veterans like Javon Hargrave and Zaire Franklin adds experience and veteran leadership to the team. Signing Tyrod Taylor gives Jordan Love another guy to bounce ideas off of, especially one who has played for numerous teams and been apart of all sorts of schemes. The Packers are banking on these veteran additions to step in and propel players like Edgerrin Cooper, Jordan Love, and Devonte Wyatt to the next level.
The staff wants to find more ways for Kraft, Golden, Watson, and Reed to get the ball. It is no secret that the Packers team is better when Kraft is healthy and gets the ball. Reed is explosive after the catch and Watson gives the Packers offense a chance for a big play at any point. Golden is a young player with all sorts of untapped potential and talent. It is time for the Packers to cash in on these investments and it is time for these players to shine.
