Can the Green Bay Packers Return to Form in 2026?
The Green Bay Packers had a busy offseason after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by their rival, the Chicago Bears. Green Bay finished 9-7-1, which just squeaked them into the postseason despite losing four straight games to end their regular season. Defensive end Micah Parsons went down with a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos, which would begin the losing streak and ultimately their elimination in the playoffs. Despite making it into the playoffs for the third straight season, head coach Matt Lafleur has started to sit on the hot seat, with fans disappointed in their early-round exits. The Packers haven’t made the Conference Championship since 2020, and haven’t won a Super Bowl since 2010. It became evident this would be the most important offseason for the team in years, but did they do enough to become contenders for their second Super Bowl appearance since 2000?
The Packers focused heavily on fixing their defense, but first had to part ways with edge rusher Rashan Gary and cornerback Nate Hobbs. To make up for these losses, however, the Packers signed cornerback Benjamin St-Juste and traded for linebacker Zaire Franklin. St-Juste has spent five seasons in the league, and despite a disappointing 2025 season with the Chargers, he will provide the Packers with a replacement for Hobbs. Franklin, who spent all eight years of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, will fill a major role for the Packers’ defense. The former Pro Bowler earned 125 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble last season, and is exactly the consistent player Green Bay needs. The Packers would then use this year's draft almost completely on defensive picks, using four of their five picks on defense to add depth. Green Bay’s star pass rusher, Parsons, should also return to form this year, recovering from his injury. While the necessary changes have been made on the defense, the offense will be the biggest question heading into next season.
Quarterback Jordan Love had another impressive season, throwing for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions despite dealing with injuries throughout the season. As consistent as Love has been, he’s lacked the weapons around him for most of his career. Unfortunately for the five-year veteran, not many changes happened to his receiving core for next season that could take them to the next level. The Packers would sign wide receiver Skyy Moore from the San Francisco 49ers, but mainly as depth for the catching unit. Extensions were made for wide receiver Jayden Reed and offensive lineman Sean Rhyan, who have earned their spots on the team and have started to become reliable for Green Bay. In an offseason where it felt necessary, there weren’t any eye-opening changes for the offense. However, this could be fixed before the trade deadline during the season if problems continue to arise and more players become available. The Packers will have a challenge on their hands next season to return to championship glory, as some more additions to the team will be needed to compete in the NFC North division.
