The Green Bay Packers entered the offseason hoping to strengthen a roster viewed as capable of competing deep into the playoffs. Instead, several evaluations of the team’s offseason work have delivered underwhelming grades that raised questions about whether the organization improved enough to seriously challenge the NFC’s elite teams in 2026.
Green Bay remained aggressive in several areas by making roster additions designed to support Jordan Love and improve overall depth. General manager Brian Gutekunst focused on building a team capable of winning immediately, but some analysts believe the franchise failed to make enough impact moves compared to other contenders across the conference.
Much of the criticism centers on whether the Packers adequately addressed key weaknesses exposed during critical stretches last season. While the roster still features significant young talent, concerns remain about consistency in the receiving corps, pass rush depth and overall defensive reliability entering a demanding schedule.
The Packers also placed considerable emphasis on the NFL draft, hoping incoming rookies could help strengthen multiple positions over the long term. However, offseason grades often reflected uncertainty about how quickly those young players can contribute to a team attempting to maximize its current championship window around Love’s continued development.
Green Bay Packers’ NFL Offseason Receives Discouraging Grade
Green Bay’s performance during the offseason this year has not been encouraging at all. This is detailed more in an analysis by Tyler Sullivan for CBS Sports.
C-
It doesn’t feel like Green Bay got noticeably better this offseason. The Packers made moves along the defense, adding Hargrave, Franklin and Cisse, but none of those exactly move the needle. Meanwhile, they lost Quay Walker, who led the team in tackles last season, and Rashan Gary, who was second behind Micah Parsons in sacks.
When you throw in the loss of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley (hired as the Dolphins’ head coach), the defense could take a bit of a step back.
Moreover, Romeo Doubs was one of their most reliable receivers, and both Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins were solid along the offensive line.
Despite the mixed evaluations, Green Bay’s leadership remains confident in the direction of the roster and the growth of its young core. The organization believes continuity within Matt LaFleur’s system, combined with internal development from several key players, could prove more valuable than splashier offseason moves made elsewhere around the league.
Ultimately, offseason grades rarely determine how a season unfolds once games begin in September. Still, the criticism surrounding Green Bay’s offseason reflects the rising expectations placed on a franchise that many believe possesses enough talent to contend, but still faces questions about whether it did enough to close the gap on the NFL’s top championship favorites.
