Packers Pre-Free Agency Roster Evaluation Part 2: Defense

As the 2026 NFL offseason begins and free agency approaches, Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and newly appointed defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon are evaluating the current roster to determine their defensive needs. After analyzing the offensive side of the ball, it’s time to break down the Packers’ defense, which will look to build upon a promising foundation while addressing some key areas for improvement.

Let’s dive into a position-by-position breakdown of where the defense stands heading into free agency and the 2026 season.

Defensive Tackle

Current Players: Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, Jordon Riley, Jaden Crumedy, James Ester, Anthony Campbell, Dante Barnett

While the Packers have good depth at defensive tackle, this group faces a significant need for improvement. With the departure of Kenny Clark last year via trade, the interior defensive line has been a major concern. Devonte Wyatt showed promise but struggled with consistency, while Karl Brooks has yet to develop into an every-down player. Colby Wooden, once viewed as a potential starter, seemed to plateau after a strong start to the 2025 season.

The team has several intriguing depth options in Brinson, Stackhouse, and Riley, but none are ready to be relied upon for significant snaps. Wyatt’s injury on Thanksgiving highlighted how badly the Packers’ front needs a boost, and with a relatively underwhelming draft class for defensive tackles, adding a player to this position is a critical need.

If the Packers opt to sign a free agent, the choices are limited, with many available options being on the older side. Gutekunst has indicated that they may be open to signing a veteran, but a draft pick is likely to be invested in this position, especially with the team’s need for more interior pass-rush presence.

Edge Rusher

Current Players: Micah Parsons, Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver

The edge rusher position for the Packers looks solid on paper, but there are some important questions that need to be addressed. Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary provide a strong starting duo, but Parsons may miss a few games to start the season due to injury, and Gary has been inconsistent despite his lucrative contract. His performance is under the microscope, and there’s speculation that his future with the team could be at risk if his production doesn’t improve.

The Packers also need to decide whether to pick up Lukas Van Ness’s fifth-year option. Van Ness has the talent to step into a larger role, but if Gary stays on the roster, it may be harder for him to get significant playing time.

Depth options like Sorrell and Oliver are valuable for now, but if Gary is released or traded, the Packers may look to add another edge rusher in the draft or even via free agency. A strong pass rush is key for Gannon’s defense, and adding another player to the mix would only improve the team’s chances of competing in 2026.

Linebacker

Current Players: Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Jamon Johnson

Linebacker is arguably the thinnest position group on the Packers’ defense, especially with the potential departure of Quay Walker, who could be on his way out of Green Bay. Isaiah McDuffie and Edgerrin Cooper are potential starters, but neither has proven themselves as every-down players in Gannon’s defense.

The Packers will need to add depth to this position group, especially since Gannon’s system places a premium on versatile linebackers who can cover, blitz, and stop the run. The good news is that both the free agency and draft classes for linebackers are deep, providing the Packers with plenty of options to improve this unit.

McDuffie’s role as a starter will likely be determined by his performance in training camp, but regardless of whether he or Cooper emerges as the primary starter, the Packers need more bodies and talent at this position to compete at a high level in 2026.

Cornerback

Current Players: Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Nate Hobbs, Kamal Hadden, Shemar Bartholomew, Tyron Herring, Bo Melton

The cornerback position is a bit of a mixed bag for the Packers. While Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine have shown promise, the unit still has question marks, especially after Nate Hobbs struggled mightily in his first season with the team. Hobbs‘ poor performance last year is a major concern, and the Packers will need him to step up in 2026, or they may look to move on from him entirely.

Kamal Hadden has the potential to contribute, though he is coming off a serious ankle injury, and Bo Melton, who has experience as both a wide receiver and cornerback, could provide additional depth. With Jaire Alexander holding down the top spot on the depth chart, the Packers can afford to focus on finding depth via the draft.

Cornerback seems like a position the Packers could address more heavily in the draft rather than through free agency. There are plenty of talented prospects available, and adding another playmaker to this group could improve the secondary’s overall performance.

Safety

Current Players: Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo, Johnathan Baldwin, Jaylin Simpson, Mark Perry

Safety is the one position where the Packers can feel very confident heading into 2026. Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams have been excellent as the starting safety duo, and Javon Bullard provides valuable depth with the ability to step in at his natural position if needed.

Oladapo, who has been buried behind the talented safety depth, still has potential and could provide depth, but overall, the Packers are set at this position. The team has strong, consistent players at safety, and they likely won’t need to make any major changes here during the offseason.

Conclusion: Key Areas for the Packers to Address

As the Packers prepare for free agency and the 2026 season, their defense is in a solid but not perfect position. There are clear areas that need to be strengthened, particularly along the defensive line and linebacker corps. With Jonathan Gannon now leading the defense, the team will look to add players who can fit into his system, improving the pass rush and coverage abilities.

The Packers are in a good spot with Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams anchoring the secondary, and Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine showing potential in the cornerback room. Still, the team needs to bolster their depth in key positions, especially as they look to build a defensive unit capable of competing with the best in the NFC.

Whether through free agency or the draft, Gutekunst has plenty of options to improve the defense and set the Packers up for success in 2026 and beyond.