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Green Bay Packers general manager, Brian Gutekunst, looking on prior to the game against the Detroit Lions on September 7, 2025.

The Green Bay Packers did not participate much in the first wave of NFL free agency. Brian Gutekunst signed both Javon Hargrave and Skyy Moore, but he didn’t move quickly to replace many of the team’s departures.

Speaking of players leaving the Packers, there have been a ton of big names heading out of town. Among those names are quarterback Malik Willis, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, linebacker Quay Walker, pass rusher Rashan Gary, cornerback Nate Hobbs, and offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker.

Green Bay also made the move to acquire linebacker Zaire Franklin in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.

Even though Gutekunst hasn’t been aggressive in free agency, there are still some players on the market he could consider pursuing.

Keeping that in mind, the Packers have been urged to consider making another defensive addition.

Packers Linked to $12.1 Million Free Agency Swing

Ernesto Cova of Dairyland Express has suggested former New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke as a player Green Bay should look to sign.

“Okereke is coming off the fourth-most tackles in a single season by any Giants player in franchise history, and even though he may not be the flashiest addition to this team, he’s a beloved and respected locker room presence, and that can never be underestimated,” Cova wrote.

“That’s why the Packers must get on the phone with his agent to hammer out a deal before March ends.”

Okereke spent the 2025 NFL season with the Giants. He played in 17 games, racking up 143 total tackles to go along with a sack, a fumble recovery, two interceptions, and six defended passes.

Green Bay Signing Okereke Wouldn’t Fix the Biggest Needs

While Okereke could be a nice addition for the Packers’ linebacker room, there are bigger fish to fry for the front office.

Green Bay badly needs to bring in help at the cornerback position. The other two main needs are defensive line and pass rushing.

No one will complain if Gutekunst signs Okereke. Fans are simply hoping to see some moves. However, it is extremely important after seeing how last season ended that the Packers address their two biggest defensive needs.

Expect to continue hearing rumors and speculation about what Green Bay could do. Unfortunately for frustrated fans, Gutekunst does appear to be playing the compensatory draft pick game, which will limit what he chooses to do in free agency.

Spotrac has projected that Okereke will cost his next team a deal worth around $12.1 million per season.

Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey