Wicks was a useful guy, hence why the Eagles traded for him amid all the AJ Brown saga. Still, the Packers saw no issues in letting him go. They also lost Romeo Doubs this offseason, so it’s quite a shakeup in the WR room.

Christian Watson is set to be the WR1 of the team. Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden come as the next alternatives. The Packers also have Will Sheppard, Savion Williams, Skyy Moore, Bo Melton, Isaiah Neyor, and Jakobie Keeney-James on the roster.

The Packers must pray Christian Watson stays healthy

The talk around the Packers’ wideouts is that they are always filled with B+ players, not playmakers. The one that could go to that tier is Christian Watson. However, he is consistently injured. Hence, if Watson is healthy, they have a gamechanger, but having him available has been an issue.

Many pressure is also on Matthew Golden too. Golden was a first round pick, so the expectations for him is quite big. He must deliver and take a step forward on this offense if the Packers want a top-tier offense in the NFL.

A healthy Packers offense is a problem

If Watson is healthy, and Golden takes a leap, the Packers should be a big-time offense. Jordan Love is an above average quarterback, and Josh Jacobs is a top-tier running back in the NFL. All this lined up with the playcalling of head coach Matt LaFleur.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Eagles sent a 2026 5th-round pick, and a 2027 6th-round pick to the Packers for Wicks. Not only that, but Wicks will sign a one-year, $12.5 million extension with Philadelphia.

While Eagles GM Howie Roseman assured that AJ Brown still belongs to Philadelphia, Roseman is also known for being an aggressive negotiator, especially when the draft rolls around. That’s how he landed Brown in the first place.

Why don’t the Eagles want to lose AJ Brown?

Brown is an elite, cornerstone wide receiver in the middle of his prime. Arguably a top five wideout in the NFL, Brown was instrumental for the team’s Super Bowl run in 2024. However, things have gone sour between Brown, the team, and quarterback Jalen Hurts.

With Brown on the roster, the Eagles have won 73.5% of the games, bolstering a 50-18 record. While Roseman is reluctant to let him leave, he must be working on a plan B if push comes to shove. After all, Wicks is not good enough to replace him.

The Eagles might already have Brown’s replacement

Lining up in the other side of the field, it’s Devonta Smith. He is a very talented receiver, and has WR1 quality. Hence, if the Eagles need it, they could promote him to WR1, and get a haul for Brown and use it to strengthen other areas.

If Brown gets traded, the assets coming in should be of a top quality. Hence, there are options. Wicks coming in from the Packers, as well as the return of tight end Dallas Goedert, could be signs of what’s to come.

While not compelled to trade Lawrence, New York may find it best to move on from its star defensive lineman rather than drag out the drama and risk tension inside the locker room. If that’s the case, a report indicates the Giants have established their asking price for Lawrence to the rest of the NFL. As a result, the Bills and Bears may have a significant advantage over the Packers and Jaguars.

The Giants are reportedly asking for a late first-round or second-round 2026 selection in return for Lawrence. Chicago and Buffalo both have late first-round picks (25th and 26th overall picks, respectively) for the upcoming NFL Draft, whereas Green Bay and Jacksonville have both traded their first-rounders (20th and 24th overall, respectively).

The Packers and Jags could always make a trade to get back into the first round of the draft, but the odds of them making a move for a first-rounder only to send it to the Giants are slim. Thus, the Bills and Bears could be in pole position to make a trade for Lawrence happen. Both teams could really use a powerful nose tackle, and “Sexy Dexy” may be the best option out there, even as he comes off a down year in East Rutherford.

If it comes down to a second-round pick

In case the Giants settle for a second-round pick in a move involving Lawrence II, then the Bills could be in trouble. Buffalo traded its second-rounder (60th overall) to none other than Chicago, that has two picks in the second round (57th and 60th overall).

As for the Jaguars and Packers, they could tilt the scale in their favor thanks to their second-rounders. Still, it seems Jacksonville (56th) and Green Bay (52nd) would have to give up something more to come away with Lawrence. Especially if Chicago is in the mix, and is serious about bolstering its defense that recorded just 35 sacks last season—tied for fifth-least in the NFL.

Lawrence’s stats in 2025

Coming off a career year in 2024, Lawrence seemed to be missing a gear in the 2025 NFL season. He followed his career-high 9-sack campaign in 2024 with a measly 0.5 sacks the following year. Considering Lawrence missed five games in 2024 and didn’t miss a single outing in 2025, his low production definitely raised concerns in New York.

Now, he is looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Lawrence isn’t interested in seeing what John Harbaugh can make happen in the Big Apple. Whether the feeling is reciprocal or not remains to be seen. One thing is clear, though: the Giants won’t give Lawrence away. If New York trades him, it won’t be for peanuts.

In the 2025 NFL Players Association survey, Matt LaFleur suffered a setback in his grade from Packers players. He dropped from an A-minus in 2024 to a B-minus in 2025, with players indicating they felt the head coach did not treat them with enough respect.

LaFleur is aware of the massive impact this perception can have inside the locker room. For that reason, the head coach believes he must improve communication with both players and coaches to avoid any misunderstandings that could impact their performance.

“I don’t feel that way, but unfortunately some guys did,” LaFleur said, via ESPN. “That tells me I’ve got to do a better job of communicating. It goes back to the relationship piece. I think it’s so critical. We always talk about connected teams are powerful teams, and we have to grow that connection. Certainly that’s been a topic of conversation within our building of — how do we get these guys a little closer? Because the more they know each other, I think the more they’re going to battle for one another.”

A lot of pressure in Green Bay

Prior to signing his contract extension, Matt LaFleur stated multiple times that he believed he would stay in Green Bay for the long term. Now that the club has given him a new deal, the pressure is on the head coach.

The Packers have not yet reached the level of success expected with Matt LaFleur as head coach and Jordan Love as quarterback. While they have reached the Conference Championship twice, they lost both games, which is not at all what the front office envisioned.

This year, following a disappointing 2025 season, the pressure has increased significantly. With a new contract, LaFleur needs to prove he was the right choice. Love is also under the spotlight following the massive four-year, $220 million extension he signed in 2024.

The panorama in the NFC North

Last year, the Chicago Bears surprised many by winning the NFC North title. While the Packers also advanced, they were eliminated in the Wild Card round by those same Bears, their longtime rivals.

For 2026, the outlook appears even more complicated. The Vikings are set to improve with either J.J. McCarthy or Kyler Murray under center, and the Lions are not expected to have as poor a year as their last one. Meanwhile, the Bears now appear to be the frontrunners to secure the division title for the second year in a row. It is a tough scenario for Matt LaFleur and the Packers.

“Many teams in this league are only as good as your guy pulling the trigger, so we feel like we’re very fortunate to have one of those guys that I think the sky’s the limit for him,” LaFleur said to NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo.

Achieving good results isn’t just about talent. Often, the connection and human relationships can play a crucial role in fostering strong performance on the field.

“We trust each other quite a bit. I would say our relationship’s really strong. It’s been cool to watch his evolution, not only as a player but as a man. From the time we drafted him to where he is now, and he’s about to be a dad here really, really soon in a couple weeks. But he’s really developed into a really good leader for us.”

Love owes a Super Bowl

Despite racking up 10,929 passing yards, 80 touchdowns, and a solid 27-19-1 record over three years as the Packers’ starter, Jordan Love has yet to reach a Super Bowl. While he has consistently led Green Bay to the postseason with three playoff trips and only 28 interceptions, championship success remains the final hurdle for the star quarterback as he enters the 2026 season.

LaFleur remains a force in Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers signed Matt LaFleur to a multi-year contract extension (expected to earn approximately $15 million per year) in January 2026, securing his leadership after a 9-7-1 season. Despite the latest Wild Card exit, the organization prioritized stability for Jordan Love by locking in the coach who holds a dominant 76-40-1 career record.

After the 2025 NFL season, rumors swirled about the Packers potentially parting ways with Matt LaFleur. Surprisingly, the club went the other way and gave him a multi-year extension that will reportedly pay him around $9 million per year.

The move shocked many, including Packers fans. However, quarterback Jordan Love believes it was a smart decision, as consistency and avoiding a new system are key for him to perform at a peak level.

“Being able to keep Matt around is awesome, and I’m very happy about that,” QB Jordan Love told Kyle Malzahn of WFRV. “It’s a lot to learn a whole new system and new terminology. As a quarterback, being in the same system, the same terminology, it definitely helps me out.”

Matt LaFleur needs to prove his worth

Matt LaFleur has been the Packers’ head coach since 2019, achieving a 76-40-1 record (.654). However, postseason success has continuously eluded Green Bay.

The Packers have reached the Conference Championship twice under LaFleur’s guidance, losing in 2019 to the 49ers and a year later to the Buccaneers. This is why LaFleur is being so heavily criticized by fans and analysts.

Last year, the front office invested two first-round picks to acquire Micah Parsons, who unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury. However, with a healthy roster, expectations are sky-high for Green Bay in 2026.

Jordan Love also faces significant pressure

Not only is Matt LaFleur under the spotlight, but so is Jordan Love. The quarterback’s talents are undeniable, but he currently lacks the “clutch” factor that separates elite signal-callers from the rest of the pack.

In three years as a starter, Love has taken the Packers to the playoffs each season. Nevertheless, with that experience, fans are demanding he step up and finally become the franchise quarterback they expect him to be.

Anthony Richardson is still part of the Colts, though he is not a guy seen in the future of the team. Hence, he could be a cheaper QB with plenty of upside (though still very raw) for the Packers to go for.

Per Holder, the QB “would be attracted to a situation that pairs him with a proven QB developer. There are several coaches out there that check that box, including Matt LaFleur.” After all, Richardson is only 23 years old and a freak athlete.

LaFleur has a great developing reputation

When Malik Willis arrived in Green Bay he was as raw as a prospect can be. While being Jordan Love’s backup, Willis learned and developed under LaFleur. When he played, he shined. In fact, LaFleur is the reason why Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal.

Same as Willis, Richardson is a very raw product, yet incredibly talented. Hence, he could see LaFleur as the best possible candidate. Richardson should see this as the opportunity to finally flourish.

Richardson must understand he will still not play much

Jordan Love is the undisputed QB1 of the Packers. So, if Richardson goes there, he must have the understanding that he is not even going to compete for the job. However, it’s a chance to make something out of his career. And, when Jordan Love gets banged up, a solitary good performance would get his stock elevated massively. Richardson must be wise, and the Packers are a wise choice.

At a time when teams are looking to lock in their key players, release others, or evaluate potential moves, Matt LaFleur will have one of his top defensive assets for a few more years.

Adam Schefter revealed via X: “Just ahead of free agency, the Packers and OT Sean Rhyan reached agreement on a three-year, $33 million extension with a max value of $39 million.

“The deal contains an $11 million signing bonus, and prevents Rhyan from hitting the free-agent market. The deal was negotiated by Sam Mirza, Cameron Foster and Chris Cabott.”

Love, the biggest beneficiary

Sean Rhyan’s extension is a major win for Jordan Love’s protection, especially following Rhyan’s seamless transition to center last season. After taking over the pivot in 2025, the former UCLA standout anchored an offensive line that allowed Love to finish with a 101.2 passer rating, surrendering only one sack over his final nine starts.

By stabilizing the interior and reducing interior pressure, Rhyan’s development has directly enabled Love’s career-low 1.4% interception rate, securing a high-level pocket for the Packers‘ offense heading into 2026.

Financial flexibility remains a key theme for their front office. Several contracts, potential extensions and looming roster decisions will influence how much room the team truly has to maneuver once the new league year begins.

Around the NFL, cap management often determines how aggressively a team can act. The numbers behind the 2026 cap could quietly dictate everything from free-agent strategy to the future of key players already on the roster.

How much is the Packers’ cap space in 2026?

The Green Bay Packers have roughly $2.7 million in available salary cap space for the 2026 season under the Top-51 rule, according to Spotrac. That figure places them toward the lower end of the league in terms of cap flexibility.

The relatively tight margin comes from their overall financial structure. The team’s adjusted salary cap at about $309.1 million, factoring in the projected 2026 NFL cap along with rollover money from the previous year and minor adjustments.

At the moment, their active roster allocations exceed $302 million, leaving only a small cushion available. Despite the limited space, Green Bay’s situation is not necessarily restrictive.

The franchise carries around $17.1 million in dead cap, which is a moderate figure compared with many teams across the NFL. Also, several large contracts are shaping the Packers’ 2026 financial picture.

Quarterback Jordan Love leads the team with a cap hit of roughly $36.1 million, making him the most significant financial commitment on the roster. Edge rusher Rashan Gary also carries a major cap charge of more than $28 million, while guard Aaron Banks is projected to count nearly $25 million against the cap.

Bears‘ HC Ben Johnson appeared on PFT Live, and he spent no time shading the Packers once again. “Who likes the Packers? The Bears and the Packers, they should not like each other,” Johnson explained. “I think that’s gonna make this rivalry, this game, something that people are going to watch here going forward.”

The Bears were 2-1 against the Packers in 2025, including the Wild Card Round, where the Bears eliminated Green Bay in a thrilling game. Right now, it’s not only Packers vs Bears, but also Johnson vs LaFleur.

Johnson and LaFleur have no love for each other

During the interview, Johnson was asked about his relationship with LaFleur. “We don’t talk, I’m good with it.” Then, the Bears HC was asked if he has ever reached out to LaFleur. His reply: “No.“

The fact is these two coaches are not friends, and likely will never be. Ben Johnson, however, has continued to charm the Bears fans with his great coaching and attitude. This is something the Bears have long waited for.

This is not the first time Johnson has aimed at the Packers

During his introductory press conference, Johnson said he enjoyed beating the Packers twice a year. After beating them in the NFL Playoffs, Johnson screamed “F— the Packers! F— them!” Johnson actually didn’t apologize for that at all. He instead said, “I don’t like that team.”

Last offseason, the Packers entered win-now mode by trading two first-round picks to the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons. The bold move, however, did not produce the expected results, as the star pass rusher suffered a season-ending injury in early December.

Despite that setback, Green Bay believes its championship window remains open. Even without a first-round pick this year, the organization is determined to strengthen the roster around Love, and the draft may represent its best opportunity to do so.

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst hints at aggressive draft strategy

Entering an NFL Draft without a first-round pick is far from ideal. The Packers sacrificed significant draft capital for Parsons, hoping the addition would accelerate their path to contention.

After falling short of expectations in 2025, questions naturally emerged about the long-term impact of that trade. With no first-round picks in 2026 or 2027, the pressure is mounting on the front office to maximize every opportunity available.

However, lacking a first-round selection does not necessarily mean staying put. General manager Brian Gutekunst has indicated the Packers will evaluate all top prospects, hinting that moving up into the first round remains a possibility if the right prospect becomes available.

“It’s important that we don’t skip any of those steps,” GM Brian Gutekunst said on analyzing all top prospects, via Packers.com. “Getting to know these players inside and out, whether it be for this draft or going into free agency and their professional career is really, really important for us. So the groundwork that our scouts do on these players in college really does carry over quite a bit into our pro scouting staff and how we look at these players.

“It’s about winning now. If there’s players who we can sign that give us the opportunity to win now more so than holding out for a compensatory pick in 2027, that’s the decision we’re going to make. It’s a factor, but the most important thing is our ability to win in 2026.”

Packers’ key needs for the 2026 season

Green Bay has assembled a competitive roster around Jordan Love, but the 2026 offseason presents new challenges. Offensive linemen Sean Rhyan and Rasheed Walker are both set to enter free agency, making the offensive line a priority area of concern.

Protecting Love will be essential to the team’s success moving forward. For that reason, the Packers are expected to closely monitor top offensive line prospects and could consider trading up to secure a player capable of making an immediate impact.