Packers 2025 offseason

[LouisEly]

2 hours ago, Fear The Chorizo said:

Despite the current cap room, they do have in-house talent that will need to get paid over the next calendar year if they don't want to have cap issues again in the near future, and some of this year's cap room will get eaten up with extension signing bonuses.

There's no talent on a team that went 11-6 last season!  Weren't you told that they're one of the worst teams in the league?

[bigred]

6 hours ago, CheezWizHed said:

Who would you have signed this season? 

Wasn't just talking about this year. This year's crop wasn’t the greatest to choose from. Over the past several seasons though, they should have either drafted a WR in the first rd, or signed a top FA #1 WR. The FO needs to understand that Love isn't at the level of Rodgers & Favre, and never will be. He'll never be the type of QB who can make below average WR's look like HOF'ers. He needs a true #1 PRONTO. Personally, I would have traded a crap ton, to get Higgins away from Cincinnati, before the used the franchise tag on him. 

[BrewerFan]

2 hours ago, bigred said:

Wasn't just talking about this year. This year's crop wasn’t the greatest to choose from. Over the past several seasons though, they should have either drafted a WR in the first rd, or signed a top FA #1 WR. The FO needs to understand that Love isn't at the level of Rodgers & Favre, and never will be. He'll never be the type of QB who can make below average WR's look like HOF'ers. He needs a true #1 PRONTO. Personally, I would have traded a crap ton, to get Higgins away from Cincinnati, before the used the franchise tag on him. 

Tee Higgins? What is a "crap ton," and how do you pull that off before they tag him? 

I won't go into what Love will "never be," as I think that's silly, but Higgins has been tagged before Free Agency has started(you can't do so after). And I don't think he's a #1. But you'd be trading and paying him as though he's a #1. 

I honestly don't get the fixation with Higgings like he's right in that group with Jefferson, Chase, Lamb and...I don't even know who else you'd be talking about. He also not really the type of WR that we need. 

If you wanted anyone, DK would make more sense. A deep threat. Higgings is a possession WR. He's a nice...solid, reliable WR. Not giving up a 1st for him and a "crap ton" sounds like a lot more than a 1st. 

Quote

It would be nice, though, if they actually would sign a big free agent once in a while. 

Xavier McKinney doesn't qualify? Their biggest need last year...the top player at that position?

I thought that was a "big free agent" and you just said this years crop wasn't the greatest to choose from. 

[CheezWizHed]

On 4/19/2025 at 8:00 PM, bigred said:

Wasn't just talking about this year. This year's crop wasn’t the greatest to choose from. 

This was my point.  People chirping about them not doing much in FA, then when you get down to naming names, suddenly we understand why they didn't. 

So who should they have signed last year then (other than McKinney and Jacobs that worked out wonderfully)?

[HarveysWBs]

On the whole “Packers don’t draft well” narrative, the eye test to me concurs with those who say Gute has gotten solid value after round 1, but hasn’t found very many stars, particularly with his first round picks. But, then again, the Packers often pick in the bottom third, so parsing this thing out would have to boil down to comparing the pack’s 1st round success rate to other teams that consistently pick at the end of rounds: KC, SF, maybe BUF? Would there be a better way to settle it than this?

[OldSchoolSnapper]

On 4/19/2025 at 3:42 PM, LouisEly said:

There's no talent on a team that went 11-6 last season!  Weren't you told that they're one of the worst teams in the league?

Ah, we're just doing the strawman thing now. Please link to the post in which anyone claimed the Packers were the worst, or even bad, or had no talent. 

I don't remember reading it, and a page or two back I have them pegged to 10-7, personally. Or is it just difficult for the fans to stomach anything besides labeling them the best team in the universe in April?

I have seen the same sentiment from 3-4 people including myself: That the Packers are probably in the bottom of the top 10 teams, but have done little to convince doubters that they will be in contention with the top 5. When you recreate or just, you know, lie about the things people say, that's not a good debate tactic.

[JosephC]

Gutekunst on Jaire Alexander in yesterday's post-draft press conference-

"Yeah, no real updates on that, again, we'll work through that as we go.  But no updates there and he's on our roster right now and that's how we'll proceed, but, um, we'll figure that as we go along."

 

[BrewerFan]

On 4/21/2025 at 8:11 PM, HarveysWBs said:

On the whole “Packers don’t draft well” narrative, the eye test to me concurs with those who say Gute has gotten solid value after round 1, but hasn’t found very many stars, particularly with his first round picks. But, then again, the Packers often pick in the bottom third, so parsing this thing out would have to boil down to comparing the pack’s 1st round success rate to other teams that consistently pick at the end of rounds: KC, SF, maybe BUF? Would there be a better way to settle it than this?

I don't know, none of them actually look that impressive when you go back and look through the years. 

The 49ers hits are early. Bosa, Buckner(that's a long time ago for this discussion...). We'll see how Ricky Pearsall does, but it's actually pretty surprising to me going back and looking year by year how those teams have drafted. 

Even the Eagles. What they did that was impressive was the way they moved up and down, but that trade that involved Wentz and then they must have traded back another year as they had multiple firsts in a couple drafts and were able to take Jevon Carter 9th, Jordan Davis 13th, they traded for AJ Brown. Just had extra 1sts to play with....which is why that Atlanta deal would have been a boring deal for this year, but a great move long term(and I think Golden is a very good pick). 

Of course, it we did that, the comments would be about how we don't really want to win, so...sometimes you can't win as a GM!

[BrewerFan]

4 hours ago, JosephC said:

Gutekunst on Jaire Alexander in yesterday's post-draft press conference-

"Yeah, no real updates on that, again, we'll work through that as we go.  But no updates there and he's on our roster right now and that's how we'll proceed, but, um, we'll figure that as we go along."

 

Silverstien wrote yesterday that sources inside the organization said nothing had changed and they still don't expect Jaire to be on the team, but...because he has no roster bonus and just a 700K off-season bonus, there's no urgency to trade him. 

We're definitely going to learn something from the minicamps. Does he show up, is he excused. If he shows up, is going to be on the field or will the Packers not let him(injury would make this worse). 

 

If they cut him...they absolutely have to sign another CB. Samuel if he's healthy or Fulller, Gilmore, whoever. 

[LouisEly]

50 minutes ago, BrewerFan said:

Of course, it we did that, the comments would be about how we don't really want to win, so...sometimes you can't win as a GM!

But Gutey said urgency!!!  They can't trade back and have urgency!!!

[OldSchoolSnapper]

They already signed a corner and more importantly Jaire was barely on the team last season. They also signed two UDFAs and knowing the Packers, it's a lot more likely one of them makes the team or they tack on another team's cuts than it is that they sign a veteran at this point of the year. They would have already signed one of the notable names if they wanted to.  

Realistically they are at a net loss of one corner without Jaire. +Hobbs, -Ballentine and Stokes. 

[HarveysWBs]

4 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

Silverstien wrote yesterday that sources inside the organization said nothing had changed and they still don't expect Jaire to be on the team, but...because he has no roster bonus and just a 700K off-season bonus, there's no urgency to trade him. 

We're definitely going to learn something from the minicamps. Does he show up, is he excused. If he shows up, is going to be on the field or will the Packers not let him(injury would make this worse). 

 

If they cut him...they absolutely have to sign another CB. Samuel if he's healthy or Fulller, Gilmore, whoever. 

The answer has been out there all along: the guy who never should have left.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Douglas was bad last year. I just don't see it. They have a bunch of super young CBs on their roster right now. It's the Packers. They'll let those guys duke it out for depth. I will be very surprised if they sign a veteran unless it's someone cut by another team.

[BrewerFan]

On 4/27/2025 at 10:32 PM, HarveysWBs said:

The answer has been out there all along: the guy who never should have left.

Yeah, I'd definitely do that. Especially since...we're going to almost certainly be playing the same type of coverages next year. We don't have the personnel to play much man, so...Rasul in a cover 2 zone scheme, he can press, he can sink and read the QBs eyes and he can come up with turnovers. 

 

Most importantly, unless they just love these guys they have who are right now the #4 and #5 Corners, they need bodies. 

I'd love to see them sign Samuel Jr, but...he's got some shoulder issue that seems like a possible shoulder/neck issues. 

Kendall Fuller was an elite cover corner two years ago. Last year he'd have probably been our best CB.

If you brought back Jaire, Fuller and Jaire would allow you to do some different things, but that's unlikely. So Fuller, Rasul, wait and see on Asante, Gilmore...someone really has to be added. 

 

If we're talking about urgency, then letting unproven guys fight it out for the 4th and 5th CB position seems.... unwise. As for Douglas...I'd also pointed out...he was bad before he came to GB the first time around.

[BrewerFan]

On 4/27/2025 at 6:01 PM, LouisEly said:

But Gutey said urgency!!!  They can't trade back and have urgency!!!

By the way, anyone mention we signed Isaiah Simmons?

The 6'4 238LB LB from Clemson who....once seemed like a mix of Sean Taylor but bigger, more athletic, could cover the slot, ran a 4.39, 39 vertical, 33 3/8th inch arms, 11 foot broad jump...

Still just 26 years old he seems like he could carve out a little niche role as a STs ace, I could see him as a 3rd down LBer in some 3rd and short looks, maybe playing spy vs some QBs. 

He's had some success. He's flashed. Not good vs the run, and they said the Packers would play him at DB...but I'm guessing that was misreported?

 

Interesting player though. Hope for a resurgence for him...maybe?

[CheezWizHed]

4 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

By the way, anyone mention we signed Isaiah Simmons?

The 6'4 238LB LB from Clemson who....once seemed like a mix of Sean Taylor but bigger, more athletic, could cover the slot, ran a 4.39, 39 vertical, 33 3/8th inch arms, 11 foot broad jump...

Still just 26 years old he seems like he could carve out a little niche role as a STs ace, I could see him as a 3rd down LBer in some 3rd and short looks, maybe playing spy vs some QBs. 

He's had some success. He's flashed. Not good vs the run, and they said the Packers would play him at DB...but I'm guessing that was misreported?

 

Interesting player though. Hope for a resurgence for him...maybe?

I was thinking more of a Wilson replacement - at least on ST.  Then see what he can bring on defense as a bonus.  Probably competing with Welch for the final LB spot. 

[JosephC]

Simmons is 95% athlete, 5% football player.  He is terrible.  He's been tried as a rush backer, off the ball linebacker, safety, slot defender and pretty much has crapped out in all those roles.  The Cardinals spent a top 10 pick on him and then turned around and dumped him for a seventh rounder.  In 2023 he played in 33.42% of the Giants defensive snaps and in 2024 that number dropped all the way down to 16.53% despite appearing in all 17 games.  That pretty much says it all right there.

I'm looking at Collin Oliver as serving in a dual 10th defensive lineman (pass-rush specialist), 6th linebacker (developmental) role.  They will get him in practice and he will get more practice time at whichever spot he looks better.  So I don't think he plays into this discussion despite being the low man on the depth chart.

I hope the Packers did not sign Simmons thinking he'll be a slot defender.  If he's viewed as a linebacker, he battles it out with Welch for the 5th linebacker spot.  Cooper got the Packers 4th most snaps at linebacker last year at 45.09% and Hopper was 5th most at only 1.65%.  So if Hopper is a legitimate NFL player, and Simmons or Welch is the fifth linebacker, they probably won't see many snaps on defense.  If Hopper is a bust, there could be some significant snaps there...maybe not 45%, but anywhere from 33-40% is a real possibility (and more if other players get injured).  If the Packers want to use Simmons all over, based on his history, I think they will end up regretting it.  

[CheezWizHed]

1 hour ago, JosephC said:

Simmons is 95% athlete, 5% football player.  He is terrible.  He's been tried as a rush backer, off the ball linebacker, safety, slot defender and pretty much has crapped out in all those roles.  The Cardinals spent a top 10 pick on him and then turned around and dumped him for a seventh rounder.  In 2023 he played in 33.42% of the Giants defensive snaps and in 2024 that number dropped all the way down to 16.53% despite appearing in all 17 games.  That pretty much says it all right there.

I'm looking at Collin Oliver as serving in a dual 10th defensive lineman (pass-rush specialist), 6th linebacker (developmental) role.  They will get him in practice and he will get more practice time at whichever spot he looks better.  So I don't think he plays into this discussion despite being the low man on the depth chart.

I hope the Packers did not sign Simmons thinking he'll be a slot defender.  If he's viewed as a linebacker, he battles it out with Welch for the 5th linebacker spot.  Cooper got the Packers 4th most snaps at linebacker last year at 45.09% and Hopper was 5th most at only 1.65%.  So if Hopper is a legitimate NFL player, and Simmons or Welch is the fifth linebacker, they probably won't see many snaps on defense.  If Hopper is a bust, there could be some significant snaps there...maybe not 45%, but anywhere from 33-40% is a real possibility (and more if other players get injured).  If the Packers want to use Simmons all over, based on his history, I think they will end up regretting it.  

Remember that they waited until after the draft to sign him.  Even Welch was signed before the draft.  He signed with the NYG for $2M last year so this is most likely at a vet minimum deal.  So I doubt the Packers really expect he will be playing much on D this year. 

His PFF special teams grade last year was 88.4 however...  This is a Bisaccia birthday gift. 

 

[BrewerFan]

12 hours ago, JosephC said:

Simmons is 95% athlete, 5% football player.  He is terrible.  He's been tried as a rush backer, off the ball linebacker, safety, slot defender and pretty much has crapped out in all those roles.  The Cardinals spent a top 10 pick on him and then turned around and dumped him for a seventh rounder.  In 2023 he played in 33.42% of the Giants defensive snaps and in 2024 that number dropped all the way down to 16.53% despite appearing in all 17 games.  That pretty much says it all right there.

I'm looking at Collin Oliver as serving in a dual 10th defensive lineman (pass-rush specialist), 6th linebacker (developmental) role.  They will get him in practice and he will get more practice time at whichever spot he looks better.  So I don't think he plays into this discussion despite being the low man on the depth chart.

I hope the Packers did not sign Simmons thinking he'll be a slot defender.  If he's viewed as a linebacker, he battles it out with Welch for the 5th linebacker spot.  Cooper got the Packers 4th most snaps at linebacker last year at 45.09% and Hopper was 5th most at only 1.65%.  So if Hopper is a legitimate NFL player, and Simmons or Welch is the fifth linebacker, they probably won't see many snaps on defense.  If Hopper is a bust, there could be some significant snaps there...maybe not 45%, but anywhere from 33-40% is a real possibility (and more if other players get injured).  If the Packers want to use Simmons all over, based on his history, I think they will end up regretting it.  

I'm assuming they do not plan on playing Simmons as a slot or DB. That was ALMOST certainly a mistake that I saw.

I think he could be very useful vs a...Washington or a team with a mobile QB. I don't think he's going to have any regular role.

He looked so good at Clemson though...and he's still just 26, so I'm not expecting much, but I am hoping they can simplify things enough for him that he can be useful.

 

[BrewerFan]

20 hours ago, CheezWizHed said:

I was thinking more of a Wilson replacement - at least on ST.  Then see what he can bring on defense as a bonus.  Probably competing with Welch for the final LB spot. 

I like Welch a lot last year and I didn't like Hopper, though I hope he's taken a big step. 

But Special teams. In '22 he was used more as a pass rusher. he graded out well at that...but he's not an edge by any means.

The more than can simplify things for him and just let him worry about the weak side, he's the type of guy who could get out to the flat in time on one of those...insanely frustrating play-action passes the Lions and Vikings run particularly well. Most teams run them, but those teams are really good and have the threat at RB. 

 

I would think this is mostly for Bisaccia...obviously, but I'd think Hafley could imagine some uses for him. 

I think since Dumas-Johnson was the first UDFA we heard of(or one of them at least) and he's a pretty good athlete and more of a MLB and Welch....he looked pretty good last year, they may be competing for one spot. Or maybe whatever role they had pictured for Oladapo last year is what Simmons competes for? More of a sub LB, but the 53 man is going to be tight. 

[CheezWizHed]

2 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

I would think this is mostly for Bisaccia...obviously, but I'd think Hafley could imagine some uses for him. 

I think since Dumas-Johnson was the first UDFA we heard of(or one of them at least) and he's a pretty good athlete and more of a MLB and Welch....he looked pretty good last year, they may be competing for one spot. Or maybe whatever role they had pictured for Oladapo last year is what Simmons competes for? More of a sub LB, but the 53 man is going to be tight. 

Yes, those last spots could be interesting.  The LB squad got a bit more interesting without investing a ton in the draft.

Year 2 of Cooper has me excited.  I think he and the new DL coach might have the biggest net impact if our defense will improve. 

• Cooper - Walker - McDuffie - starters are pretty set.  I'm still hoping for Cooper at MLB and setting up the rest of the defense.  Just let Walker play and not worry about everyone else. 
• Hopper - last year was development for him and we didn't see him much.  McDuffie's biggest threat for the starting position, but still a low possibility this year. Feel like he is a boom or bust type player. 
• Oliver - probably your SAM development LB and dedicated pass rusher.  Having Walker, Cooper, and Oliver as blitzers could make life very interesting.  
• After those five locks, the rest are competing for likely one spot.
  • Welch - might have the upper hand with familiarity, but we did cut him last year too. 
  • Simmons - ST might make the day.  Athletic traits and not old, but on his third team and the likelihood of defense "clicking" is unlikely. 
  • JDJ - Sounds like some thought the UDFA was draftable. Probably the best prospect of the three to play on defense regularly. 

And while not a linebacker, Oladapo looked good in limited snaps at the end of last year.  I wouldn't be surprised to see a bit more of him this year after a year in the system.  I wouldn't mind seeing him in a light base formation, replacing McDuffie covering an RB or TE on obvious passing downs. 

[CheezWizHed]

I've decided to start believing the Jaire return whispers. 

If the Packers and JA were truly irreconcilable and the Packers haven't traded or cut him at this point, I'd assume he would be chirping away to the media to make it happen. 

It isn't the growing number of people whispering about it... it is his silence that gives me hope. 

Can't wait until our mandatory team activity as it would be nice to get a positive confirmation about it.  A healthy and happy Jaire makes this defense much more formidable. 

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Jaire coming back sounds great, until you remember that he has played 1/3 of the defensive snaps for 3 of the last 4 seasons. His health is as big of a question mark as his happiness.

[BrewerFan]

On 5/1/2025 at 3:55 PM, CheezWizHed said:

I've decided to start believing the Jaire return whispers. 

If the Packers and JA were truly irreconcilable and the Packers haven't traded or cut him at this point, I'd assume he would be chirping away to the media to make it happen. 

It isn't the growing number of people whispering about it... it is his silence that gives me hope. 

Can't wait until our mandatory team activity as it would be nice to get a positive confirmation about it.  A healthy and happy Jaire makes this defense much more formidable. 

I think the reason they didn't cut him or trade him is because...he just doesn't have any GTD money left. They were reportedly close to a trade but he was unwilling to take a cut. They haven't said much, but...they kinda confirmed they were looking to trade him. 

Jaire has never really been very vocal about complaining. He's just a pretty chill guy. I don't think they wanted to move on because he's a problem(like Za'Darius/Campbell). He just...hasn't played.

 

But then the off-season played out as it has and this is why stars want that GTD roster bonus on the backend so teams can't just string a player along like this... but they don't have to do anything until week 1 of the NFL season. Though, you don't want him in camp unless you're planning on going to the regular season with him. 

But just no real starting caliber CBs signed...and I hope Dobbs is good and I hope Valentine...who I'm a big fan of plays well and Nixon can keep playing physical and be a #3 CB, but the depth is....brutal and it was a weakness last year and you had Stokes who was at least decent in press and Ballentine who was good depth. 

I hope they bring him back. I wouldn't also like to see them keep their eyes out(as I'm sure they are) and maybe bring in a Gilmore aslo. You're going to keep....low end, 5 CBs. 4 is really just like 2 snaps away from a disaster, so presumably 5 CBs. You have 3. Maybe they really like Hadan. They didn't get the 1 or 2 really athletic UDFAs.

 

This feels like a desperation move. I suppose it's better than a desperation draft move and taking a guy they didn't like in the draft. 

 

Also, I think Jaire is pretty laid back and a pretty chill guy, so if you're going to reconcile with someone, I think it's Jaire who would actually prefer to be here(as long as he's making his agreed upon salary). 

 

Definitely like a Bucks-Middleton situation though. You don't need him for 17 games and the post-season, you just need him for the post-season. He's a game changer in Dec/Jan. 

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Was reading about Nick Chubb and a clickhole led me to Emmanuel Wilson...had no idea he ran for 500 yards last year at nearly 5 a pop.