Packers 2026 Offseason

[CheezWizHed]

If Stackhouse is able to progress like TJ Slaton, he should be able to positively contribute this year at NT.  Slaton went:

• Rookie: Pushed around a lot
• 2nd: Not quite a starting caliber, but you could see progress.  Better at the end of the year than beginning. 
• 3rd: Starting every game with positive impact
• 4th: Solid Starter. 

Stackhouse last year reminded me of Slaton's rookie year - often pushed around with poor technique.  Now a year in, one offseason to work on his body and another TC to work on technique, he could be a solid backup or rotation NT. 

[JosephC]

Tom Silverstein is reporting that James Madison safety Jacob Thomas is one of the Packer's 30 visits.  He wasn't invited to the combine, currently projects as an undrafted player.  James Madison listed him at 6-0 3/4 and 212 pounds.  2025 stats = 14 games played, 71 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble.  3 year starter, was second team All-Sun Belt in each of the last two seasons.

James Madison posted some of the results from their pro day.  Thomas' 40 time = 4.45, vertical jump = 36.5, broad jump = 10'1", 20 shuttle = 4.21, 3-cone = 6.80.

 

[JosephC]

Texas Tech OLB-Romello Height is one of the Packers 30 visits.  Height went from Auburn to USC to Georgia Tech before landing at Texas Tech in his last college season.  He was All-Big 12 first team and finished the season with 14 games played, 38 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery and 2 forced fumbles.  Previous season at Georgia Tech: 12 games played, 34 tackles 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles.

Combine numbers = 6-2 3/4, 239 pounds, 32 1/4 arms, 9 1/2 hands, 4.64 40, 1.63 10, 39 inch vertical, 10'5" broad jump.  He currently projected as a third round pick.

[CheezWizHed]

31 minutes ago, JosephC said:

Texas Tech OLB-Romello Height is one of the Packers 30 visits.  Height went from Auburn to USC to Georgia Tech before landing at Texas Tech in his last college season.  He was All-Big 12 first team and finished the season with 14 games played, 38 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery and 2 forced fumbles.  Previous season at Georgia Tech: 12 games played, 34 tackles 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles.

Combine numbers = 6-2 3/4, 239 pounds, 32 1/4 arms, 9 1/2 hands, 4.64 40, 1.63 10, 39 inch vertical, 10'5" broad jump.  He currently projected as a third round pick.

Does he realize that in the NFL, he is going to have to stay with the same team for 3-4 years? 

[BrewerFan]

On 3/30/2026 at 10:38 AM, jay87shot said:

I agree that we wouldn't get much in value from Wicks, Reed, or Watson. However I could see a trade for a position player. Maybe Wicks for a CB or OL would work somewhere. 

Wick... Reed OR Watson? 

I guess that depends on what you consider "value" but I think a 2nd is pretty much the floor. 

The 2nd and 4th I was using Andy Herman's suggestions. But you did just see the deal that Romeo Doubs signed, right?

He doesn't have a fraction of the impact that Christian Watson does. Or Alec Pierce. Compare his impact to that of Watson's(even with the missed time). 

[BrewerFan]

On 3/30/2026 at 1:11 PM, jay87shot said:

If we don't get a backup QB in the draft what would thoughts be on bringing in Russell Wilson for a year as a backup? I get he has been a strange personality but I think he could fit the Malik Willis role for a couple games if need be.

We have 22 million in cap space left, after the draft I would guess that is like 12-15ish. Who left on the market would be your perferred signing? I would go with Taylor Decker or Cameron Jordan, I think as short term vets both could provide huge depth and upside to go along with proven leadership.

I don't think the draft is going to add anywhere near 10M(or even 7M) this year. The 2nd rd pick is a 1.6-1.7M cap hit. Even there, you're not just adding a new 1.7M, it's only ~600K added to the cap if you're replacing a player with just 1 year experiance. Once you get to the later rounds, it's only a few hundred K. In total I think the draft is only going to add 2-3M total. 


I do think Walker's paltry deal with the Panthers makes another similar signing possible. They were very clearly trying to ensure they'd get the maximum of 4 comp picks. Signing a FA who hasn't been released is basically like giving up a 6th rd pick at this point for Rasheed's pick. I'm sure they'd do that. 

Cam Jordan's very good vs the run. I think his 10 sacks were a little deceptive last year, but still a very good player. Also only 2 games missed. 

I don't see us going after Decker. It sounds like they like Morgan at LT, they thought he was a better LT last year, but needed to constantly be plugging holes at OG, RT. That's why I'd look at Zietler or someone on a one year deal. 

Zach Tom coming off a torn patellar tendon is terrifying. That's an injury that players can be slow to recover from. Zietler can still play OG at a reasonably high level, Benton looks more like a future RT than OG. 


I don't think much of Stackhouse, but Brinson looked really solid last year in limited snaps and seems to fit Gannon's scheme well. 

I'd bring back Treyvon Diggs, assuming he'll come back for ~5M for a year and look to add to the IOL. 

[JosephC]

ACME Packing Company is reporting that Illinois OG-Josh Gesky is one of the Packer's 30 visits.  Listed on Illinois' roster at 6-5, 335 pounds.  Redshirted in 2021, played mainly special teams in 2022, started 8 games in 2023 (began at RG, moved to LG) and started 26 games at LG over the last two seasons.  He was not invited to the combine and currently projects as an undrafted player.

Illinois had their Pro Day on March 12.  Gesky was 6-5, down to 310 pounds, ran the 40 in 4.94 second and did 30 reps of 225.  Coach Bert says he's the most NFL-ready of any player he's coached in the last few years.  Here is the link for more details-

https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2026/03/24/illinois-guard-josh-gesky-excels-at-pro-day-strong-interest-from-texans-to-visit-broncos/

[CheezWizHed]

13 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

Wick... Reed OR Watson? 

I guess that depends on what you consider "value" but I think a 2nd is pretty much the floor. 

The 2nd and 4th I was using Andy Herman's suggestions. But you did just see the deal that Romeo Doubs signed, right?

He doesn't have a fraction of the impact that Christian Watson does. Or Alec Pierce. Compare his impact to that of Watson's(even with the missed time). 

Don't confuse contract signing $$ with draft trade compensations... Recent WR trades have looked like:

• Pickens + 2027 6th round for a 2026 3rd and 2027 5th round. 
• DK Metcalf + 5th round pick for a 2nd and 7th round.
• Mike Williams for a 5th round
• Deebo Samuel for a 5th round
• Davante Adams for a conditional 3rd round

Pickens and Watson are probably the closest comparisons, but Pickens is still significantly more established with seasons of 801, 1140, and 900 yards prior to the trade. Watson tops out at 620. Pickens' return was about a 3rd round pick. 

DK Metcalf is what we hope Watson might become... got a net 2nd/3rd round return. 

Reed has done better than Watson yardage wise, but will be knocked as a slot only WR.  And he isn't as good as Pickens or Metcalf either. 

People just don't give up high draft picks for good but not great players. Especially with one season of control. 

[JosephC]

The rookie draft pool for the Packers is $7,955,118.  However, when subtracting out players that will get bumped off the roster after the rookies are added, OverTheCap estimates the Packers will only lose about 1.75 million in cap space.

Also note that the Packers are about 22 million under the cap.  However, since Nate Hobbs was designated a post June 1 cut, there is still an 8 million cap charge currently on the books that gets erased from 2026 and goes onto 2027 once we get to June.  So really, the Packers sit about 28 million under the cap after the rookies are added in.  I'm guessing they will be looking to stay about 15 million under the cap heading into the season for adding injury replacement players, insurance costs, etc....so I think they would still have about 13 million to spend.

If they don't do anything else in free agency, I will have major, major, major questions as to why they restructured Aaron Banks contract, which looks like it could become a very questionable move unless he shows dramatic improvement.

[LouisEly]

1 hour ago, JosephC said:

If they don't do anything else in free agency, I will have major, major, major questions as to why they restructured Aaron Banks contract

I think it's to free up space for some extensions.  Those signing bonuses will partially count towards the 2026 cap if they are signed before the end of the 2026 season.

[BrewerFan]

On 4/1/2026 at 10:27 AM, CheezWizHed said:

Don't confuse contract signing $$ with draft trade compensations... Recent WR trades have looked like

I'm not "confusing" anything. They both speak to value and I told you where who I was citing.

You're picking players who were traded because they demanded a trade on bad teams or had character concerns, large contracts.
Chase Claypool was traded for a 2nd.
Davante Adams was traded for a 1st. 

George Pickens is not the closest to Watson... Pickens was a nightmare in lock room for the Steelers. 
I don't recall Watson posting "free me" two years before a hypothetical trade(I also didn't cite Watson). 

You're conflating players with a WHOLE lot of other issues.

The Raiders were terrible and Adams was expensive.

Mike Williams? He was on a 2-7 Jets team that was trading everyone, Williams in 9 games that year had 12 receptions... and they got a 5th for him. 

I don't think those examples show anything. 

[BrewerFan]

15 hours ago, JosephC said:

If they don't do anything else in free agency, I will have major, major, major questions as to why they restructured Aaron Banks contract, which looks like it could become a very questionable move unless he shows dramatic improvement.

I think they'll do something else in Free Agency... and I still won't understand why they did ANYTHING to that contract. You're already paying him 20M for next year(new money)... and now it's 26M cap hit to get out next year. 
I thought they should have cut him... though I didn't think they would. Restructuring was the worst case IMO.

 

 

14 hours ago, LouisEly said:

I think it's to free up space for some extensions.  Those signing bonuses will partially count towards the 2026 cap if they are signed before the end of the 2026 season.

Yeah, but they could have done several other moves and still not done anything with Banks.
 
He was both bad AND hurt last year. He was the last guy I wanted to see restructured and I'd have been more than fine moving off him, going and getting one of the 4-5 quality veteran OGs on the market and been free of his cap hit next year. 

 
Hope I'm wrong on him and hope @JosephCis also wrong... I don't see any sign he's been worth 26M last year. 

[CheezWizHed]

5 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

I'm not "confusing" anything. They both speak to value and I told you where who I was citing.

You're picking players who were traded because they demanded a trade on bad teams or had character concerns, large contracts.
Chase Claypool was traded for a 2nd.
Davante Adams was traded for a 1st. 

George Pickens is not the closest to Watson... Pickens was a nightmare in lock room for the Steelers. 
I don't recall Watson posting "free me" two years before a hypothetical trade(I also didn't cite Watson). 

You're conflating players with a WHOLE lot of other issues.

The Raiders were terrible and Adams was expensive.

Mike Williams? He was on a 2-7 Jets team that was trading everyone, Williams in 9 games that year had 12 receptions... and they got a 5th for him. 

I don't think those examples show anything. 

If you weren't confusing FA $$ and trade value, why were your examples about FA $$? People have different values in FA than in trades.

Watson keeps getting injured, so that pretty well balances him with Picken's issues.  Pickens still outperformed him on the field. 

Adams' first trade is laughable to compare with Watson. You want to compare the best WR in the league with multiple ProBowls to a player that hasn't topped 700 yds receiving or played every game in a season yet? Adams put up 1500+ yards the season we traded him.  Watson has 2200 yards in his career.  Even last year Adams had more yards in the season than Watson has ever put up. 

Claypool is closer, but he still outperformed Watson before the trade (back-to-back seasons of 800+ yards) and had 2 years left on his rookie contract.   

[JosephC]

Arkansas RB-Mike Washington Jr. in for a visit. 6-1, 223 pounds  2025 = 12 games played, 167 rushes, 1070 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, 28 catches, 226 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown.  He played for New Mexico State in 2024.  2024 = 12 games played (4 starts), 158 rushes, 713 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, 9 catches, 74 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown.

Washington was a monster at the combine.  4.33 40 time, 1.51 10 time, 39" vertical, 10'8" broad jump.

Profile is pretty straight-forward with him.  Big, speed guy that can be pretty dynamic once he gets into the open field.  But at the same time, he is an indecisive runner that lacks good run vision.

Even though Washington appears solid as the third highest graded running back in this class, he currently project right around the area the Packers are picking in round three.

[JosephC]

Stephen F. Austin CB-Charles Demmings in for a visit.  6-1 1/8, 193 pounds.  2025 = 12 games played, 18 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 pass breakups.  2024 = 11 games played, 19 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, 10 pass breakups.

Combine numbers.  40 time = 4.41, 10 time = 1.55, 42" vertical, 11'0" broad jump.

Big and fast and can jump through the roof.  Tackling, not so good at that.  Currently grading out in the late round five/early round six area.  I think he's an interesting guy for a later round pick.

[JosephC]

13 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

I think they'll do something else in Free Agency... and I still won't understand why they did ANYTHING to that contract. You're already paying him 20M for next year(new money)... and now it's 26M cap hit to get out next year. 
I thought they should have cut him... though I didn't think they would. Restructuring was the worst case IMO.

 

 

Yeah, but they could have done several other moves and still not done anything with Banks.
 
He was both bad AND hurt last year. He was the last guy I wanted to see restructured and I'd have been more than fine moving off him, going and getting one of the 4-5 quality veteran OGs on the market and been free of his cap hit next year. 

 
Hope I'm wrong on him and hope @JosephCis also wrong... I don't see any sign he's been worth 26M last year. 

Prior to the Aaron Banks restructure, they would have had 6.75 million dollar cap hits in 2027 and 2028 if they cut him after this upcoming season with a post-June 1 designation.  After the restructure, those numbers are now 9.947 million in 2027 and 16.341 million in 2028 according to Over the Cap.  And his 2027 cap number will be 25.447, so even if he is "average," it will be hard to bring him back with a number like that.

[JosephC]

This morning I sat down and put together a draft board.  Basically compiled lists from respected writers and organizations (I'll count ESPN's ranking at being Scout INC rankings, as ESPN do not merit the term "respected" IMO).  There are other consensus lists all over the internet, but IMO pretty much all of them use a bunch of outdated lists, lists from questionable sources, and factor in mock drafts (which I don't like, because if mock drafters are missing on team needs, it really screws things up).

This is the top prospect lists I used...Zierlein (NFL.com), Jeremiah (NFL.com), Edholm (NFL.com), Scout INC (ESPN), Rang (Fox Sports), PFF, Ourlads, CBS Sports, 

End board has a total of 213 players.  Here are the rankings for the players that are Packers "30 visits."

#79 - Romello Height/EDGE/Texas Tech

#80 - Mike Washington Jr./RB/Arkansas

#90 - Ted Hurst/WR/Georgia State

#188 - Charles Demmings/CB/Stephen F. Austin

Not ranked - Jacob Thomas/S/James Madison

Not ranked - John Gesky/OG/Illinois

Not ranked - TJ Quinn/LB/Lousiville

[BrewerFan]

3 hours ago, JosephC said:

Prior to the Aaron Banks restructure, they would have had 6.75 million dollar cap hits in 2027 and 2028 if they cut him after this upcoming season with a post-June 1 designation.  After the restructure, those numbers are now 9.947 million in 2027 and 16.341 million in 2028 according to Over the Cap.  And his 2027 cap number will be 25.447, so even if he is "average," it will be hard to bring him back with a number like that.

Yeah... but you just made it that much more expensive to cut him next year. 

His dead cap next year would have been 13. Now it's 26. So... you just got done signing him to this contract to begin with coming off a roughly average career with the 49ers(using PFF metrics, I didn't watch him enough in SF to know what he looked like). You choose to keep him after he was injured and bad and you are paying him another 29M for this next year in new cash.

None of it makes sense, but it'll make less sense to me if he plays better next year and then they still cut him despite not saving salary cap space. 

[BrewerFan]

12 hours ago, CheezWizHed said:

If you weren't confusing FA $$ and trade value, why were your examples about FA $$? People have different values in FA than in trades.

I... literally JUST addressed this exact question(Also, I referenced ONE players contract, Romeo Doubs). 

18 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

I'm not "confusing" anything. They both speak to value and I told you who I was citing.

 

12 hours ago, CheezWizHed said:

Adams' first trade is laughable to compare with Watson.

LOL... ok, and? Where did I compare it?

Are you actually reading what I'm saying? I made the point that cherry picking trades is meaningly and very clearly said... I never cited Watson. So where did I "compared Adams' first trade" with anything Watson?
 

Quote

I don't recall Watson posting "free me" two years before a hypothetical trade(I also didn't cite Watson). 

The POINT was a player who is on a bad team and requesting a trade AND expensive has less value. 

I'd would have said bringing up Mike Williams last year for a 5th rd trade as an example of why Herman is so far off on the prospective trade values of the two players I mentioned is "laughable." But I just stated the facts. He was on the 2-8 Jets and he had 12 catches in 10 games and he still went for a 5th rd pick... so... you're reading things that aren't there. 

The Raiders saved 80M+ in future salary with Adams, 12M immediately and... he posted "free me," and he was 32 years old.
So not 
 

Point-If a player demands/requests a trade+expensive+bad team=less trade value. 
Every player you cited fit at least two of those and most fit all 3. The Packers players don't fit any of those criteria. 

[JosephC]

Texas Tech QB-Behren Morton is one of the Packer 30 visits.  6-2, 221.  2025 stats = 12 games played, 219 completions, 332 attempts, 2780 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 43 rushing attempts, -113 rushing yards, 0 rushing touchdowns.  2024 = 12 games played, 295 completions, 466 attempts, 3335 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 55 rushing attempts, -22 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown. 

He was at the combine and showed good arm strength and high velocity throws.  At the Texas Tech pro day, he ran the 40 in 4.89 seconds, had a 30.5" vertical and a 9'5" broad jump.

Morton has battled injuries throughout his college career, including injuries to his throwing shoulder.  He displayed a pretty big arm at the combine, but most of the scouting reports that I've looked as indicate he doesn't show that same arm-strength in game, possibly due to the shoulder injuries.  He currently projects as an undrafted player.

[adambr2]

I would have put Watson and Reed as maybe a 3rd each in value and Wicks closer to a 5th.

But then the Bills just gave up a 2nd for DJ Moore who seemed like more of a cut candidate than anything so now I just have no idea.

[CheezWizHed]

22 hours ago, BrewerFan said:

LOL... ok, and? Where did I compare it?

Are you actually reading what I'm saying? I made the point that cherry picking trades is meaningly and very clearly said... I never cited Watson. So where did I "compared Adams' first trade" with anything Watson?

The conversation started with your comment about Watson's, Reed's, and Wick's trade values.  2nd, 2nd, and 4th. 

I offered a few trades that I thought were comparable for Watson with Reed and Wicks being lower value. 

You responded:

On 4/4/2026 at 3:19 AM, BrewerFan said:

Chase Claypool was traded for a 2nd.
Davante Adams was traded for a 1st. 

So, unless you happen to throw random facts into your posts... this was about valuing Watson as a 2nd-rounder (or Reed or Wicks if you prefer).. 

Yes, I read your posts... I'm hoping you did. 

[jay87shot]

On 3/31/2026 at 12:53 PM, JosephC said:

Texas Tech OLB-Romello Height is one of the Packers 30 visits.  Height went from Auburn to USC to Georgia Tech before landing at Texas Tech in his last college season.  He was All-Big 12 first team and finished the season with 14 games played, 38 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery and 2 forced fumbles.  Previous season at Georgia Tech: 12 games played, 34 tackles 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles.

Combine numbers = 6-2 3/4, 239 pounds, 32 1/4 arms, 9 1/2 hands, 4.64 40, 1.63 10, 39 inch vertical, 10'5" broad jump.  He currently projected as a third round pick.

I love Height as one of my favorite sleepers. With Bailey on that team he is easy to over-look, He is a little small but as a 3rd or probably late 2nd if we want him that can be over looked especially if we think he could play some off ball LB and edge.

[BrewerFan]

On 4/5/2026 at 7:22 PM, CheezWizHed said:

So, unless you happen to throw random facts into your posts... this was about valuing Watson as a 2nd-rounder (or Reed or Wicks if you prefer).. 

There was nothing "random" about them, I was making apples to apples comparisons, not comparing highly paid veteran players. 

They were actual trades that took place. What was "random" was the veteran list of WRs you threw out there. 


And I put a question mark next to Watson because... the Packers aren't even considering trading him, he's not been mentioned once in anything beyond an extension. The idea he has little trade value with his contract is... ridiculous to me. He'll almost certainly be extended this year, not traded. 

On 4/1/2026 at 10:27 AM, CheezWizHed said:

• Pickens + 2027 6th round for a 2026 3rd and 2027 5th round. 
• DK Metcalf + 5th round pick for a 2nd and 7th round.
• Mike Williams for a 5th round
• Deebo Samuel for a 5th round
• Davante Adams for a conditional 3rd round

You mean like THESE "random" facts?


You came and pointing out that Adams was traded for a 3rd... AGAIN on a bad team immediately after requesting a trade and with a large contract. 

I wasn't comparing him or anyone to Watson as he's not even on the table, I was comparing HIM to... him. His trade value as an expensive 31-year-old who saved the Jets money(and they still get a 2nd rd pick for him if he met the conditions of the trade). 

If you're getting a 1st+ for Hollywood Brown, the 5'9 WR or a 2nd for Chase Claypool, a 2nd and a 6th for Sammy Watkins, a 1st, 3rd AND a 7th for Percy Harvin, I think you're getting a 2nd for Christian Watson from 20 teams in the league(there, NOW I'm "comping" players to Watson's trade value unlike Adams). 
Hell, Kadarius Toney went for a 3rd and a 6th when they couldn't get the guy to show up for practice in New York...all players on rookie deals.

 

To be clear though, you've been arguing that Watson isn't worth a 2nd in this thread then, not Reed? That's kinda shocking to me. 

Either way, I NEVER "comped Adams to Watson." It just didn't happen. Not them as players, not their trade value... nothing in any way. 


The Packers also went out of their way when extending him last year to circumvent the mandatory 12 month wait to give him another extension by putting dummy years into his contract, the void years with inflated salaries so they could extend him prior to 12 months and to a big deal(that was a deliberate move)... and have just come right out and said it(As well as numerous reports). 

https://packerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2026/04/01/packers-gm-on-christian-watson-extension-that-would-be-good-for-both-of-us/89420715007/?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=69ce84889aa76a0001b16b84&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawRCja9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLRjJERHBrREhSR3Jmb0ppc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiRX-WKfC4mM6WmSiNQg5FxjWk1IjPV6A5ajOEO4HJ8Q5HAx4PR0mVsdVzr7_aem_FeO2j3I7hAPn_jCHRorngA

[JosephC]

A whole bunch more Packer visits being reported over the last three days-

#42 - Christian Miller/DT/Georgia

#138 - Kaleb Proctor/DT/Southeastern Louisiana

Kaelon Black/RB/Indiana

Anthony Smith/WR/East Carolina

Jaden Duggar/LB/Louisiana

Malcolm Dewalt IV/CB/Akron