The Packers head into the 2025 offseason with a well known to-do list. It is clear what areas of the team, Green Bay will need to address. There is a lot of talk around the Packers needing to add a WR, overturn the CB room, and add a pass rusher. However, it is important for Gutekunst to continue to find and add talent across the entire defensive line as well as the offensive line.
In the Packers six losses, two to the Eagles, two to the Lions, and two to the Vikings, Green Bay struggled to win at the line scrimmage. The major failure was the pass rush. In those 6 losses, the Packers combined for 8 sacks. Against the NFL’s best, pressuring the QB is a must especially when teams like the Eagles, Vikings, and Lions have several playmakers. Overall, the defensive line defended the run well outside of the first Eagles game in Brazil. At times, the offensive line struggled to establish the run and protect QB Jordan Love. The ugly truth is the Packers need to be more consistent in winning the battles in the trenches. That must happen in 2025.
When it comes to the offensive line, the starting 5 held up pretty well. Thankfully, the line stayed healthy the majority of the season until the final playoff game in Philadelphia. With the 2024 first round pick Jordan Morgan on IR, the depth was compromised. Once Elton Jenkins went down, the offensive line depth was entirely exposed. Kadeem Telfort and Travis Glover struggled mightily. Telford and Glover combined for four penalties, three holding penalties and one illegal man downfield.
How do the Packers Address these Two Areas?
Josh Myers is set to hit free agency. It is unclear whether or not the Packers will try to resign him. If Green Bay and Myers agree to a new contract, then the 2024 starting five will be back in 2025. If Myers does sign elsewhere, the Packers will need to find a replacement. The Packers could move Jenkins to center and have Morgan play LG. The Packers have money to spend in free agency but expect the Packers to add depth and possibly a starter on the offensive line through the NFL draft.
Last offseason, safety was a big need for the Packers. Gutekunst proceeded to sign Xavier McKinney. Since pass rusher is a high priority, expect the Packers to address this need either in free agency or via trade. With the Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby expressing interest of playing for another team, the Packers could make a trade but both of these All-Pros will cost an arm and a leg, which is a very “unPacker” like move. The Packers could chase after free agents Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack, Milton Williams, or Haason Reddick.
Winning up front, on both sides of the ball, creates a major competitive advantage. If the defensive line is controlling the line of scrimmage, it will create problems for the opposing offensive. Additionally, with the Packers desire to run the football, the line must create running lanes. Adding a few pieces to strength the depth of the offensive line is never a bad thing. Hopefully the Packers add a proven veteran to bolster the pass rush. Improving the trenches and winning the battles up front will greatly help the Packers take the next step in 2025.
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