Did the Packers get better, worse or the same ahead of 2026 season?

· Yahoo Sports

The Green Bay Packers went through a number of expected changes throughout the roster during the offseason. With the start of training camp looming, it's time to evaluate the comings and goings at each position to determine if the Packers got better, got worse or stayed the same entering the 2026 season.

In many ways, the offseason was about streamlining positions, prioritizing the foundational players on the roster and opening up opportunities for young players who are ready for more. Several veterans exited, but several other young players were rewarded with new extensions. So while the overall talent base at various position might be lower, and the depth not as good as the 2025 roster, the Packers have a chance to improve at several key positions if young players can embrace new opportunities.

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Breaking down each position entering training camp:

Quarterback

  • Additions: Tyrod Taylor, Kyle McCord, Kyron Drones
  • Subtractions: Malik Willis, Clayton Tune, Desmond Ridder
  • Verdict: Worse

Replacing Willis, arguably the most dynamic backup in football over the last two seasons, was always going to be a near-impossible task. In Taylor, the Packers are getting an experienced veteran who has started games and seen everything, and who is comfortable supporting a starter from the sideline and coming off the bench to play on short notice. Taylor might not have the same big-play potential down to down, but he could get the Packers through a short-term injury to Jordan Love.

Running back

  • Additions: Jaden Nixon
  • Subtractions: Emanuel Wilson
  • Verdict: Worse

Gone is Wilson, who produced 1,145 total yards and scored eight total touchdowns over the last two seasons as Josh Jacobs' primary backup. But the Packers brought back Chris Brooks on a new deal, and the team is hopeful that MarShawn Lloyd (2024 third-round pick) is over his injury issues and ready to be a big-time contributor. If Lloyd is healthy, and his explosive talent is finally revealed, this position has a chance to improve. But Jacobs' on-going legal issues over loom large as training camp nears.

Wide receiver

  • Additions: Skyy Moore, J. Michael Sturdivant, Brendan Rice
  • Subtractions: Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Jakobie Keeney-James
  • Verdict: Worse

Another position where the Packers didn't get better on paper, but there's still an opportunity to improve if all goes right. Matthew Golden will ascend into a bigger role, and there's potential value in streamlining the position with Golden, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed as the headliners. Watson and Reed got new deals. Moore provides an experienced gadget option and returner, and Bo Melton is returning to receiver after moonlighting at corner. But losing Doubs and Wicks will impact the depth, putting the availability status of the top three in the spotlight every week of 2026.

Tight end

  • Additions: Luke Lachey, RJ Maryland
  • Subtractions: John FitzPatrick, McCallan Castles
  • Verdict: Same

FitzPatrick emerged as a reliable backup tight end but is still unsigned while recovering from a late season Achilles injury. Bringing back Josh Whyle provides a suitable replacement, and the Packers think highly of Lachey, a 2025 draft pick of the Texans, and Maryland, a speedy rookie. The positional overall isn't notably better or worse, although Tucker Kraft will be coming off a major injury and Luke Musgrave's future in Green Bay is a question mark given the disappointment of his last two seasons.

Offensive line

  • Additions: Jager Burton, Josh Gesky, Dillon Wade, Dylan Barrett
  • Subtractions: Elgton Jenkins, Rasheed Walker, Lecitus Smith
  • Verdict: Worse

Yet another position that looks worse on paper. It's a youth movement along the offensive line, with two multi-year starters (Jenkins, Walker) exiting and only a minor investment in rookies (Burton, fifth-round pick, plus three UDFAs) made in response. The Packers are banking on Jordan Morgan at left tackle and Sean Rhyan at center to create much needed improvement up front, and it's possible considering the up and down play of the veterans they are replacing. The depth isn't as good, although Burton and Darian Kinnard could be quality backups. Everyone in the NFL is hurting for offensive line depth.

Edge rusher

  • Additions: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Nyjalik Kelly
  • Subtractions: Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare
  • Verdict: Worse

And yet another position that looks worse on paper. This verdict is also considering the fact that Micah Parsons will miss at least four games and likely more. But one must also consider that Lukas Van Ness could be a lot better than Gary if he's healthy over a full season, and Dennis-Sutton, Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver provide a highly athletic and intriguing trio of youngsters to develop in real time at an important position.

Defensive tackle

  • Additions: Javon Hargrave, Chris McClellan, Jaden Crumedy
  • Subtractions: Colby Wooden
  • Verdict: Better

The first position where the Packers clearly got better on paper. Hargrave is a proven interior disruptor, while McClellan gives the Packers a versatile down lineman capable of playing on the nose in the 3-4. Wooden played a lot of football for the Packers last season, but he was replacement level. The defensive front got better inside.

Linebacker

  • Additions: Zaire Franklin, TJ Quinn
  • Subtractions: Quay Walker, Jamon Johnson
  • Verdict: Same

Swapping Walker for Franklin is a lateral move. Both are multi-year starters, but Franklin is older and just two years removed from a Pro Bowl season. The Packers are hoping he plays at his 2024 level because the 2025 season wasn't a good one for Franklin.

Cornerback

  • Additions: Benjamin St-Juste, Brandon Cisse, Domani Jackson, Marlon Jones, MJ Devonshire
  • Subtractions: Nate Hobbs, Trevon Diggs
  • Verdict: Better

St-Juste will almost certainly give the Packers more than Hobbs did a season ago, and the drafting of Cisse and Jackson provided a much-needed investment in the position. St-Juste and Cisse could both play a lot of snaps for the Packers on the perimeter in 2026. If nothing else, this is one position where the Packers are deeper entering this season.

Safety

  • Additions: Murvin Kenion III
  • Subtractions: Zayne Anderson
  • Verdict: Worse

Anderson was a quality backup and proven special teamer. Kenion is a likely practice squader. The depth is worse, although the position is still strong at the top.

Specialists

  • Additions: Trey Smack
  • Subtractions: Brandon McManus
  • Verdict: Same

Swapping a veteran for a rookie is always a risk, especially within the specialist group. Smack could end up making a higher percentage of kicks in 2026 than McManus last year, but there will likely be ups and downs. McManus set the bar low after a disappointing 2025 season.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Did the Packers get better, worse or the same ahead of 2026 season?

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