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The Green Bay Packers have shown surprising restraint in free agency, leaving many fans in Wisconsin wondering when the big moves are coming. So far, they’ve only signed guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs to significant deals — hardly the splashy acquisitions many were hoping for.
Don’t sleep on these signings, though. Banks will be a key protector for Jordan Love next season, giving the young QB more time in the pocket. He’s also expected to create running lanes for new running back Josh Jacobs, who’ll need all the help he can get in LaFleur’s ground attack.
As for Hobbs, he’ll see significant playing time in the secondary, but where exactly remains up in the air. He could line up outside or take over as the primary nickel corner — it all depends on what other moves Gutekunst makes in the coming weeks.
Make no mistake about it — the Packers aren’t done yet.
GM Brian Gutekunst and his staff are still working the phones, looking to transform this roster into a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Here are three rumors Packers fans should be monitoring closely:
Stefon Diggs Could Be Wearing Green and Gold
With Christian Watson’s injury creating a major void in the receiving corps, the Packers need reinforcements. Yardbarker reports that Stefon Diggs might be the veteran weapon Green Bay targets to boost Love’s passing attack.
It makes too much sense not to happen. While Diggs isn’t the dominant WR1 he was a few years back, he’d be an excellent complementary piece alongside Romeo Doubs and slot receiver Jayden Reed. The trio would give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares, preventing teams from doubling any one receiver.
Diggs still creates explosive plays downfield — something Love thrives on — despite lacking ideal size. His route-running precision would give the Packers’ young QB a reliable target in critical situations.
The key will be the contract terms. A two-year deal with limited guarantees would be ideal, but anything longer could hamper Green Bay’s future flexibility. He’s the best receiver left on the market, but the Packers can’t let desperation drive them to overpay.
Jaire Alexander’s Days Are Numbered
Despite not landing an obvious replacement, the Packers are still actively shopping cornerback Jaire Alexander. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reports the team is pushing hard to move the former Pro Bowler before the draft.
The writing’s been on the wall for a while. Alexander has suited up for exactly seven games in each of the past two seasons — not nearly enough production from one of the NFL’s highest-paid corners. The team had hoped he’d return for their playoff run, but he remained sidelined when they needed him most.
His massive contract has become an albatross for a team looking to maximize their championship window with Love. The Packers seem determined to move on, regardless of the return they might get.
Finding a trade partner won’t be easy given Alexander’s injury history and contract. Green Bay might ultimately release him if no suitable deal materializes — a stunning fall for a player once considered among the league’s elite shutdown corners.
Hobbs Brings Swagger to the Secondary
If there’s one thing Nate Hobbs doesn’t lack, it’s confidence. The new Packers cornerback has already boldly predicted that he and Keisean Nixon could form a “legendary” duo in Green Bay’s secondary.
The current plan appears to be sliding Hobbs outside to replace Alexander, despite him playing primarily in the slot the past two seasons. It’s a calculated risk by Gutekunst, but Hobbs has shown flashes when lined up on the boundary in previous years.
His versatility gives the Packers options. If they draft a corner with one of their early picks (which seems increasingly likely), Hobbs could move back inside where he’s most comfortable. Either way, his swagger and confidence will be welcome additions to a defense that sometimes lacked an edge last season.
The Packers still have plenty of work to do this offseason, but these moves signal Gutekunst’s approach: targeted additions that fill specific needs rather than splashy signings that grab headlines. For a team that was a few plays away from the NFC Championship Game, that might be exactly what they need.
