Eric Stokes and 3 Packers who definitely shouldn't be back in 2025

The Packers have big decisions to make in the offseason.

Houston Texans v Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans v Green Bay Packers | Patrick McDermott/GettyImages

The Green Bay Packers are heading toward another playoff run after a shutout win over the New Orleans Saints, and they don't have too many concerns across the roster. However, there are still areas for improvement as the Packers aim to close the gap on the Detroit Lions in the NFC North long-term.

Green Bay will have plenty of cap space to add talent in free agency and is projected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft with eight selections. General manager Brian Gutekunst will likely look for help at edge-rusher and cornerback, two areas of concern as the Packers prepare for the postseason.

Players will come in, but others must inevitably depart.

The Packers' focus is on the final two regular-season games and attempting to make a Super Bowl, but big offseason decisions are just around the corner. These four players may not return in 2025.

Packers shouldn't bring back these players in 2025

Eric Stokes, CB

After declining Eric Stokes' fifth-year option, the Packers hoped he would stay healthy and get back to his best. While Stokes has played in every game this season, he hasn't played well enough. Green Bay needs upgrades at cornerback, which has become even more evident in the games Jaire Alexander has missed.

Stokes has been OK in recent games, but he still hasn't broken up a pass or made an interception since his rookie year. For perspective, defensive end Arron Mosby has had more pass breakups in the past two weeks.

The Packers need to get better at cornerback, which could result in Stokes' departure when free agency begins.

AJ Dillon, RB

The Packers boast one of the deepest backfields in the NFL, and it could get even better once MarShawn Lloyd returns to the lineup.

Josh Jacobs is enjoying an All-Pro season in Green Bay while getting great support from Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, who joined the team after the Packers placed AJ Dillon on injured reserve at the end of the preseason. All three running backs scored touchdowns in the Packers' win over the Saints, while Jacobs ranks fourth in the NFL for rushing yards (1,216) and is tied for third in touchdowns (13).

Where does it leave Dillon? The Packers used a rare, team-friendly qualifying offer to bring him back, but the veteran hasn't played all season due to injury. His contract expires in the spring, and it's difficult to imagine he will be part of the team's plans in 2025. Dillon averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per attempt in 2023, and he is unlikely to make the roster ahead of the four running backs playing this season.

Josh Myers, C

First-round pick Jordan Morgan won't play again this season, but the Packers will likely want him to push for a starting position in 2025. However, with Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom starting at tackle and Elgton Jenkins and Sean Rhyan locking down the guard jobs, where does it leave Morgan?

Josh Myers' future could play into Morgan's. Myers' inconsistent play has continued this season, and the Packers may prefer to move on when his contract expires in the spring. Green Bay could move Jenkins to center, and let's not forget that the team reportedly views Tom as a "potential Hall of Fame center." That could allow Morgan to start at left guard or right tackle.

The good part is that Myers hasn't given up a sack all season, but he is far too inconsistent. In terms of PFF grades, he ranks 30th among 61 centers for pass-blocking and 53rd for run-blocking.

Green Bay could bring back Myers, but it feels like a similar situation to Jon Runyan Jr. last offseason. Another team is likely willing to pay more for an experienced starter than the Packers, who could reshuffle their starting five and add more depth in the draft.

Isaiah McDuffie, LB

The Packers have taken steps to improve their linebacker depth, but they may still need to make another move. Edgerrin Cooper is a future star, and Quay Walker has improved in recent weeks, but Jeff Hafley needs three quality starters when in base defense and good depth at the position.

Isaiah McDuffie has made some plays this season, but teams have gone after him in coverage. According to PFF, McDuffie has been targeted 61 times this season, allowing 51 completions for 515 yards, four touchdowns, and a passer rating of 123.7. No Packers defender has allowed more receiving yards or a higher passer rating than McDuffie.

The Packers struggled to stop passes in the middle of the field while Cooper was out with a hamstring injury, and they need better depth behind their young star.

More Packers news and analysis

Schedule