Nobody expected the Green Bay Packers to spend wildly in free agency. General manager Brian Gutekunst instead stuck to a low-risk but smart strategy in the first wave.
It became clear Gutekunst had one eye on the 2027 offseason and potential compensatory draft picks the Packers could receive. The losses of Malik Willis, Romeo Doubs, Quay Walker, and Rasheed Walker could land Green Bay four extra selections next year. Despite that, Gutekunst still found ways to address positions of need.
The Packers traded for Zaire Franklin before signing Benjamin St-Juste, Javon Hargrave, and Skyy Moore. Let's break down each move.
Handing out grades for the Packers' trades and signings in the first wave of free agency
Packers trade for linebacker Zaire Franklin
Contract: Two years, $18.01 million
Before free agency even opened, the Packers made their first notable move by trading defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin. Green Bay then reworked Franklin's contract to give him a slight pay rise.
Entering his age-30 season and ninth year in the NFL, Franklin offers experience. A Pro Bowler only two seasons ago, the Packers are banking on Franklin rediscovering his best form after a disappointing year with the Colts. The upside? A reliable partner for Edgerrin Cooper, who is strong in run defense, can blitz, and makes a ton of tackles.
The 2018 seventh-round pick won't offer much in coverage. His 29.9 PFF coverage grade ranked 85th among 88 linebackers last year, and even in his Pro Bowl 2024 season, his 48.7 coverage grade ranked 67th among 83 linebackers. That's not his strength.
But it wasn't Quay Walker's strength, either, and that's who he replaces in Green Bay. Gutekunst went for a more affordable option at linebacker, as Walker signed a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Packers made the correct call to move on, and Franklin can provide some stability at the position.
Green Bay didn't give up any draft capital. Instead, it traded Wooden, who was entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Packers sign cornerback Benjamin St-Juste
Contract: Two years, $9.8 million
The Packers effectively swapped Nate Hobbs for Benjamin St-Juste. They released Hobbs just one year into a $48 million contract, while also signing St-Juste to a team-friendly two-year contract.
It's a solid, low-risk signing, but it's not a needle-mover for the Packers. St-Juste endured a tough four-year run with the Washington Commanders before bouncing back in Los Angeles. Per Pro Football Reference, quarterbacks threw for 2,294 yards, 11 touchdowns, and one interception against St-Juste for a 95.2 rating during his four-year stay in Washington.
But he looked like a different player for the Chargers, allowing a completion percentage of just 53.5 and a passer rating of 68.3. Both were comfortably career-best numbers.
St-Juste's one year in Los Angeles offers hope, but it's important to note that he only started two games. It's unclear whether the Packers believe he can start or if he will remain a backup in Green Bay.
Either way, he offers the size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) to handle duties on the boundary, which is where Hobbs struggled. The Packers need to target cornerbacks in the draft, but St-Juste provides important depth and competition.
Packers sign defensive tackle Javon Hargrave
Contract: Two years, $23 million
The Minnesota Vikings' pain is the Packers' gain. Minnesota released Javon Hargrave as a cost-cutting move, especially as Hargrave wasn't a perfect fit for Brian Flores' system.
Thank you very much, Minnesota.
Hargrave reunites with Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, whose system Hargrave flourished in before. They spent two seasons together in Philly, with Hargrave producing 18.5 sacks, 34 quarterback hits, and 19 tackles for loss in 33 games.
The Packers won't necessarily expect that level of production from Hargrave in his age-33 season, but he can still play at a high level. The two-time Pro Bowler offers the interior pass rush the defense cried out for last year, as Devonte Wyatt had to do it alone. They will form a fun 1-2 punch up front, and there will be opportunities once Micah Parsons returns from injury and starts drawing double teams on the edge.
Signing Hargrave doesn't impact the Packers' future compensatory pick potential, as the Vikings released him. Just a smart move all around.
The Packers needed more experience on the roster. They needed another leader. Hargrave checks both boxes.
Packers sign wide receiver Skyy Moore
Contract: One-year deal (full terms yet to be announced)
All we know right now is that it's a one-year deal for Skyy Moore. It will presumably look similar to the $1.5 million contract the Packers handed Mecole Hardman a year ago, another former Kansas City Chiefs receiver/return specialist.
It's hard to trust how seriously the Packers plan to take the return game this season. They signed Hardman in free agency last offseason, but he didn't make the 53-man roster. Will it be different with Moore?
He could undoubtedly help the special teams. While Moore has only made 48 career catches on offense, he is experienced on kick and punt return duties.
Last season with the San Francisco 49ers, Moore returned 25 punts for 295 yards, a healthy 11.6-yards-per-return average. That ranked 10th in the NFL and comfortably beat the Packers' main returner, Romeo Doubs, who averaged just 6.3 yards. Yes, Doubs led the team in punt returns last season.
On kick returns, Moore totaled 907 yards from 33 attempts, an average of 27.5. That ranked 15th in the NFL, slightly better than Savion Williams, who averaged 25.6 for the Packers.
If Green Bay is fully committed to fixing the return game and plans to save a roster spot for Moore, this C+ grade has the potential to improve.