The Green Bay Packers are close to making the leap into the Super Bowl stratosphere, and how they navigate through free agency will be fascinating.
Unlike last year, the Packers have several key starters heading for the exit, making the upcoming weeks all the more important for general manager Brian Gutekunst. While Green Bay likely won't spend aggressively in free agency, it will have opportunities to upgrade the roster at positions of need.
Arrivals. Departures. And, as we've already seen, potentially some trades, too. The chaos is just beginning. Be sure to keep coming back here to stay on top of the Packers' path through free agency.
On this page:
- Packers free-agency snapshot
- Major Packers signings
- Other Packers signings
- Packers departures
- Potential departures to watch
- Best targets remaining
Packers free-agency snapshot
- Cap space remaining: $26.3 million (estimated before the full details on the incoming contracts of Javon Hargrave and Skyy Moore)
- Biggest signing: Javon Hargrave
- Biggest departure: Rashan Gary
- Most surprising move: Trading Rashan Gary for a fourth-round pick
- Biggest remaining need: Edge-rusher
- Last updated: 9:08 am CT, March 11, 2026
The Packers took one step toward addressing their defensive tackle need by signing Javon Hargrave, but more work is still required. They need to pivot to edge-rusher help. Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare have departed this week, while Micah Parsons could miss the start of the season while he recovers from a torn ACL.
Cornerback closely follows. The Packers' trio of Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Nate Hobbs struggled for consistency, especially once they didn't have Micah Parsons hurrying quarterbacks. Javon Bullard performed admirably in the slot, but Green Bay needs help on the boundary. The Packers made a start by signing Benjamin St-Juste, but more work is required.
Major Packers signings
Javon Hargrave, DT: Two years, $23 million (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
The Packers wasted no time here. Around an hour after the Vikings released veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Green Bay had signed him to a two-year, $23 million deal, including $13 million this year.
It's smart business. The Packers desperately needed defensive tackle help, especially after trading Colby Wooden. Hargrave made 3.5 sacks for the Vikings last year, but his best work came while working with Jonathan Gannon for two years in Philadelphia. Hargrave can start alongside Devonte Wyatt, and his arrival gives the defense a much-needed boost.
Benjamin St-Juste, CB: Two years, $10 million (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
The Packers finally made a move at cornerback, reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $10 million deal with Benjamin St-Juste. That number can rise to $10.5 million.
St-Juste started two games for the Los Angeles Chargers last season, playing a little over a third of their defensive snaps, but he made a big impact. The 28-year-old allowed a passer rating of just 68.3 in his coverage, per Pro Football Reference.
It's a low-risk move for the Packers, given the contract, strengthening their depth and competition at cornerback. It's unclear if St-Juste will immediately land a starting job or whether he will compete with Carrington Valentine.
The 2021 third-round pick adds size (6-foot-3, 202 pounds) and athleticism to the secondary. He should fit well in Jonathan Gannon's system, but the Packers are hoping he continues his impressive work from Los Angeles, and not the previous four years in Washington.
Zaire Franklin, LB: Trade with Colts (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
The Packers' first major move was to trade Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin. With Quay Walker's contract expiring, Green Bay understood the need to add another starting linebacker to play alongside Edgerrin Cooper. In Franklin, the Packers are getting an experienced defender who is only a year removed from earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.
Franklin's struggles in coverage are undoubtedly a concern, and he is coming off a disappointing final season with the Colts. However, his ability as a top-tier run defender is important for a defense that fell apart against strong rushing offenses at the backend of last season.
Read the full breakdown on why Packers' trade for Zaire Franklin is a gamble here
Sean Rhyan, C: Three years, $33 million (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
With several centers landing new deals before the start of free agency, the Packers acted quickly to re-sign Sean Rhyan, who stepped in at the position following Elgton Jenkins' season-ending injury.
Rhyan provided improvements in the run game, but his inconsistency in pass protection remains a concern. The Packers have made Rhyan one of the highest-paid centers in the league, with his $11 million salary ranking fifth at the position. That's a sign of real commitment from the Packers, who clearly believe in Rhyan as their starter moving forward.
Read about how Sean Rhyan's new deal impacts Elgton Jenkins and the starting offensive line here.
Other Packers signings
- Skyy Moore, WR
As reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Packers are signing Skyy Moore to a one-year deal. Just like last year, the Packers are signing a former Kansas City Chiefs receiver who specializes in the return game. Green Bay does need a new punt returner, a role Romeo Doubs held for much of last season.
- Darian Kinnard, T
Kinnard served as the Packers' swing tackle and sixth lineman on jumbo packages. He even caught a pass (before fumbling). It was reported on The Pat McAfee Show that Kinnard is returning to Green Bay on a one-year deal worth up to $3.75 million. A smart move.
- Kristian Welch, LB
There have been no details yet, but Kristian Welch posted on Instagram that he is back with the Packers. Welch provides backup at linebacker and he can play on special teams.
- Brenton Cox Jr., Edge
The Packers needed to ensure they have some pass-rush depth after trading Rashan Gary and letting Kingsley Engbare walk. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Packers are re-signing Brenton Cox Jr. to a one-year deal.
- Josh Whyle, TE
This is a smart move. Josh Whyle provides solid depth at tight end, and he is re-signing with the team, per Sports Illustrated's Bill Huber.
- Jonathan Ford, DL
The Packers are also bringing back Jonathan Ford, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. He is a former seventh-round pick by Green Bay, but has only played 30 snaps for the team. Most of his playing time came during a stint with the Chicago Bears.
Packers departures
Romeo Doubs, WR: Signing with Patriots (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
As expected, Romeo Doubs is departing. Per Ian Rapoport, it's a four-year contract worth roughly $70 million, which is a fantastic deal for Doubs. It's a great fit for Doubs, who will instantly become a go-to target for Drake Maye and the ascending New England Patriots.
Green Bay prepared for this moment by drafting Matthew Golden and handing Christian Watson a short-term extension, but Doubs' departure is undoubtedly a big loss. He became a trusted target for Jordan Love and led the Packers in receiving this past season, making 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns.
Malik Willis, QB: Signing with Dolphins (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
It's the move everyone expected. Jeff Hafley wasted no time stealing a major free agent from the Packers, and he has found his quarterback.
It leaves Green Bay without a backup quarterback, but the team could net a third-round compensatory pick in 2027, with Willis reportedly signing a three-year deal worth $67.5 million with the Dolphins, of which $45 million is fully guaranteed.
Willis looked like a QB1 every time the Packers needed him. Now, he'll get that opportunity. Multiple teams had interest in signing Willis, but Miami won the competition. Willis finally gets his chance to land a starting job two years after the Packers traded a seventh-round pick for him.
Rashan Gary, DE: Trade with Cowboys (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
It just had to the be the Cowboys, right? Many expected the Packers to include Rashan Gary in the initial trade for Micah Parsons last August, but now he will reunite with Kenny Clark in Dallas.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Packers will receive a 2027 fourth-round pick for Gary in a stunning move right before free agency. Considering many viewed him as a cut candidate, that's a fantastic deal for Green Bay.
Gary delivered zero sacks or tackles for loss in the final nine games of the season, and he failed to elevate his game after the Packers lost Micah Parsons for the season. Green Bay will save almost $11 million after the trade becomes official.
Quay Walker, LB: Signing with Raiders (Tom Pelissero, NFL Network)
Another unsuprising move. The Packers' trade for Zaire Franklin all but confirmed Quay Walker's exit, and now he has reportedly signed a three-year deal worth $40.5 million, with $28 million guaranteed. It's another big-money move that could set the Packers up with another 2027 compensatory draft choice.
Walker is a playmaker who will add speed and athleticism wherever he goes, but struggles in coverage prevented him from reaching his first-round potential with the Packers.
Elgton Jenkins, C: Released (Adam Schefter, ESPN)
The Packers all but sealed Elgton Jenkins' fate after re-signing Sean Rhyan and then restructuring Aaron Banks' contract. That slammed the door shut at left guard and center, the two positions Jenkins played in 2025.
Green Bay saves a massive $19.53 million on the salary cap by moving on from Jenkins. Finding a trade partner never seemed realistic, and releasing the 2019 second-round pick was always the most likely outcome.
Nate Hobbs, CB: Released (Rob Demovsky, ESPN)
Shortly after signing cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, the Packers reportedly released Nate Hobbs, whom they signed for $48 million a year ago.
Hobbs battled injuries and struggled when healthy, especially at outside corner. Green Bay designated Hobbs a post-June 1 release, which means the team won't make any cap savings until then. The Packers will create $8.8 million in cap space on that date.
Kingsley Enagbare, DE: Signing with Jets (Jeremy Fowler, ESPN)
The Packers have lost another piece of their defensive line, with Kingsley Enagbare signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the New York Jets, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Enagbare outperformed Gary for much of the season, and he is a strong run defender. The Packers lose an important depth piece, leaving them with Micah Parsons, Lukas Van Ness, and Barryn Sorrell as their top three players on the depth chart. Adding an edge-rusher becomes a priority.
Colby Wooden, DL: Trade with Colts (Ian Rapoport, NFL Network)
The Packers didn't give up any draft capital in the Zaire Franklin trade, instead sending 2023 fourth-round draft choice Colby Wooden to the Colts.
Wooden played a combined 489 snaps with just one start in his first two seasons combined, but his playing time increased dramatically in 2025 following Kenny Clark's departure, with 16 starts and 587 defensive snaps to his name. Wooden made a promising start to the season, kicking off with two tackles for loss and a QB hit in Week 1.
However, he lacked consistency and couldn't hold up against the run. Entering a contract year, the Packers chose to move on now while adding a potential starter at linebacker.
Potential departures to watch
Rasheed Walker, T, UFA
From a seventh-round draft choice to becoming one of the highest-paid tackles in free agency, Rasheed Walker will likely find a new team early in the week. The Packers prepared by drafting Jordan Morgan in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the time has come for Morgan to get his opportunity.
Walker was inconsistent as a run blocker, but he rarely made big errors in the passing game, and that's why he will land a major deal this week.
Best targets remaining
Calais Campbell, DL, Arizona Cardinals
Calais Campbell continues to prove that age is just a number. The 39-year-old is still playing at a ridiculously high level, having made 6.5 sacks last season while also earning PFF's 16th-best run defense grade among interior linemen.
Better still, he achieved that while playing in Gannon's defense for the Cardinals. Could they reunite in Green Bay?
Cameron Jordan, Edge, New Orleans Saints
Cameron Jordan is entering his age-37 season, but he is still a disruptive pass-rusher, having recorded 10.5 sacks for the New Orleans Saints in 2025. That kind of production opposite Micah Parsons? Look out.
Signing Jordan to a one-year deal could help the win-now Packers find more consistency up front.
Joey Bosa, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
Joey Bosa is no longer going to provide consistent Pro Bowl-level play, but he can still offer value as a complementary pass-rusher. The five-time Pro Bowler made five sacks for the Los Angeles Chargers last season. Having lost Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare, Bosa could become a solid piece of the Packers' pass-rush rotation.