Becoming Super Bowl contenders is the Green Bay Packers' offseason objective. Or, as Brian Gutekunst put it: "I think it's time that we start competing for championships."
He's right. The Packers proved they were a good team, winning 11 games and clinching a second straight playoff berth. How can they become a great team?
While the focus is on who the Packers can acquire this offseason, whether it's a top pass-rusher, cornerback, or even a big move at wide receiver, Gutekunst must also determine which players won't return.
Green Bay has 11 unrestricted free agents this offseason, as well as others the team may decide to part ways with. For every player walking in the door, one must depart.
With that in mind, it could be the end of the road for these players. The Packers need to move on and find replacements this offseason.
Four players the Green Bay Packers need to replace this offseason
Jaire Alexander, CB
The writing is on the wall. In reality, the Packers have already had to adjust to life without Jaire Alexander, who has played only 14 games and missed 20 over the past two seasons due to various injuries. With his cap number moving close to $25 million in 2025, it's time for Green Bay to move in a different direction.
Alexander sure sounded like his time with the Packers was over, based on his brief conversation with reporters after the team's playoff exit.
When healthy, Alexander is still among the best cornerbacks in the NFL. It makes it more challenging to part ways. However, the Packers can no longer bank on him starting double-digit games, and it feels like the best time for both sides to move on.
Releasing or trading Alexander won't do much for the Packers' lack of cornerback depth, but they need to start over. Keisean Nixon looked comfortable after moving to outside corner, while Carrington Valentine continued to show promise in his second season. The Packers should prioritize the position in free agency or the draft and rebuild their depth without Alexander.
AJ Dillon, RB
It's impossible not to love AJ Dillon as a person, but his time in Green Bay is almost certainly over.
The former second-round pick missed the entire season due to injury, but the Packers adjusted. Led by Josh Jacobs, Green Bay had the league's fifth-best rushing attack in terms of yards. Jacobs put up 1,329 rushing yards, his second-highest season total, to go with a career-best 15 touchdowns.
Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks provided excellent support, and MarShawn Lloyd will join the fun next season. Lloyd barely played due to injury but will have a big role in 2025. The Packers have strong running back depth, leaving no room for Dillon.
Eric Stokes, CB
The Packers told us everything we need to know about Eric Stokes' future. His role decreased dramatically late in the year. He started the opening five games of the season, but in Week 18, Stokes played only five snaps, followed by just one in the wild-card loss to Philadelphia.
Stokes underperformed all season. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed 326 receiving yards and three touchdowns, with quarterbacks earning a passer rating of 96.7 when throwing his way. Stokes hasn't recorded a pass defense or interception since his rookie season.
Green Bay declined his fifth-year option last offseason, so he will hit free agency when the new league year begins in March. It's highly unlikely he will return.
Josh Myers, C
Thankfully, Josh Myers avoided a significant injury in the Packers' season-ending loss to the Eagles, which means he can enter free agency without any concerns.
The Packers love Myers' toughness, and there's no doubt he's a great player to have in the locker room. But another team is likely to make him a better offer, and quite frankly, Green Bay needs better play from its interior offensive line.
Myers is a solid pass-protector but doesn't offer enough consistency in the run game. According to Pro Football Focus, he only allowed one sack and six quarterback hits, but his 50.9 run-blocking grade was the second-worst of his career.
The Packers need to get better. They could shift Elgton Jenkins or Sean Rhyan to center, allowing 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan to start at either guard spot. That's the direction the team should take unless they plan to draft a lineman in the early rounds again.