The Green Bay Packers may not have made the same splashy moves they pulled off in past offseasons, but Brian Gutekunst managed to put this team in a position to remain a championship contender in 2026.
The Packers' 2026 NFL Draft gave the defense an injection of youth that was needed in the worst way, and the offense is once again positioned to give teams fits if everyone can stay healthy.
While these new additions are sure to help get this team back on track while improving their own individual stocks, there are some players who come out as clear losers that won't be put in advantageous positions.
Biggest winners and losers for the Packers after a slower 2026 offseason
Winner: DC Jonathan Gannon
Gannon came to a team that had some talented players, but lost many of their more talented role players once Jeff Hafley departed for the Miami Dolphins. With Green Bay having used all of its premium 2026 NFL Draft assets on defensive players, Brian Gutekunst is investing in Gannon and giving him all the tools he needs to genuinely stand out.
Loser: DT Devonte Wyatt
While third-round pick Chris McClellan is not going to be a sure-fire Wyatt replacement, he should be enough to light a fire under the former first-round pick. McClellan was as disruptive as any SEC defensive tackle last year, and Gannon getting the most out of him could bring about the end for the free agent to be.
Winner: WR Matthew Golden
Golden was a disappointing first-round pick last season, but the Packers refused the opportunity to use what cap space and top-end capital they had on a replacement. Green Bay is rolling with Golden, and it's on the speedy Texas product to show that he can become a reliable target for Jordan Love.
Loser: QB Kyle McCord
McCord, who signed with the Packers after failing to beat out Tanner McKee as a Philadelphia Eagles draft pick last year, appeared to have an inside track on the backup job behind Love. The former Ohio State and Syracuse product has now lost out on the No. 2 spot after veteran Tyrod Taylor signed, leaving him fighting for QB3 with UDFA Kyron Drones.
Winner: K Trey Smack
Smack has already won a kicking competition before it really even began, as the Packers parted ways with Brandon McManus after his mistakes in the postseason. Smack has been given a golden opportunity to cement himself as the kicker for the next decade if he nails it where McManus failed.
Add us as a preferred source on Google