The Green Bay Packers quietly made moves in the first wave of free agency, adding linebacker Zaire Franklin, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and return specialist Skyy Moore in a combination of trades and signings.
But the biggest story is about the departures. Several key starters bolted in free agency. It's fair to wonder if the Packers, even without a ton of cap space, should've been more aggressive in making moves to strengthen their win-now roster. The argument is even stronger when factoring in their lack of a first-round draft choice.
Green Bay added talent at a few positions of need, but GM Brian Gutekunst could end up regretting not making these moves in the first week of free agency.
Three signings the Packers should've made in the first week of free agency
Tyler Biadasz, C
Signed a 3-year, $30 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers
It's hard to believe the Packers never made a move for Tyler Biadasz. The Washington Commanders surprisingly released the 2020 fourth-round pick at the end of February, giving Green Bay plenty of time to consider their options.
Biadasz is a former Pro Bowl center and has made 84 starts in six NFL seasons. He is a solid pass-blocking center, which the Packers typically favor, but he would have also given them a major upgrade in the run game. His PFF run-blocking grade ranked 12th at the position last season.
Not only that, but Biadasz is a Wisconsin native and former Badger. It made so much sense.
Biadasz ended up signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Chargers just days before the Packers paid Sean Rhyan more money (three years, $33 million), despite having started just seven games at center. Green Bay missed a golden opportunity to upgrade.
Jaylen Watson, CB
Signed a 3-year, $51 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams
Like the Packers, the Rams started the offseason with a major need at cornerback. Green Bay took a more cautious approach, signing Benjamin St-Juste to a bargain two-year deal worth just $10 million.
Los Angeles went all in. First, Sean McVay's team traded four draft picks, including a first-rounder, to the Kansas City Chiefs for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. They then followed it by signing McDuffie's teammate, Jaylen Watson, to a $51 million deal.
Perhaps the Packers didn't want to repeat last year's mistake of overpaying Nate Hobbs (especially as they've now released him), but they missed an opportunity here.
It's a lot of money for Watson, who is in the category of very good rather than elite, but he'd have comfortably become the CB1 in Green Bay. Per Pro Football Reference, Watson has allowed only one touchdown pass over the past two seasons, and, in 2025, quarterbacks earned a passer rating of just 79.0 when throwing his way.
Watson is also an outstanding run defender. His 83.5 PFF run-defense grade ranked sixth among 114 cornerbacks last season. He also recorded two sacks. The veteran is worth every penny for the Rams, and he could've been a do-it-all CB1 for the Packers.
It won't be easy to find a cornerback as talented in next month's draft.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB
Signed a 2-year, $14 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Packers bizarrely moved on from Emanuel Wilson in free agency, who signed a team-friendly $2.1 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Green Bay did nothing to replace him, either. Rachaad White signed an extremely affordable $2 million contract with the Commanders. That's a missed opportunity. The Buccaneers also landed a bargain by signing Kenneth Gainwell at great value.
Don't just take my word for it. Aaron Rodgers raved about him.
"I love playing with him. I really do. He is as smart as they come," Rodgers said in December. "I've been a fan of his since he was in Philly and thought that every time he went in the game, something good happens. And just to be able to play with him, and the type of guy he is, I can't say enough good things about Kenny."
Gainwell is a true playmaker. You only have to watch his stunning 45-yard touchdown catch against the Detroit Lions to understand that.
His running style would've complemented Josh Jacobs — he rushed for 537 yards and five touchdowns at an impressive 4.7 yards per attempt last season. But Gainwell's strength is his receiving ability. He's one of the best pass-catchers at his position.
Last season, Gainwell made 73 catches for 486 yards and five touchdowns. He made more receptions than any Packers player as Rodgers consistently looked in his direction.
Matt LaFleur would've found creative ways to get the ball in his hands, not to mention how Gainwell's contrasting style is a perfect complement to Jacobs' power. At $14 million over two years, the Buccaneers landed a bargain the Packers should've taken advantage of.