Green Bay Packers Named a 2026 NFL Offseason Loser, but the Criticism Misses the Mark
Mike Jones of The Athletic named the Green Bay Packers one of the four biggest offseason losers in the NFL heading into the 2026 season, citing the departures of wide receiver Romeo Doubs, linebacker Quay Walker, offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, cornerback Nate Hobbs, and left tackle Rasheed Walker. However, Green Bay released both Hobbs and Jenkins due to underperformance and injury decline, while the coaching staff expects first-round pick Jordan Morgan to outperform Walker at left tackle. The Packers replaced Quay Walker with veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin and declined to pay Doubs $17 million per season. The more significant factor heading into 2026 is the return of Micah Parsons, Devonte Wyatt, Zach Tom, and Tucker Kraft from season-ending injuries, additions that carry more weight than any of the roster departures from this offseason.
Video Transcript
An analyst at The Athletic just called the Green Bay Packers one of the biggest off-season losers in the NFL.
There's just one problem with that take: it doesn't hold up.
On the surface, Green Bay's off-season looks rough.
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs left for New England.
Left tackle Rashid Walker signed with Carolina.
Linebacker Ki Walker went to Las Vegas.
Offensive lineman Elkton Jenkins landed in Cleveland.
Cornerback Nate Hobbs ended up in San Francisco.
That's a lot of names walking out the door.
But context matters.
Hobbs was released because he was one of the worst coverage corners in football last season.
Jenkins had become a below average starter due to injuries.
The Packers coaching staff believes first-round pick Jordan Morgan will outperform Walker at left tackle and commit fewer penalties doing it.
Doubs wasn't worth seventeen million dollars a year, and linebacker Zaheer Franklin is a capable replacement.
More importantly, the returns of Micah Parsons, DeVonta Wyatt, Zach Tom, and Tucker Kraft from season-ending injuries are worth more than anything Green Bay lost this spring.
The Packers didn't make a lot of noise this off-season.
They rarely do.
But off-season losers?
That label doesn't fit.
Not when you look at the full picture
