Packers' Roster Overhaul: Grading Every Major Move for the 2026 Season
The Green Bay Packers head into the 2026 season with a significantly reshaped roster. Fourteen players on the 53-man squad weren't with the team last year, signaling a period of transition for the NFC North franchise. From savvy free-agent signings to high-risk extensions, here's a breakdown of every major transaction and what it means for the Packers' chances this fall.
Free Agency Wins: Bargains and Key Additions
The Packers made several low-cost, high-upside moves in free agency that could pay dividends. The most notable was the signing of wide receiver and return specialist Skyy Moore to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Moore was one of the NFL's top returners last season with the 49ers, addressing a glaring weakness in Green Bay's special teams. His ability to also contribute on offense makes this an A-minus grade.
Another solid addition is cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, who signed a two-year, $10 million contract. While he didn't win a starting job, his experience provides quality depth. The Packers also added veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor as a backup. While he won't replicate the playmaking of departed Malik Willis, Taylor's intelligence and mobility make him a reliable safety net. This move grades out at B-minus.
The signing of tight end Jonnu Smith is an interesting one. With Luke Musgrave sidelined by a neck injury, Smith's versatility as a receiver and blocker gives offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich flexibility. The deal is likely close to the minimum, making it a low-risk, potential-reward move.
Free Agency Losses: Compensatory Picks in the Balance
Losing quarterback Malik Willis was a significant blow. Acquired for a seventh-round pick in 2024, Willis developed into arguably the NFL's best backup. His departure to Miami could net the Packers a third-round compensatory pick, making this an A grade for asset management.
Similarly, the loss of wide receiver Romeo Doubs is graded as an A. The fourth-round pick from 2022 provided four quality seasons, and the expected fourth-round compensatory pick means Green Bay essentially got him for free. Linebacker Quay Walker also departed after four seasons of 100-plus tackles. The expected fifth-round comp pick softens the blow, earning a B-plus grade.
The one blemish in free agency was the loss of left tackle Rasheed Walker. He signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Carolina, which will likely yield only a seventh-round comp pick. At that price, the Packers should have re-signed him. This move gets a D grade.
Draft Class Progress Reports: Early Returns
Rookie grades are always incomplete, but early signs are promising. Second-round cornerback Brandon Cisse appears ready to start in Week 1 against the Vikings. His camp performance has been stellar, earning an A-minus. Fourth-round edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton has also impressed, working as the No. 2 edge rusher and expected to play significant snaps. He gets a B-plus.
Third-round defensive tackle Chris McClellan looks like an immediate contributor in a deep rotation, earning a B. Fifth-round offensive lineman Jager Burton has shown growth and will be counted on for key snaps. He also gets a B. Sixth-round kicker Trey Smack has been perfect in the preseason, but the real test comes in the regular season. He gets a B-plus for now.
The lone disappointment is sixth-round cornerback Domani Jackson, who struggled with injury and performance. He lands on the practice squad, earning a D-minus.
Extensions and Big Contracts: High Stakes for Key Players
The Packers made several significant financial commitments. Wide receiver Jayden Reed signed a three-year, $50.25 million extension. When healthy, Reed is a dynamic weapon, but injuries and a key playoff drop raise questions. This is a B grade.
Christian Watson's four-year, $92 million extension is a bigger gamble. He has never surpassed 625 receiving yards in a season, but his 17.0-yard career average is elite. The Packers are betting on his health and potential. This gets a B-minus.
Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt received a three-year, $54.9 million extension. His pass-rushing ability is undeniable, but his availability is a major concern. He has never played 50 percent of snaps in a season. This is a C grade.
The decision to pick up Lukas Van Ness's fifth-year option for $13.752 million is questionable. With only 8.5 sacks in three seasons, the Packers are hoping for a breakout that hasn't materialized. This gets a C-minus.
Trades: Aggressive Moves Reshape the Roster
The Packers were active on the trade market, making several bold moves. Trading edge rusher Rashan Gary to Dallas for a fourth-round pick is an A-plus. Gary's production had declined, and his contract was bloated.
Acquiring linebacker Zaire Franklin from Indianapolis for defensive tackle Colby Wooden is another A-plus. Franklin is a proven leader who should start immediately. The Packers also traded for running back Kaleb Johnson, an Iowa native and All-American, for a sixth-round pick. Johnson has the size and style the Packers covet, and his familiarity with the offense should ease his transition. This is an A-minus.
Trading wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to Philadelphia for draft picks is a C grade. Wicks had a strong camp and will start for the Eagles, but the Packers used the picks to address other needs. The final move was trading quarterback Kyle McCord for a sixth-round pick, a solid return for a free-agent find.
What This Means for the Packers' Season
The Packers have remade their roster with an eye on both the present and the future. The additions of Franklin and Johnson address immediate needs, while the draft picks and compensatory selections build for the long term. The success of this overhaul will hinge on the health of key players like Watson and Wyatt, and the development of rookies like Cisse and Dennis-Sutton.
With the season opener against the Vikings on Sept. 13, Packers fans will soon see if these moves translate to wins on the field.