We are still a month away from training camp, so now it’s the perfect time to evaluate where the Green Bay Packers roster is and project what will happen over the next few months. While the 90-man roster is pretty much set, there are still interesting discussions around positional battles, contract questions, and possible holes that general manager Brian Gutekunst will look to fill.So, let’s project five things that could still happen before the start of the regular season in September.
Packers won’t sign any cornerbacks, but will claim someone off waivers
Gutekunst seems happy with the Packers’ depth at cornerback, perceiving the position as a weak-link system. They will allow Kalen King, Kamal Hadden, and Micah Robinson to compete for a roster spot, which doesn’t preclude them from adding another piece down the road.The market doesn’t present great options, but Green Bay has been active and relatively successful claiming players off waivers, thanks to a good and consistent job from director of pro personnel Richmond Williams. Don’t be surprised if the Packers add a piece to the CB room via waivers before Week 1.
Offense will progressively lean more into three-WR sets
If you look at how the ones practiced during the offseason program, you’ll see a lot of 12 sets, with tight ends Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave. Don’t expect that much of it heading into the regular season. The 12 or 21 sets, with just two wide receivers on the field, are a big part of schematic installations, but every NFL team plays in 11 personnel most of the time鈥攁nd the Packers are not different under Matt LaFleur.In 2024, the Packers used 11 personnel on 67.09% of their offensive plays, via Sumer Sports. That’s well ahead of 12 (24.63%) and 21 (5.94%).Jayden Reed has been the Packers’ most-productive wide receiver over the past two years, and he basically leaves the field in two-wide receiver sets. It doesn’t make sense to take Reed off the field to play Musgrave for too many snaps, and that’s not something the Packers will reasonably want to do.
Malik Willis will look great in the preseason
Packers analyst Andy Herman made a bold prediction: the Packers will go 3-0 and look amazing in preseason, because their backups are so good. I won’t be that bold, because preseason wins and losses usually depend on how teams approach the games鈥攍ast year, Packers backups played the Broncos starters, and it’s a different level.However, backup quarterback Malik Willis has a big chance in front of him. It’s his first training camp with the Packers, since he was acquired right before Week 1 last year. He will have more time to digest the offensive system and get in rhythm with his receivers.If Jordan Love stays healthy all year, the preseason will be the final chance for Willis to show his value before hitting free agency next offseason. Even though exhibition games might not be that important for the teams, they absolutely are for some players鈥攁nd Willis is a good example.
MarShawn Lloyd will emerge
Lloyd might not be a full-time, three-down running back based on his style of play. But when the Packers took him in the third round last year, there was a clear vision in mind鈥攅specially considering the team had just signed Josh Jacobs to a four-year contract.The Packers want Lloyd to complement what Jacobs does. And this is exactly the type of role the young offensive weapon can execute at a high level. Now, Lloyd is finally healthy to make it happen after a nightmare rookie season.
“I鈥檓 doing good, really good,” the back said during mandatory minicamp. “Running as fast as I can, can jump as high as I want, can catch the ball. I’m doing pretty good.”The former third-rounder will compete with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks for the RB2 job. The Packers expect him to take over.
Zach Tom extension
This is one of the big tasks of the offseason for the Packers, and it doesn’t make much sense for the Packers to allow Tom to keep playing without a new deal in place. Considering how well he played in 2024, being one of the top right tackles in football, Tom will only get more and more expensive.After playing three seasons in the NFL, he’s eligible for a contract extension, and Gutekunst told Cheesehead TV that both sides have had healthy conversations.Negotiations take time, and deadlines spur action as Andrew Brandt would say. With the regular season getting closer, chances are that the Packers will finally pull the trigger.