The first week of free agency in the NFL is in the books. The Green Bay Packers were active early, agreeing to terms with guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs on the first day of the legal tampering period on Monday.
Between Monday and Sunday, several players with expiring contracts departed Green Bay and signed elsewhere.
The Packers signed two players from other teams — guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs — and also re-signed two players with expiring contracts. Through Sunday, six former Packers signed with other teams.
Here’s a quick update on where all the Packers free agents stand after one week:
Signed
C Josh Myers (signed with Jets): Somewhat incredibly, Myers found nothing more than a one-year, $2 million deal with the Jets. The Packers moved quickly to replace him as a starter with Aaron Banks, and it’s clear the league didn’t think he was worth spending big money on in free agency. He played at a replacement level over his four seasons in Green Bay — which is reflected in his new deal.
LB Isaiah McDuffie (re-signed with Packers): The Packers returned McDuffie on a two-year deal. A 25-game starter over the last two seasons, McDuffie provides a reliable No. 3 option at linebacker and a key special teamer. He’ll compete with Ty’Ron Hopper for snaps behind Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper in the base defense.
CB Eric Stokes (signed with Raiders): The 2021 first-round pick played in all 17 games in 2024 but wasn’t a preferred player at corner to end the season. He needed a fresh start, and the Packers are beginning a makeover at corner. Stokes got a one-year deal in Las Vegas.
LB Eric Wilson (signed with Vikings): The re-signing of McDuffie made it unlikely Wilson would return, and the former Viking returned to Minnesota on a two-year deal. Wilson was arguably the team’s best special teamer over the last three seasons. The Packers might need to draft a linebacker to rebuild depth.
DL TJ Slaton (signed with Bengals): The big run-stuffer found a two-year deal in Cincinnati. His impact against the run was valuable, but the Packers needed more pass-rush. Expect Green Bay to invest along the defensive line via the draft.
K Brandon McManus (re-signed with Packers): The kicker position is finally stabilized in the post-Mason Crosby era. McManus made all but two kicks after joining the Packers in October. He signed for three seasons.
CB Corey Ballentine (signed with Colts): A quality backup at corner in 2023, Ballentine was mostly a special teamer in 2024. The Packers are bringing back 2024 draft picks Kalen King and Kamal Hadden at corner, but at least one draft pick a the position is increasingly likely.
RB A.J. Dillon (signed with Eagles): The 2020 second-round pick missed the entire 2024 season with a neck injury. He’s been cleared and will attempt to revive his career in Philadelphia, an ideal spot for a running back. The Packers are set at the position behind Josh Jacobs.
Still unsigned
TE John FitzPatrick: The Packers didn’t give him a restricted free agent tender, making him an unrestricted free agent, but he could still return as a backup tight end. He was active over Ben Sims in the playoff game.
OT Andre Dillard: The Packers may want 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan competing at the tackle spots, which could make Dillard redundant in 2025, especially considering the likelihood of the Packers drafting offensive linemen in April. He figures to be a cheap veteran and a potentially valuable backup who knows the system.
CB Robert Rochell: His ability on special teams gives him a chance to return, especially considering the turnover at the position from the first week.
TE Tyler Davis: Back-to-back significant injuries have cost him the last two seasons. Big injuries are tough to overcome for a fringe roster player in the NFL.
Exclusive rights free agents
The Packers tendered exclusive rights free agents Daniel Whelan, Emanuel Wilson, Bo Melton, Arron Mosby, Zayne Anderson and Kadeem Telfort, returning them all to Green Bay on one-year deals.
