This year, the Packers have signed cornerback Nate Hobbs, guard Aaron Banks, and wide receiver Mecole Hardman, marking just three external additions so far. These signings come alongside the departure of several players, including defensive lineman T.J. Slaton to the Cincinnati Bengals, signaling that while the organization is making some changes, they have not filled all the necessary gaps.

Hobbs, whose four-year contract totals $48 million, and Banks, who secured a deal worth $77 million over four years, are expected to bolster the Packers’ current roster. However, analysts are quick to point out that these signings might not be sufficient in terms of impact, considering the team’s pressing needs. Despite the investment in these players, the Packers have not addressed one pressing area: the defensive line, where they have inadequately filled positions crucial for improving their defense.

Last season, Green Bay’s defense struggled, particularly in creating pressure without relying heavily on blitzing. Brian Gutekunst, the Packers’ General Manager, emphasized this in his remarks when discussing the team’s needs. “With pass rushers, you can never have enough,” he stated, highlighting an ongoing challenge that the Packers need to face going into the new season.

In light of their lack of additional defensive line signings, the Packers are turning their sights to the upcoming NFL Draft as a critical opportunity to reinforce their front. During the NFL Combine, Gutekunst remarked, “There’s been a lot of talk about the offensive and defensive lines maybe being a little bit stronger than in some years. I think it’s a good draft overall; we’re excited for it. We certainly think there’s a bunch of opportunities to help our football team.” This sentiment underscores the hope that the draft can provide a much-needed influx of talent.

Several promising prospects have been identified, with Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart visiting Green Bay on March 19. Stewart, ranked as the 13th prospect on the consensus draft board, may be a long shot for the Packers’ pick at 23, but his visit illustrates their intent on fortifying their defensive front. Similarly, they are keeping an eye on defensive tackles like Kenneth Grant from Michigan and Walter Nolen from Ole Miss, who have both been in contact with the team and expected to fill pivotal roles.

The offseason’s strategy is crucial for the Packers, particularly after a disappointing playoff exit against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. The team’s performance saw them waxed in the first round, leading to heightened expectations among fans. Following this disappointing conclusion, there was optimism surrounding the team’s salary cap space—the largest they’ve had in years—despite the unimpressive assault on the free agent market.

Reflecting on the past season, the successes of Jacobs, who recorded nearly 1,330 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, alongside the stellar performance of McKinney, certainly raised hopes for a repeat this year. After being a First-Team All-Pro with 88 tackles and eight interceptions, McKinney’s departure is not felt as strongly as Slaton’s, but it raises questions about depth and quality across the board.

The impact of free agency on the team’s Super Bowl aspirations cannot be ignored. After announcing initial odds of +1800 for Super Bowl 60 following the conclusion of Super Bowl 59, the Packers’ chances have slipped to +2200 following this quiet first wave of free agent activity. Currently tied for ninth among the league’s contenders, they now share the spot with the Los Angeles Rams and trail behind the Philadelphia Eagles, who opened highly favored at +650.

As with every offseason, these odds reflect not only the team’s moves but also its perceived potential to compete in the highly competitive NFL landscape. While optimism remains, it’s challenging for fans to embrace a lengthy odds as they analyze the current placement against longstanding rivals like the Vikings and Bears, who trail at +3000 and +3500 respectively.

The Packers’ Super Bowl aspirations hinge heavily on the success of upcoming draft picks. The selection process remains as critical as ever, especially for teams seeking to replenish and elevate. Given the stakes of the current draft class and the team’s rich history of first-round selections, fans eagerly anticipate the decisions Gutekunst and the Packers make in less than a month.

In light of this offseason’s events and the impending draft, the Green Bay Packers have an opportunity to reassess, refocus, and re-energize their roster. While the disappointing strides made in free agency raised eyebrows, the upcoming draft is their chance to reshape the narrative, potentially catalyzing them back into contention as legitimate Super Bowl challengers.