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Big Questions For The Packers’ Offense
Aaron Nagler
July 09, 2026
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5 questions that need answering on offense
It's been a busy few months at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Plenty of roster turnover, new faces stepping into new roles, key contract extensions, fresh coaching perspectives, and even an unresolved legal situation still lingering. That's a lot to keep an eye on this summer.
This week, the focus is on the offense. There's always the usual mix of health questions, contract negotiations, and "is this the year" storylines that come with any roster — but 2026 brings its own extra layer. Josh Jacobs' legal situation still looms over the running back room. The offensive line is trying to find its old form again. A former first-round pick is finally getting his shot at the position he was drafted to play. And the head coach is openly admitting he's tearing the whole offense down to the studs. Plenty to watch before the pads come on.
Here's the thing everyone can agree on: this offense needs to be better in 2026. The continuity is there. The potential is there. The youth is there. All the pieces exist for this to be one of the league's best offenses — but having the pieces and putting them together aren't the same thing. That's where these questions come in. Each one plays a real role in whether this offense lives up to expectations.
So let's get into it. Here are five big questions the Packers need to answer before kickoff on Sunday, September 13th.
Carry The G Radio: 2026 Packers X-Factors
What are the biggest X-factors for the Packers heading into the 2026 season? On the latest episode of Carry The G Radio: The Podcast, Aaron Nagler and Bill Schmid dive into the players, coaches and even behind-the-scenes personnel who could have an outsized impact on Green Bay's success this season.
Next Man Up: Barryn Sorrell has a Great Opportunity Ahead
Barryn Sorrell is one of the most intriguing swing‑factor players on Green Bay’s roster this season. The timing of his emergence couldn’t be more important. With Micah Parsons expected to remain on the PUP list until roughly Week 5, the Packers need a disruptive presence to stabilize the pass‑rush rotation. Sorrell, a high‑motor edge with a reputation for violent hands and relentless pursuit, has a real chance to be that guy.
Green Bay built its defense this offseason around the idea of pairing Parsons with a deep, flexible front. Which they have certainly done, with interior addition such as Javon Hargrave, developing Lukas Van Ness, and retaining players like Devonte Wyatt.
But with Parsons sidelined, the Packers lose not just a premier pass rusher, they lose the gravitational force that dictates protections. Someone must step into the chaos‑creator role, even if only temporarily.
Packers With Something Extra on the Line in 2026
As training camp nears closer, a pivotal season for the Packers is on the horizon, as well as for some prominent players who are playing for more than just the collective goal of competing for a Super Bowl in 2026. In this article a year ago, we wrote about three high-priced veterans who needed a strong season to remain on the team, as Green Bay could save significant cap space by moving on.
Those players were Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins, none of whom are on the team today, after two were traded to the Cowboys – Clark before last season in exchange for Micah Parsons, Gary this spring – and one released.
The most notable veteran player who could be on the chopping block if he does not perform well in 2026 is Josh Jacobs.
Of course, his situation is far more complex than just his play on the football field, and he may be off the team before this season even begins depending on the outcome of his legal issues.
Newly acquired linebacker Zaire Franklin is under pressure to show he still has something left in the tank after a down year with the Colts in 2025, which led to him being traded to the Packers. The 30-year-old linebacker can easily be cut next spring for cap savings of $9m.
Keisean Nixon, a polarizing figure within the fanbase, is in a contract year. It does not seem likely his next deal will be in Green Bay, but he still needs to put together a strong season to attract other suitors in 2027 and beyond.
In terms of players still on their rookie contracts, this will be a big year for Devonte Wyatt in particular. Wyatt is playing on his 5th year option, and although his snap to snap performance and production has been strong in the last couple of years, the problem has been the amount of snaps he has been able to play.
This season could also be make or break for Carrington Valentine, who at times has looked like developing into a legitimate starting cornerback, but has never truly taken that step. In 2026, he faces a battle to get on the field once more, with rookie 2nd round pick Brandon Cisse and free agent signing Benjamin St-Juste arriving to compete for playing time.
Can the Packers Finally Be Better On Special Teams This Season?
Green Bay Packers fans have been frustrated by the play of the club’s special teams units for far too long. Poor special teams play cost the Packers wins in key situations in recent years and 2025 was no exception. Missed kicks were costly in the playoff loss in Chicago last year and several other games. Historically, it also cost them the 2021 playoff loss to San Francisco.
This offseason, special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia decided to walk away from the Packers and take a job in college. The Pack hired Cam Achord to replace him. The Packers have invested in special teams in recent years, but the results have remained more or less the same. They continued to invest in special teams players this offseason, but will that make a difference?
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Cory's Corner: More Isn't Always Better
The NFL sold the 17-game schedule as progress. More football. More excitement. More opportunities for fans. It was marketed as a win for everyone. It wasn't. The addition of a 17th regular-season game was never about improving the quality of the sport.
It was about increasing revenue.
More games mean more television inventory, more advertising dollars, more betting opportunities, more fantasy football engagement and more money flowing into league coffers. The NFL has become a year-round content machine, and every additional game feeds that machine.
The problem is that the players are paying the price. Medical science has never been better. Teams have nutritionists, sleep specialists, GPS tracking, recovery experts and training staffs that would have been unimaginable 30 years ago. Players are stronger, faster and better conditioned than ever before.
Yet they're also more physically exhausted.
An 18-game schedule would almost certainly require a second bye week, expanded rosters and additional safeguards simply to keep players functioning through January. Even then, the physical toll would be unprecedented.
The NFL remains America's most popular sport because of its intensity. Every game matters. Every collision carries consequences. But there is a point where chasing another dollar begins to diminish the very product that made the league successful in the first place.
The NFL has built a financial empire unlike any other sports league. No one should fault it for wanting to grow. But growth should never come at the expense of the people whose bodies make the game possible. At some point, the league must decide whether enough is enough.
Unfortunately, history suggests the next decision won't be about protecting players. It will be about finding room on the calendar for Week 18.
‘The Green Bay Packers: An Illustrated Timeline’ with author Kevin Gibson
CHTV co-founder Aaron Nagler welcomes in Kevin Gibson, author of the new book ‘The Green Bay Packers: An Illustrated Timeline’ which can be pre-ordered today!
Pre-order your copy right here!
Check out exclusive Cheesehead TV merch!
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Which Players Might Be Under the Radar Trade Candidates This Summer?
Before the Green Bay Packers report to training camp in a matter of weeks, most of the conversation surrounding the roster has focused on which young players will earn the final spots on the 53-man roster. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst has never been afraid to make a late-summer trade if it strengthens the team or turns surplus depth into future draft capital.
Green Bay has done it before, acquiring offensive lineman Darian Kinnard and edge rusher Micah Parsons before the 2025 season and making other roster-shaping moves as injuries and depth charts around the league evolved. With another deep roster entering camp, there could once again be opportunities to move a player before final cuts.
While the obvious trade candidates such as Luke Musgrave have been discussed throughout the offseason, three under-the-radar names stand out as players who could quietly generate interest from other teams as we move throughout the summer.
Aaron Nagler sits down with ACME Packing Company's Dusty Evely for a big-picture conversation about where the Packers offense is headed and why 2026 could feature the next evolution of Matt LaFleur's attack.
Get your official 2026 Packers Yearbook!
