ClutchPoints
The Green Bay Packers are no strangers to measured decision-making. For decades, the franchise has leaned on a “build from within” philosophy rooted in drafting, developing, and trusting their own. This offseason, that identity remained intact—but at what cost? With a promising young quarterback in Jordan Love and a balanced roster, this could’ve been the time to go all-in. Instead, general manager Brian Gutekunst played it a little too safe. Sure, the Packers remain a playoff contender. However, their most glaring offseason mistake might come back to haunt them.
Gutekunst’s 2025 offseason played out predictably: modest free-agent moves, conservative trades (or lack thereof), and a focus on the draft. Cornerback Nate Hobbs, brought in from Las Vegas, should compete for a starting nickel role. Aaron Banks, formerly of the 49ers, offers a solid but unspectacular presence at guard. Both players were overpaid relative to market value, though. This has raised questions about Green Bay’s pro scouting process more than its wallet.
Where Gutekunst did make noise was the draft. After years of passing on receivers in the first round, the Packers finally used a top pick on one. They drafted Texas standout Matthew Golden. He’ll be joined by fourth-round pick Savion Williams in a suddenly crowded but youthful wide receiver room. The symbolic weight of finally investing early in a pass-catcher is heavy. It tells Jordan Love, “We’re building around you.” On the flip side, in pure football terms, the value of adding Golden can be debated.
The Packers ranked third in net yards per pass attempt last year, fifth in total offense, and fifth in total defense. This was not a team with desperate offensive holes. That makes the luxury pick of a receiver somewhat understandable. That said, the opportunity cost of not addressing more pressing areas—like the pass rush—could define this season.
Here we’ll try to look at the riskiest move that the the Green Bay Packers executed in the 2025 NFL offseason.
For a team that prides itself on roster balance and steady improvement, the Packers’ decision to forgo bolstering the EDGE position is perplexing. It could also be potentially catastrophic.
With Rashan Gary leading the pass rush, Green Bay has a top-tier defensive anchor. However, behind him, the depth chart is thin and unproven. The drop-off after him is stark. Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox Jr, and Lukas Van Ness all offer promise. Still, none have consistently shown they can disrupt games on a weekly basis.
The front office’s gamble? Banking on internal growth rather than external reinforcement.
Sure, there’s still time to make a trade—rumors of interest in Bengals veteran Trey Hendrickson have surfaced. However, Green Bay hasn’t moved. Hendrickson, a proven pass rusher, would’ve been the ideal win-now addition. Of course, with limited cap flexibility and a long-term mindset, the Packers appear unwilling to make that kind of splash. That could be a mistake they regret by midseason.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s...
