Packers’ most questionable offseason moves leave Brian Gutekunst facing important questions entering 2026
Green Bay didn’t have as many resources as usual, and that was reflected in the lack of impactful signings.
The Green Bay Packers were prepared for it to some extent, but the fact is that the roster lost significant talent this offseason. Between that and some questionable usage of their limited resources, there are some fair questions to make about general manager Brian Gutekunst’s approach in 2026.
So, let’s discuss the best and worst of what happened. Oh, and it’s not all negativity around here. The best moves are here.
Trading Dontayvion Wicks brings some risk
The compensation was solid (2026 fifth-rounder, 2027 sixth-rounder), and the Packers didn’t plan to extend Wicks, prioritizing Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, so moving on made some sense. But the Packers are buying a year of risk in terms of depth.
It’s ok to focus the offense on Watson, Reed, and Matthew Golden, but after losing Romeo Doubs in free agency as well, it’s risky to enter the season with Savion Williams as the top backup option at WR. Wicks would offer more depth for a season, and then would generate a compensatory pick after leaving in free agency anyway. But his demands for a bigger role would still be a problem, so it’s understandable why the Packers pulled the trigger.
Giving Zaire Franklin a new deal was unnecessary
You can see why the Packers traded for Franklin, foreseeing they would lose Quay Walker in free agency. But it’s harder to understand why they gave him a salary bump considering he wasn’t good for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025. Even if the player didn’t have any leverage, Green Bay raised his salary in 2026 from $7 million to $9 million, keeping the unguaranteed $9 million for 2027 there. It’s $2 million to make a new player happy, but probably an unnecessary move considering Green Bay isn’t in the most comfortable cap situation.
Not tendering Emanuel Wilson weakens offensive depth
The rights of first refusal would get under $4 million, and Emanuel Wilson was clearly the best runner behind Josh Jacobs on the roster. But instead of finding a way to keep him, the Packers didn’t tender Wilson and allowed him to sign with the Seattle Seahawks. Green Bay prioritized Chris Brooks, who’s a pass-blocker but not as electric and efficient as a pure runner. It makes sense to keep Brooks, but the decision to not tender Wilson on top of not investing at all in the position this offseason creates pressure around the health of MarShawn Lloyd, which per se is a risky proposition.