Personnel was a big issue for the Arizona Cardinals throughout Jonathan Gannon’s tenure as the team’s head coach over the past three years. That’s the big reason the Cardinals were 30th in defensive DVOA in 2025, but there was still some competition to hire Gannon as a defensive coordinator. The Green Bay Packers won the battle, securing him to replace Jeff Hafley under head coach Matt LaFleur.

Despite the personnel issues, the roster wasn’t entirely weak. With free agency coming soon, general manager Brian Gutekunst could look at some former players who performed under Gannon and add them to the defense in 2026 — and possibly beyond.

LB Nakobe Dean

Back in 2022, the Packers made a huge mistake in the draft by taking Quay Walker in the first round when Nakobe Dean wouldn’t be drafted before the third.

Dean isn’t as athletic but is also good as a situational pass rusher and much better in coverage, which is a particularly important part of Gannon’s defensive structure. Now, both Walker and Dean are set to become free agents, and the Packers could prioritize the better scheme fit.

EDGE Haason Reddick

Reddick hasn’t been very effective over the past two seasons, but he did have a career year under Gannon in 2022, transitioning from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher.

After playing on a one-year deal for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Reddick is back on the market and could be a solid rotational edge, especially if the Packers part ways with Rashan Gary.

IDL Calais Campbell

Campbell will be 40 by Week 1, but that doesn’t mean he’s washed. He still had strong production for the Cardinals in 2025, with 33 pressures and 6.5 sacks. But what stands out the most is his alignment versatility — he can play both at defensive end and outside linebacker in Gannon’s five-man fronts.

IDL LJ Collier

A former first-round pick, Collier started his NFL career primarily as an edge for the Seattle Seahawks, eventually playing more inside. His production is very limited, so it would have to be a low deal to serve as defensive line depth.

DB Darren Hall

Hall isn’t a star secondary player, but he’s a versatile defensive back who primarily plays in the slot because of his run defense. The Packers already have Javon Bullard and Nate Hobbs for this position, so he wouldn’t be more than a veteran depth piece.

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Wendell Ferreira