Packers linked to young free agent who could become obvious solution to lingering roster issue
Greg Newsome would be a valuable addition.
The Green Bay Packers might not be the most active team in free agency, but general manager Brian Gutekunst has certainly been more willing to add external pieces than his predecessor Ted Thompson.
Over the past two years, the Packers added Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney, Aaron Banks, and Nate Hobbs early in the process each offseason. In 2026, cornerback is the top need on the roster, and ESPN’s Matt Bowen sees an ideal fit for the team.
Bowen made a list of best fits for the top 50 free agents, and he connected Green Bay to Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Greg Newsome II.
“The Packers’ cornerbacks struggled after Micah Parsons’ injury limited the pass rush, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will install a zone-heavy scheme. That’s a fit for Newsome, who uses his backfield vision in coverage. Re-signing with the Jaguars is also an option.” — Matt Bowen.
Free agency scenario
Newsome is projected to get a three-year, $27 million contract in free agency by Spotrac. The $9 million yearly average would be less than what Hobbs got from the Packers last offseason, $12 million.
He has alignment versatility. Even though he’s primarily a boundary cornerback, he has can in the slot as well — and even in the box sometimes.
He’s coming off two underwhelming seasons, and that’s why his value isn’t that high, but Newsome has a real track record of good play in the NFL. And he’s still only 25 years old.
The Packers don’t have a lot of cap space, but Gutekunst expressed confidence in the front office ability to make moves if necessary.
“I feel really good,” Gutekunst said when asked about the team’s cap situation. “A lot of that will be dependent on the decisions we make with the roster right now and what we do. But I believe we have all the flexibility to do what we need to do.”
Packers’ own free agents
Four Packers players who are set to hit the market were mentioned on Bowen’s list with ideal fits: Left tackle Rasheed Walker (Cleveland Browns), linebacker Quay Walker (Washington Commanders), quarterback Malik Willis (Miami Dolphins), and wide receiver Romeo Doubs (Las Vegas Raiders).
Green Bay Packers News
Packers free agent by free agent breakdown for 2026 reveals keepers, tough choices, and one increasingly risky call
Packers have big decisions to make in free agency.
