The Green Bay Packers are making strategic moves this offseason, as reports indicate they won't be tendering restricted free agents Emanuel Wilson, a running back, and Zayne Anderson, a safety who ranked fifth in special teams snaps in 2025. This decision aligns with expectations, as the team is likely to focus on swing tackle Darian Kinnard if they choose to tender any restricted free agents at all.
The NFL recently set the minimum cost for a first right of refusal tender at $3,520,000. Teams have the option to place higher-value tenders: a second-round tender at $5,767,000 and a first-round tender at $8,046,000.
These tenders determine the compensation required if another team signs the player. For instance, a second-round tender means the signing team must give up a second-round pick, while a first-round tender requires a first-round pick.
Restricted free agents are those whose contracts have expired but who haven't yet accrued the four years needed to become unrestricted free agents. Unlike unrestricted free agents, who can sign with any team once released or when their contracts expire on March 11th, restricted free agents are subject to these tender rules.
For the Packers, most restricted free agents, aside from possibly Kinnard, are expected to test the waters of unrestricted free agency. It's possible that negotiations could bring some back to Green Bay in 2026 at a more team-friendly rate than the $3.5 million tender minimum. This approach allows the Packers to manage their cap space while keeping future roster options open.