The 2026 NFL offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Green Bay Packers - not because of a splashy signing spree, but because of who they might lose. A new projection of the top 50 free agents available this offseason features a heavy dose of Green and Gold, with four Packers landing in the top 25. That kind of talent drain doesn’t just sting on the field - it could significantly shape the team’s draft strategy and long-term roster construction.
Let’s start with the headliners. Left tackle Rasheed Walker comes in at No. 8 overall on the list, one of the highest-ranked offensive linemen available.
Walker has been a steady presence protecting the blind side, and his departure could leave a noticeable void. But here’s the silver lining: if he walks, Green Bay is expected to net a fourth-round compensatory pick in 2027 - not a bad return for a player developed in-house.
Joining him in the rankings are linebacker Quay Walker (No. 13), quarterback Malik Willis (No. 17), and wide receiver Romeo Doubs (No. 21).
Each of them is projected to bring back a fifth-round compensatory pick if they sign elsewhere. That’s four likely comp picks in total, which is the maximum a team can receive in one offseason - and it’s why the Packers are expected to stay out of the unrestricted free agent market themselves.
Signing a UFA would cancel out one of those picks, and Green Bay’s front office seems to be playing the long game here.
From a positional standpoint, the Packers’ free agents are spread across the board, but their absence will be felt most on offense. Rasheed Walker’s potential exit was partially anticipated - Green Bay used a first-rounder on Jordan Morgan last year, a move that now looks even smarter in retrospect.
Same goes for Romeo Doubs, whose spot could be filled by 2025 first-rounder Matthew Golden. That’s a sign of a front office that understands roster cycles and plans accordingly.
Let’s zoom out and look at the broader free agent landscape.
Quarterbacks are always in demand, and Malik Willis being ranked 17th at the position speaks to the limited depth in this year’s class. Daniel Jones (No. 4) leads the group, but it’s not a deep pool. Teams looking for a starter might have to get creative or turn to the draft.
Running backs are well-represented, with Breece Hall (Jets) and Travis Etienne Jr. (Jaguars) headlining a group that also includes Kenneth Walker III, Javonte Williams, and Rico Dowdle. But as we’ve seen in recent years, the market for backs isn’t what it used to be.
Wide receivers offer a bit more intrigue. George Pickens (Cowboys) and Alec Pierce (Colts) are ranked highly, while Mike Evans (Buccaneers) brings veteran star power. Romeo Doubs slots in at No. 21, a solid value for a team looking for a reliable WR2 or WR3 option.
Tight ends are thin this year, with Isaiah Likely (Ravens) and Kyle Pitts Sr. (Falcons) leading the way. Pitts’ inclusion is notable given his pedigree, but his production has been inconsistent.
Along the offensive line, tackle is stronger than the interior. Rasheed Walker and Braden Smith (Colts) top the tackle group.
At guard and center, the talent pool is serviceable but not deep. Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens) is the standout at center, but after that, it thins out quickly.
On the defensive side, the edge rusher group is loaded. Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) takes the top spot overall, and he’s joined by Jaelan Phillips (Eagles), Odafe Oweh (Chargers), and Khalil Mack (Chargers). That’s a lot of pass-rushing firepower potentially on the move.
Interior defensive line, on the other hand, is light. John Franklin-Myers (Broncos) is the only player at the position to crack the top 50, and he’s under 290 pounds - more of a hybrid than a true interior anchor. For teams looking to beef up the middle, this might not be the year to do it via free agency.
Off-ball linebacker has a few interesting names, including Quay Walker, Devin Lloyd (Jaguars), and Leo Chenal (Chiefs). Nakobe Dean (Eagles) and Alex Anzalone (Lions) round out the list, but none are likely to break the bank.
Cornerback is a bit more promising. Alontae Taylor (Saints) is ranked 12th, and his name might ring a bell for Packers fans - Green Bay reportedly called about his availability near the trade deadline. Riq Woolen (Seahawks) and Jaylen Watson (Chiefs) are also in the mix, offering a blend of youth and upside.
Safety is another position where Green Bay probably won’t be active, but there are some interesting names available. Bryan Cook (Chiefs), Reed Blankenship (Eagles), and Kam Curl (Rams) headline a group that’s deep if not elite.
Blankenship, notably, started four games as an undrafted rookie during Jonathan Gannon’s final season in Philly. Nakobe Dean, another former Eagle, played mostly special teams that same year.
One trend that continues to shape the free agent market: teams are getting more aggressive with their cap management, borrowing from future years to lock in core players now. That means fewer stars are actually hitting the open market.
The Patriots, for example, had plenty of cap space last offseason but used less than $50 million of it. It’s a reflection of the current landscape - free agency is no longer the goldmine it once was.
Smart teams are prioritizing draft-and-develop, and the Packers are clearly among them.
So while Green Bay fans might see some familiar faces walk out the door this spring, don’t mistake that for a lack of direction. The Packers are playing the long game - and if the comp picks stack up as expected, they’ll have plenty of ammunition to keep building for the future.