The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a fresh look on defense in 2026, aiming to make waves in the NFC North. With Jonathan Gannon stepping in as defensive coordinator, replacing Jeff Hafley, the Packers are set for a strategic overhaul.
The roster is already seeing some shake-ups. Rashan Gary and Nate Hobbs have been moved out, while Zaire Franklin and Benjamin St-Juste are new additions.
While the roster isn't finalized, it's shaping up nicely. Meanwhile, the Packers are keeping a close eye on their NFC North rivals, particularly the Detroit Lions, who are making significant changes themselves.
As the legal tampering period approached, the Packers and the rest of the league were aware that the Lions needed to replace David Montgomery after his recent trade. Enter Isiah Pacheco, who was brought in as the new RB2 for Detroit, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
Pacheco appears to be a suitable replacement for Montgomery at first glance, fitting well into Detroit’s offensive scheme. However, his recent performance in Kansas City suggests otherwise, which could be a relief for the Packers’ defense.
Pacheco's 2025 season with the Chiefs was underwhelming, with 462 rushing yards and a touchdown on 118 carries. He also contributed 19 receptions for 101 yards and another touchdown.
After a severe leg injury in 2024, Pacheco struggled to regain his form, posting only 175 yards on 49 carries in the five games following his return. His postseason performance didn't improve, with just 37 yards on 13 carries.
While there’s potential for Pacheco to turn things around in Detroit, he doesn't quite match up to Montgomery's explosiveness. Montgomery, even in a down year, managed more explosive runs than Pacheco and is a more reliable asset out of the backfield.
Montgomery's impact against the Packers in 2025 was limited, but he remained a player Green Bay had to account for. Lions fans may argue that their running back duo outshines the Packers', but with Gibbs carrying much of the load and Josh Jacobs being a top-10 back, the Packers are still in a solid position. Their RB2 spot remains open, with Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd in the mix, and they might still bolster their backfield.
Ultimately, the Lions' acquisition of Pacheco doesn't seem to be a game-changer, and the Packers’ defense shouldn’t lose sleep over it. If Green Bay can strengthen their defensive line depth, they should be well-equipped to handle Pacheco when the two teams face off.