The Green Bay Packers wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a 9-7-1 record, just enough to sneak into the playoffs as the NFC’s seventh seed. But the way things ended left a sour taste. Four straight regular-season losses followed by a Wild Card defeat at the hands of the rival Chicago Bears made it clear: this team has work to do.
One glaring issue? The pass rush.
When Micah Parsons went down with a torn ACL, Green Bay’s pressure up front evaporated. And while no team wants to lean on injuries as an excuse, it was obvious how much the defense missed its All-Pro anchor.
Parsons' absence exposed a thin edge-rushing unit that simply couldn’t get home often enough. The rest of the defensive front struggled to generate consistent pressure, and that’s a problem that new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will have to address immediately.
A Pass Rush in Need of Help
The Packers’ pass-rush grade plummeted after Parsons’ injury, falling to 21st in the league, according to PFF. That’s not going to cut it-not in a conference loaded with elite quarterbacks.
Even with Parsons expected back next season, Green Bay needs more firepower off the edge. This isn’t just about depth; it’s about finding someone who can make a real impact opposite No.
One name that’s been floated as a potential fit? Khalil Mack.
Yes, that Khalil Mack. The six-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year who’s terrorized quarterbacks for over a decade.
Mack, now 35, may not be in his prime anymore, but he’s still producing at a high level when healthy. Last season with the Chargers, he posted a 79.2 overall PFF grade, a 77.2 run-defense grade, and a 13.2% pass-rush win rate.
Those are strong numbers-especially for a player on the back end of his career.
Even in a season shortened by injury-he missed five games-Mack still managed 5.5 sacks and forced four fumbles in just 12 outings. That kind of production doesn’t just fall out of the sky. It comes from a player who still knows how to win one-on-one matchups and has the instincts to change a game in a single play.
The Rashan Gary Conundrum
Then there’s the Rashan Gary situation. Once viewed as a rising star on this defense, Gary’s 2025 season left a lot to be desired.
He finished with 7.5 sacks, but the tape told a deeper story-one that included inconsistent effort and too many plays where he wasn’t finishing at full speed. That’s not what you want from a player on a hefty contract, especially when the team could save $11 million by moving on from him this offseason.
If the Packers decide to part ways with Gary, that opens up both a roster spot and some financial flexibility. And that’s where Mack could come in.
Can the Numbers Work?
The big question with Mack isn’t talent-it’s availability and cost. He’s dealt with injuries in recent years, and at 35, retirement is certainly on the table.
But if he wants to keep playing, he’ll have options. Spotrac estimates his market value at one year, $18.4 million-a steep price for a team like Green Bay that needs to be mindful of its cap.
However, if Mack is open to a short-term deal in the $12-15 million range, the fit makes a lot of sense. He wouldn’t have to carry the load-Parsons will be the focal point-but Mack could be a dangerous complement.
A situational pass rusher who brings leadership, experience, and a proven ability to get after the quarterback? That’s exactly what this defense needs.
Looking Ahead
The Packers have a lot to figure out this offseason. Getting Parsons healthy is priority No. 1, but they also need to build around him. Whether that means saying goodbye to Rashan Gary, targeting a veteran like Mack, or both, the edge rush can’t be an afterthought.
If Green Bay wants to take the next step in 2026, it starts in the trenches. And adding a future Hall of Famer to the mix-at the right price-could be the kind of savvy move that pays off in a big way.