The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, with the NFL's free agency period set to kick off on March 11. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how the Packers will bolster their roster for a deep playoff push in 2026. However, there's also the possibility of seeing some familiar faces depart, potentially even to a divisional rival.
In the NFC North, the rivalry between the Packers and the Minnesota Vikings is as fierce as ever. The Vikings, aiming to bounce back into playoff contention, have their eyes on potential acquisitions, including Packers free agent Sean Rhyan. Rhyan seems like an ideal candidate for the Vikings to pursue, especially after their successful snag of Eric Wilson last year.
Sean Rhyan: A Potential Viking?
After three seasons with the Packers, Sean Rhyan appears set to move on. Initially a reliable backup in his rookie year, Rhyan stepped up as a starter, earning a 61.3 overall grade over 1,027 snaps. His performance included allowing 28 pressures and four sacks on 508 pass-blocking attempts, according to Pro Football Focus.
However, the 2025 season proved challenging for Rhyan and the Packers' offensive line. Despite a decent start, Rhyan's performance dipped, with a 59.2 overall grade over 876 snaps. He allowed 29 pressures on 480 pass-blocking snaps, struggling to adapt at right guard and later at center following Elgton Jenkins' season-ending injury.
The Packers might consider retaining Rhyan, especially with reports suggesting Jenkins could be released. Yet, with Rhyan's market value projected at $6.5 million, he might find himself in free agency, catching the attention of the Vikings.
The Vikings are coming off a 9-8 season, narrowly missing the playoffs. With a new general manager at the helm, head coach Kevin O’Connell is focused on revamping the offensive line.
The team has already made coaching changes, bringing in Keith Carter as the offensive line coach. With Ryan Kelly potentially on his way out, Rhyan could be a valuable addition, either as a starter or a versatile backup.
While losing Rhyan would impact the Packers' depth, it might not be all bad news. With Aaron Banks and Anthony Belton solidifying the guard positions, upgrading at center could be the next step for Green Bay. As Rhyan potentially heads to a rival, the Packers will look to strengthen their lineup for another competitive season in the NFC North.