The Green Bay Packers are playing the long game, focusing on the future as they navigate the current free agency landscape. While they don't have a first-round pick this year or next, they're quietly building their arsenal for 2027.
The recent moves involving Malik Willis and Romeo Doubs could be pivotal. Willis' deal with the Miami Dolphins is poised to earn the Packers a compensatory pick in the third or fourth round next year. Now, with Doubs reportedly signing a lucrative contract with the New England Patriots-rumored to be a four-year, $70 million deal according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport-the Packers are in line for another potential compensatory pick.
As free agency unfolds, Green Bay has seen more departures than arrivals. Along with Doubs, Malik Willis, Quay Walker, and Kingsley Enagbare have all moved on. Rashan Gary and Colby Wooden were traded, and Elgton Jenkins was released, though these moves don't factor into compensatory calculations.
On the acquisition front, the Packers signed cornerback Benjamin St-Juste and traded for Zaire Franklin, with St-Juste's signing impacting the compensatory formula.
According to Over The Cap's projections, Green Bay is set to receive three compensatory picks in 2027: a fourth-rounder for both Willis and Doubs, and a fifth-rounder for Walker. The potential sixth-rounder for Enagbare is offset by St-Juste's signing. Additionally, they secured a fourth-round pick through the Gary trade.
Unless the Packers embark on a significant spending spree soon, Doubs' departure should secure a fourth-round compensatory pick. Rasheed Walker, still a free agent, might also land a substantial deal, possibly maxing out the Packers' compensatory picks.
Future signings could alter this landscape. Big moves for players like Riq Woolen or Trey Hendrickson might reduce the compensatory haul. However, Green Bay seems unlikely to break the bank, possibly opting to sign players released from their contracts, which won't affect compensatory considerations.
While losing Doubs, a fourth-round pick from 2022, is a blow, his exit could ultimately yield another valuable fourth-round pick in 2027, keeping the Packers' future bright.