2026 Roster Thread - Semi-Live

[tynimiller]

I'll expound on it perhaps a touch further...the whole trade Reed discussion.

If you're Gute and Co. you're essentially asking yourself based on your board and even to a point historical trends which serves the 2026 Packers more and what serves the future years as well better and which is worth it more...

If you're pushing all your chips in solely on 2026 and essentially sacrificing 2027 and 2028...you're going to use void years to retain some, you're going to restructure and finance at the future hard....I'd argue you roll with Jayden in 2026, and just continue to push everything to the max.

BUT...


Let's say Gute and Co can get a pick in the 80-100 range. Here are some of the players that GB has historically added in the 3rd/4th rounds - NOW PLEASE FOLKS THINK FROM A PROSPECT PERSPECTIVE (which is different than what they became):

Savion Williams
Barryn Sorrell
Marshawn Lloyd
TyRon Hopper
Evan Williams
Tucker Kraft
Colby Wooden
Sean Rhyan
Romeo Doubs
Zach Tom
Amari Rodgers
Royce Newman
Josiah Deguara


Yes from a prospect view point a couple of these were consensus reaches (Wooden, S Williams and Deguara) but the rest for where they were picked folks saw them as immense quality return likely...so now let's enter this discussion and add in some guys last couple seasons selected in that 75-125 range:


CB Nohl Williams
DT Jamaree Caldwell
S Xavier Watts
RB Cam Skattebo
LB Jack Kiser
DT Deone Walker
DT CJ West
LB Barrett Carter

ED Jalyx Hunt
LB Payton Wilson
TE AJ Barner
RB Bucky Irving
DB Jarrian Jones


Now for 2026...which adds more value to the roster keeping Jayden Reed or potentially adding a few of the guys on the consensu board that might be there:

CB Malik Muhammad out of Texas...multiple years of starting outside CB, fits the GB thresholds...should test decent
ED Dani Dennis-Sutton out of Penn State...pressure machine who plays the run very well and has for years
CB Julian Neal out of Arkansas...I've shared about him...big hard hitting CB that excels in zone calls...his speed is the only unique trait I'm wondering
ED Malachi Lawrence out of UCF....dude showed out at the Senior Bowl...has a lot of pressures in his college career and seems poised for growth
CB Will Lee who played man calls crazy well for Texas A&M this last year but struggles in zone calls.
CB Daylen Everette...multi year starter outside for Georgia....
RB Mike Washington from Arkansas....senior bowl was a breakout exposure for him for many
DL Tim Keenan...guy who played the run well for Alabama and has a lot of NT type reps in his time for the Tide
iOL Billy Schrauth from Notre Dame who would come in and instantly be capable of starting at either guard if we wanted.
iOL Keylan Rutledge from Georgia Tech...great run blocking interior lineman...to some one of the best pure guards.
C Jake Slaughter from Florida....could start at center day one likely for us.
DL Domonique Orange....big citrus might be the NT of the draft.


I'd argue that in 2026, barring injuries which you cannot plan on or allow you to manage out of fear, any of the above would likely at WORST be an equal roster structured as it is with Jayden Reed...especially due to we have Golden and Savion who both likely take leaps and Wicks who continues to progress...of course doing such a move a team has to have confidence they can fill the role of the vacated player....and there is always risk.

From a 2027 perspective it of course is much better due to Reed is likely not in the 2027 plans at all...

 

[CarryTheG14]

Reports say Indy is letting Anthony Richardson seek a trade.

If we can get him for pennies on a dollar, whats everyone think of taking a shot on him as a backup? Two years on a rookie contract still.

 

[Half Empty]

Reports say Indy is letting Anthony Richardson seek a trade.

If we can get him for pennies on a dollar, whats everyone think of taking a shot on him as a backup? Two years on a rookie contract still.

On the one hand, he's got pretty bad stats, so the old "if they don't want him, why would we?". On the other hand, Willis didn't show anything with TN before coming here, so...

 

[tynimiller]

Reports say Indy is letting Anthony Richardson seek a trade.

If we can get him for pennies on a dollar, whats everyone think of taking a shot on him as a backup? Two years on a rookie contract still.

100% worth it but only if they're dumping him for a 7th like Tennessee did Malik. Now I'll consider pick 200 for him and a 7th in return next year or something similar. He ain't worth the gamble of a 5th or higher.

 

[milani]

Reports say Indy is letting Anthony Richardson seek a trade.

If we can get him for pennies on a dollar, whats everyone think of taking a shot on him as a backup? Two years on a rookie contract still.

Probably looking to win a starting role. I like him.

 

[CarryTheG14]

On the one hand, he's got pretty bad stats, so the old "if they don't want him, why would we?". On the other hand, Willis didn't show anything with TN before coming here, so...

I like backups who can win games rushing.

100% worth it but only if they're dumping him for a 7th like Tennessee did Malik. Now I'll consider pick 200 for him and a 7th in return next year or something similar. He ain't worth the gamble of a 5th or higher.

I def agree there. 6th or 7th.

Probably looking to win a starting role. I like him.

I really can't see that happening for him, I do think a team like Minny looks more appealing though with a volatile/ very very bad starting QB.


I gotta be honest, I was a Anthony Richardson guy coming out of Floridaa BUT I also said if I'm taking him he's 100% sitting the 1st year and probably most of year 2 so i'm not takin the total L on that one.

 

[Pkrjones]

Doubt Indy will let him go for a 7th rounder. Some estimates are a 5th with a 6th or 7th returned to new team. Richardson IS still only 23, so IF coachable might fetch high pick IF GB would flip him in '27.

 

[OldSchool101]

Doubt Indy will let him go for a 7th rounder. Some estimates are a 5th with a 6th or 7th returned to new team. Richardson IS still only 23, so IF coachable might fetch high pick IF GB would flip him in '27.

I’d be a player with our #199 overall for their 7th swap… that or a RD6 selection straight up in 2027. In 2027 we should have Six or Seven Day3 selections.

 

[tynimiller]

So it has been announced by some credible folks that GB will not be tendering RFAs Zayne Anderson or Emanuel Wilson

The Wilson one is crazy to me but could be a sign of few things, Lloyd is healthier than we all would know and/or GB really likes this RB class depth and plan on adding one and/or they’re gonna sign a FA.

 

[gopkrs]

So it has been announced by some credible folks that GB will not be tendering RFAs Zayne Anderson or Emanuel Wilson

The Wilson one is crazy to me but could be a sign of few things, Lloyd is healthier than we all would know and/or GB really likes this RB class depth and plan on adding one and/or they’re gonna sign a FA.

I would think Wilson would get signed by someone. Maybe Anderson will be back. I think he's had a tough time of it with injuries in his short career.

 

[tynimiller]

I would think Wilson would get signed by someone. Maybe Anderson will be back. I think he's had a tough time of it with injuries in his short career.

Yeah Wilson will be a 2 or 3 somewhere

 

[CarryTheG14]

So it has been announced by some credible folks that GB will not be tendering RFAs Zayne Anderson or Emanuel Wilson

The Wilson one is crazy to me but could be a sign of few things, Lloyd is healthier than we all would know and/or GB really likes this RB class depth and plan on adding one and/or they’re gonna sign a FA.

I can't watch Wilson into his guys and miss open holes anymore.

It really wouldn't shock me if they try to re-build the room this off-season. Jacobs at best has another year, can't trust Lloyd.

I have been clamoring for Jadarian Price in round 2, but that's not going to happen.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Reports say Indy is letting Anthony Richardson seek a trade.

If we can get him for pennies on a dollar, whats everyone think of taking a shot on him as a backup? Two years on a rookie contract still.

100% worth it but only if they're dumping him for a 7th like Tennessee did Malik. Now I'll consider pick 200 for him and a 7th in return next year or something similar. He ain't worth the gamble of a 5th or higher.

I have a number of thoughts on Richardson.

First thought. The Packers NEED a quality backup QB moving forward and they currently don't have one. Malik proved several times what the value of a solid #2 QB can be.

Second thought. I would think Richardson would want to be traded to a team where it is plausible for him to compete for the #1 spot. At Green Bay, he wouldn't have any chance of doing that. Unless Love suffers an injury, Richardson might never see the field in GB to audition for his next job.

Third thought. Maybe Anthony sees what Malik did in GB during his last 2 rookie contract years, improving him enough to actually collect some money in free agency and be viewed as a potential starter. Malik had 2 years to do that in GB, Richardson would only have 1 on his existing contract. GB would pass on his 5th year option which would have to be invoked this May. But if Richardson is long term planning, maybe he views going to GB for several years, might be good for his career path.

Fourth thought. The Packers absolutely need a #2 QB and I absolutely would hate seeing them try to fill that spot with a mid to late round draft pick. If Love went down for any period of time, a rookie QB is not the answer for a team with Super Bowl ambitions. That type of QB is one that you develop on the PS or as your 3rd stringer on the bench, if you are willing to give up that roster spot each week.

So, my summary thought on Richardson. If it is just going to be a 1 year and done trade for him, I would be hesitant, but still interested if he was. However, if the Packers really like him, have talked to him about the future and the possibility of extending his current deal to a 3 year deal, he would absolutely be worth a 5th rounder. Much like Willis, I think in the right system, this guy has potential. Even if Richards is 1 and done in GB, they potentially pick up a 2028 compensatory pick after he walks in Free Agency in 2027.

The Packers NEED a #2 QB, whether it is Richardson or a veteran free agent, spend some money, make sure that position on the roster doesn't kill your season.

 

[mradtke66]

So it has been announced by some credible folks that GB will not be tendering RFAs Zayne Anderson or Emanuel Wilson

The Wilson one is crazy to me but could be a sign of few things, Lloyd is healthier than we all would know and/or GB really likes this RB class depth and plan on adding one and/or they’re gonna sign a FA.

Just because they aren’t tendered doesn’t mean they won’t be back. It just means they are not (perceived to be) worth the money of the tender.

I believe I saw Zayne’s tender was north of 3M. That’s a lot if the expected market is around the vet minimum.

 

[tynimiller]

Just because they aren’t tendered doesn’t mean they won’t be back. It just means they are not (perceived to be) worth the money of the tender.

I believe I saw Zayne’s tender was north of 3M. That’s a lot if the expected market is around the vet minimum.

Oh of course. With Zayne I could see it, Wilson I don’t. He was our number 2 essentially two years in a row and the price difference between a minimal contract level vs his tender is quite small and would be tendered if they saw the value

 

[tynimiller]

I have a number of thoughts on Richardson.

First thought. The Packers NEED a quality backup QB moving forward and they currently don't have one. Malik proved several times what the value of a solid #2 QB can be.

Second thought. I would think Richardson would want to be traded to a team where it is plausible for him to compete for the #1 spot. At Green Bay, he wouldn't have any chance of doing that. Unless Love suffers an injury, Richardson might never see the field in GB to audition for his next job.

Third thought. Maybe Anthony sees what Malik did in GB during his last 2 rookie contract years, improving him enough to actually collect some money in free agency and be viewed as a potential starter. Malik had 2 years to do that in GB, Richardson would only have 1 on his existing contract. GB would pass on his 5th year option which would have to be invoked this May. But if Richardson is long term planning, maybe he views going to GB for several years, might be good for his career path.

Fourth thought. The Packers absolutely need a #2 QB and I absolutely would hate seeing them try to fill that spot with a mid to late round draft pick. If Love went down for any period of time, a rookie QB is not the answer for a team with Super Bowl ambitions. That type of QB is one that you develop on the PS or as your 3rd stringer on the bench, if you are willing to give up that roster spot each week.

So, my summary thought on Richardson. If it is just going to be a 1 year and done trade for him, I would be hesitant, but still interested if he was. However, if the Packers really like him, have talked to him about the future and the possibility of extending his current deal to a 3 year deal, he would absolutely be worth a 5th rounder. Much like Willis, I think in the right system, this guy has potential. Even if Richards is 1 and done in GB, they potentially pick up a 2028 compensatory pick after he walks in Free Agency in 2027.

The Packers NEED a #2 QB, whether it is Richardson or a veteran free agent, spend some money, make sure that position on the roster doesn't kill your season.

Hindsight makes the Willis backup appear as a quality backup as desired. Willis had been atrocious before he came here but had skills and talents that the staff hoped could be honed and harnessed.

Anthony Richardson signing would be very much be in the same vein and thinking.

 

[AKCheese]

Maybe we can do with Richardson what we did with Willis. Get competent backup play from him when needed and trade a 7th round pick for a higher than 7th round comp pick down the road. And I get it, we’ll probably get comp picks for Walker and others. But those create holes that need to be competently filled NOW!!

 

[OldSchool101]

Yeah Wilson will be a 2 or 3 somewhere

The FO might be thinking we missed on Lloyd and it’s time to accept he’s at best a bonus if he regains his health. As someone said we need a backup plan for Jacobs in a year or 2. Might end up with a Penn State or Notre Dame boy after all! (Or equivalent)
I always say that RB and iLB are 2 positions that see a high degree of earlier production.

 

[tynimiller]

The FO might be thinking we missed on Lloyd and it’s time to accept he’s at best a bonus if he regains his health. As someone said we need a backup plan for Jacobs in a year or 2. Might end up with a Penn State or Notre Dame boy after all! (Or equivalent)
I always say that RB and iLB are 2 positions that see a high degree of earlier production.

I could stretch this to maybe mean more than it does but an opinion of Lloyd is not one of them. If they felt Lloyd is lost cause or just a bonus you don’t let your #2 go…

 

[gopkrs]

I could stretch this to maybe mean more than it does but an opinion of Lloyd is not one of them. If they felt Lloyd is lost cause or just a bonus you don’t let your #2 go…

Honestly what you say is what makes sense. And still I can't be sure

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

So it has been announced by some credible folks that GB will not be tendering RFAs Zayne Anderson or Emanuel Wilson

The Wilson one is crazy to me but could be a sign of few things, Lloyd is healthier than we all would know and/or GB really likes this RB class depth and plan on adding one and/or they’re gonna sign a FA.

While I am not shutting the door on bringing Wilson back, he's JAG material and always has been. Yes, he is a decent backup RB, but my gut says he's peaked and you either bring in really fresh legs with a potential upside, or a guy with a lot of experience, that still has some tread left on his tires.

Vikings are reportedly releasing Aaron Jones. Depending on his health, and what he would sign for, I would be just fine with an Aaron Jones reunion. He knows the Packer offense and is a real compliment to the passing game.

 

[tynimiller]

While I am not shutting the door on bringing Wilson back, he's JAG material and always has been. Yes, he is a decent backup RB, but my gut says he's peaked and you either bring in really fresh legs with a potential upside, or a guy with a lot of experience, that still has some tread left on his tires.

Vikings are reportedly releasing Aaron Jones. Depending on his health, and what he would sign for, I would be just fine with an Aaron Jones reunion. He knows the Packer offense and is a real compliment to the passing game.

Oh for sure agree. I like Wilson and thought he showed flashes of maybe having more to uncover but sense his floor and ceiling are known and honestly his strength is they are nearly the same thing. He'll find a home, but for less than the tender likely would have cost.

Jones for a couple million as a backup would be SICK. I cannot imagine the joy it would bring me to see us win a SB and Jones be in a GB jersey when it happens.

 

[gopkrs]

Oh for sure agree. I like Wilson and thought he showed flashes of maybe having more to uncover but sense his floor and ceiling are known and honestly his strength is they are nearly the same thing. He'll find a home, but for less than the tender likely would have cost.

Jones for a couple million as a backup would be SICK. I cannot imagine the joy it would bring me to see us win a SB and Jones be in a GB jersey when it happens.

I thought Wilson was hitting the line faster and with more power last year. If he had a little bit better holes to run through; he could have done some damage imho. Still, I've always loved Aaron Jones. And we now don't hace a bonafide back up and need one.

 

[milani]

I thought Wilson was hitting the line faster and with more power last year. If he had a little bit better holes to run through; he could have done some damage imho. Still, I've always loved Aaron Jones. And we now don't hace a bonafide back up and need one.

I like Wilson. He is not as polished as Jacobs. Catching that 3rd down pass in the flat and being able to know when to turn the play in a different direction are still in his school book. The blocking was not good in 2025. He did very well in the game Jacobs had to miss completely.

 

[tynimiller]

I like Wilson. He is not as polished as Jacobs. Catching that 3rd down pass in the flat and being able to know when to turn the play in a different direction are still in his school book. The blocking was not good in 2025. He did very well in the game Jacobs had to miss completely.

If Wilson could pass pro he'd be a borderline 1B type back. There was a reason why Brooks had to go in instead of him so much.