NFL training camp is underway, and general managers across the league are seeking opportunities to bolster their rosters for the 2025 campaign.
Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers are no exception, as they aim to secure the NFC North title for the first time since 2021. The departure of veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander has left the Packers faithful with a familiar concern: How can the Packers challenge the elite wide receivers of the NFC North?
The Packers’ NFC North opponents all employ formidable wide receiver duos, with each team possessing some of the best pairs in the NFL, and multiple AP first-team All-Pros anchoring the passing games of 2024 playoff teams.
Make no mistake, the NFC North is no stranger to elite receivers with the presence of Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and DJ Moore, but these teams also employ high-end second options in Jordan Addison, Jameson Williams and Rome Odunze.
Packers critics suggest that Jordan Love and the Packers offense don’t have the firepower to keep up with the high-octane offenses of the NFC North. However, Green Bay’s roster construction suggests the team never intended to exchange blows in high-scoring affairs.
Josh Jacobs is the primary driver of the Packers’ offense coming off his fourth career 1,000-yard rushing season and entering his second season as the Wisconsin bell cow. Meanwhile, the Packers’ defense is coming off a top-five ranking in points allowed in 2024. The recipe for the Packers to win NFC North bouts is clear: control the tempo of the game and play strong defense.
Cornerback Composition
The Packers’ 2025 cornerback collection struggles to match the star power that it has mustered over the last several seasons. The release of Alexander and the expiration of Eric Stokes’ rookie contract highlight the departure of two former first-round picks at the cornerback position.
The top cornerbacks on the roster, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine, return from the 2024 Packers squad after starting 17 and 7 games, respectively. Rounding out the top three of the group is recent acquisition Nate Hobbs, a former Las Vegas Raider with a wealth of experience as a slot corner. Unfortunately, experience has not directly translated into production from this trio, with the Packers’ top three options ranked no higher than 45th (Valentine) of the 222 qualifying cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus in 2024.
How Can Gutekunst Fix this?
The Packers’ general manager has carried the team to the brink of training camp, holding several cards to refine their roster before rosters get cut to 53 players. Gutekunst has $35 million in cap space and seven 2026 draft selections available to him to place the final touches on the Packers’ roster before Week 1. The Packers have all the resources they need to make a late off-season splash through free agency or trade.
Although it’s late in the offseason, there are several players available in free agency, and looming roster cuts create the potential for several trade targets to present themselves.
Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr. headlines the list of available options as an intriguing talent with a notable NFL pedigree. His father, Asante Samuel Sr., enjoyed a storied career as a standout for the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons. Samuel Jr. prepares to enter year five following four years as a Los Angeles Charger and has yet to turn 26 years old. Despite a down year in 2024, Gutekunst has the opportunity to strike on a player who was ranked within the top 20 cornerbacks as recently as 2023.
Greg Newsome II
The Cleveland Browns project to have challenges navigating the 2026 salary cap and must prepare for difficult decisions to retain key players. This makes former first-round pick Greg Newsome II a premier trade candidate for Gutekunst. Playing on an expiring rookie contract, the Browns may look to preemptively move on from the corner and garnish back what resources they can if it appears they will be unable to sign him to an extension. Newsome offers a rare blend of youth and experience as a 25-year-old veteran with 48 career starts. If Cleveland is willing to trade him for a late-round pick, the move could prove impactful to the Packers as a one-year rental or more.
Stephon Gilmore
Former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore remains available as he continues to serve as a veteran mercenary searching for his fourth team in as many years. Gilmore is an aging veteran who will turn 36 in September, but he had gas left in the tank in 2024, ranking within the top 20 cornerbacks in the NFL in both receptions allowed and pass breakups. In his advanced age, Gilmore will be available for a discounted price tag and provide valuable mentorship for a Packers team aiming to make a playoff run.
The Way Forward
Gutekunst and the Packers must take advantage of available resources to give their team the best opportunity to win. Strengthening the cornerback position will empower defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to utilize aggressive blitz packages without sacrificing chunk plays to the elite receivers of the NFC North. Green Bay is in line for another promising season, and the Packers’ front office faces a challenge to ensure that Packers fans aren’t victimized by poor cornerback play in 2025.
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