The Green Bay Packers (11-6 in 2024) are coming off a disappointing exit within the wild-card spherical of the playoffs. To enhance on that end, they have to reply these essential questions.
Will Jaire Alexander be on the group in Week 1?
With commerce rumors swirling originally of the offseason, Alexander appeared to be on his method out of Inexperienced Bay. That modified when Inexperienced Bay did not take a cornerback till the seventh spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft, probably signaling that Alexander will likely be again in inexperienced and yellow in 2025.
Based on Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Packers are working with Alexander on “a decision that would materialize quickly.” The proficient cornerback is due $17.5 million in 2025, however the Packers aren’t comfy forking that over after accidents restricted Alexander to fewer than eight video games in three of the previous 4 seasons.
Inexperienced Bay would not have a lot expertise at nook behind Alexander, so bringing him again with a pay lower could be one of the best answer for the group.
Who’s going to step up as a high-level pass-rusher?
The Packers weren’t a horrible pass-rushing group in 2024 — their 45 group sacks have been tied for the eighth most within the NFL. The issue was that nobody recorded greater than 7.5 sacks, and solely three gamers completed the season with greater than 4.
Somebody on the defensive position should step up and put concern into offensive strains. We’re taking a look at you, Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness. Devonte Wyatt and Kingsley Enagbare are additionally prime candidates to have breakout seasons in 2025. If Inexperienced Bay’s defensive entrance may be extra disruptive this season, it should result in extra compelled turnovers and momentum swings.
Can Jordan Love make the leap to the elite tier of QBs?
Irrespective of how a lot the remainder of the roster improves, the Packers will not attain their full potential till Love turns into elite. After a stable first season because the starter in 2023, Love took a step again in 2024 with a decrease common passing yards per recreation (225.9 from 244.6), a decrease completion proportion (63.1 % from 64.2) and the next interception fee (2.6 % from 1.9).
