After another crushing defeat to the Bears last year in a game which featured a second half meltdown from the Packers fans were disappointed with consecutive wild card eliminations and three consecutive seasons as the No. 7 seed.
After one of the franchises biggest all-time offseason moves in which they acquired now four-time all-pro edge Micah Parsons the Packers started the season strong with a 9-3-1 record fans were excited. Micah Parsons completely changed this defense’s dynamics racking up 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Jordan Love also quietly produced one of his career’s best seasons posting his highest quarterback rating in his three years since taking over as QB1.
However everything came crashing down Week 15 away at Denver when Micah Parsons tore his acl. The Packers went on to have multiple other key injuries to players like Devonte Wyatt and Zach Tom and blew a lead. They then went on to lose their next 4 games.
This disappointing end to the 2025-2026 campaign and off the field issues have created many questions surrounding the Packers upcoming 2026-2027 season. Most notably former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley left for a head coaching job and was replaced by former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Gannon’s defensive unit will face adversity to start the season as Parsons eyes a Week 6 return from injury. This will be an important year for former first round edge Lukas Van Ness as he will need to fight to stay healthy and give the pass rush a boost during Parsons absence to begin the year. There are also major concerns at cornerback as both Carrington Valentine and Kristian Nixon had subpar seasons last year. New signing Benjamin St-Juste and second round pick Brandon Cisse will have opportunities to compete for major playing time.
Meanwhile offensively the Packers will likely be hurt due to off the field issues. Starting running back and former all-pro Josh Jacobs was charged with misdemeanors for battery and criminal damage to property in late August after a domestic disturbance incident with his girlfriend in May. On top of creating distractions for the team there is now a chance the NFL decides to suspend Jacobs. Were he to be punished there would likely be a six game suspension and with the departure of Emmanuel Wilson, Marshawn Lloyd may be asked to step up.
The third year running back and third-round draft pick has been unable to stay healthy his first two years but has looked good in training camp. Another young player looking to have a breakthrough year is last year’s first-round pick Matthew Golden. Despite showing flashes throughout the season his role was limited but he should have more opportunities with Romeo Doubs signing with the Patriots this offseason
Perhaps most importantly to Packers fans though is the arrival of rookie kicker Trey Smack from the University of Florida. Former Packers kicker Brandon McManus had a disappointing season as he suffered injuries and missed multiple key kicks in the Packers playoff loss costing them the game. Tucker Kraft will also be returning after a torn ACL in an offseason where he signed a massive four-year seventy-five million dollar contract.
With an uncertain season ahead, Packers fans will get their first taste of action on September 13 in their season opener against their division rivals the Vikings.
