The Packers continue to assemble one of the younger and up-and-coming rosters across the NFL, but are doing so amid the most competitive division in the league.
As the 2025 season approaches, quarterback Jordan Love and his supporing cast got an upgrade with first-round rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden joining the fold, and tight end Tucker Kraft could be on the cusp of becoming one of the premier players at the position, but there are still several questions that remain.
Green Bay making major strides will need to play out against the backdrop of the Super Bowl-caliber Detroit Lions remaining a constant thorn in the Packers side, and the Chicago Bears’ offseason overhaul potentially lifting new head coach Ben Johnson’s team into the realm of NFC contenders.
The Packers’ outlook may hinge on Love taking a big step and a defense building on a strong 2024 season, largely on the back of continuity in coordinator Jeff Hafley’s second season at the helm, this fall.
Are the Packers Anything More Than a Wild Card Team in 2025?
As the 2025 season nears, the Packers have made some targeted upgrades on both sides of the ball, without swinging for the fences or breaking the bank in free agency.
After falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card back in January, and a year removed from reaching the NFC Divisional round, not everyone is convinced Green Bay will be making progress this fall.
Veteran NFL reporter and analyst, Mike Tanier, writing for FTN’s Annual Football Almanac suggests the Packers might not make it past Wild Card weekend, for a second consecutive season.
“The Packers will likely spend another year on the NFC’s wild-card tier,” Tanier writes for FTN. “But it will be worth it if Reed, Doubs, or Golden becomes a guy Love can always look to on third-and-8; if someone else becomes the hammer to Gary’s anvil; if someone plays like (healthy) Alexander at cornerback; or, most importantly, if Love strings together 17 franchise-quarterback worthy games.
“This is what it looks like when a team avoids a painful rebuilding cycle. It may not be completely satisfying, but it’s much better than the alternative.”
Green Bay attempting to build on the fly could pay big dividends if the young talent steps up. But, there’s also the chance that the Packers’ flaws are exposed this season which could trigger a spending spree next spring to add the necessary pieces around Love to make a big push in 2026, if this season fails to make the kind of progress the front office hopes for.
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.
