Without sounding like too much of a negative nelly, I’m concerned the 2025 offensive line played inconsistently and below the competition, leading to a stale run game and boom/bust pass game. In 2026, the Packers could lose their starting LT and both starting and backup centers. With little draft capital and no money for a dip into “game-changing” free agency, is the best option turning to the unproven jars on the shelf?

The Packers have work to do on their offensive line. Elgton Jenkins‘ contract makes for a sticky situation. Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan are both headed for free agency, and I don’t see affording both. The overall depth of the unit remains suspect. The decisions with this unit might have a bigger impact on the 2026 team than any others.

Sensitive topic, because I think highly of Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon, but I think we have to upgrade the cornerback play. What are the options for getting more talent and depth there? Is that possible with our cap situation and other needs, particularly the O-line? II, what do we do?

This is the other position that needs a hard examination, because depth was an issue throughout. Depth breeds competition, which fosters improvement.

Jordan from Osterdock, IA

Wes mentioned “no drafted CB prospects in the pipeline” – seventh-round dart throws the past four drafts leaves a lot of heavy lifting on the development side of draft-and-develop. I see a double-up and maybe a triple-up this coming draft depending how FA plays out of course.

I would be surprised if we bring back Romeo Doubs after drafting two WRs last year that need snaps and him probably garnering $20M on the market, but man do I want him back! He seems like the most reliable pass catcher for Love and is often the go-to guy in big-time moments. Of our UFA, whom would you be happily surprised if we retain, and whom would you consider the gotta-sign-him priority?

All legit questions, but it’s just so early. Some veterans under contract will be let go to create cap room, and projections will emerge as to what some of the UFAs might command on the open market. The five most prominent UFAs in terms of playing time are Doubs, R. Walker, Quay Walker, Rhyan and Kingsley Enagbare. They won’t all be back, but I’m thinking at least one and up to three will. Interestingly, the Packers also have eight RFAs this year, which is a lot of tender offers to consider.

Matt from Sunrise Beach, MO

Haven’t had true stability at kicker since Mason Crosby. After the playoff performance, do you think the Packers will stay with Brandon McManus, or do they continue searching for an answer? He has been solid for most of his time with the Pack, but that playoff game …

I don’t know what’ll happen there, but I wouldn’t call it a given he’s the Packers’ kicker in 2026.

Even with the awful second half, the throw in the final seconds a few inches closer to Watson and we’re talking about a five-TD pass day and a survival win.

Watson gave a detailed description of that play in the locker room Monday, and I wrote about it here, along with Jayden Reed‘s comments about the play that got away from him. Just additional examples of how slim the margins are at this level.

Tallon from Castle Rock, CO

I thought Love played one of the better games of his career on Saturday and I believe he will have an MVP award or two by the time his career is up. But on that last drive I couldn’t help but think of how easy it felt with Rodgers in the two-minute, game-winning drives, and Love wasn’t able to carry us there this time. Obviously lots of other problems with that drive and it should have never gotten there, but hoping Love can find a higher gear next year.

He made two crazy good throws on that last drive that didn’t quite connect (see the link above), and if he’d only needed a field goal and not a touchdown he would’ve been praised for how he pulled that game out of the fire.

In response to Todd’s comment, I think “failure” doesn’t mean you didn’t win the big game, it means you fell short of expectations or failed to improve. For the Packers, I think anything short of the divisional round was a failure. NFCCG after Parsons joined. If the Bears lose this weekend, I doubt they consider this season a failure, because expectations were low. 2016 and 2023 are the only seasons I can think of since the SB where we didn’t fall short of expectations.

I’d add 2019 to that list, but yeah. Championships are a pyramid scheme of sorts that leave failure in their wake. High expectations are the norm around here. That should be seen as a blessing, not a curse.

Who are you picking to represent the NFC and AFC in the Super Bowl and who will win it all?

I think the two winners on Saturday will meet in the Super Bowl, but that’s as far as I’ll go right now. Speaking of the weekend, I’ll be opening the laptop sometime Sunday evening to write Monday morning’s column, so send me your thoughts and observations on the divisional contests and let’s talk playoff football. Happy Friday.