The Green Bay Packers’ summer roster is nearly complete, with just one vacancy left as of this writing. I analyzed the roster position-by-position to identify the key questions for each team area as camp approaches, which I’ll be monitoring once practices commence.
It’s worth noting that OTAs will begin next week, following voluntary workouts that started before the draft, and there have been no reported player holdouts. The minicamp is set to start on June 9th.
Who will be the backup quarterback?
Jordan Love is firmly positioned as the starting quarterback, leaving the backup role as the focus of any quarterback discussions for the Packers. Tyrod Taylor, a 36-year-old veteran with 62 NFL starts, certainly has more experience than Kyle McCord, a 2025 draft pick who spent last season on the Eagles’ practice squad. Nevertheless, Taylor’s contract includes only $700,000 in guaranteed money, less than what kicker Brandon McManus received from the Packers this offseason. This doesn’t guarantee Taylor a roster spot, despite him having an edge for the role.
Can MarShawn Lloyd maintain his health?
This offseason, the Packers opted to retain blocking back Chris Brooks rather than ball-carrier Emanuel Wilson, giving MarShawn Lloyd a chance to secure the number two running back position behind Josh Jacobs in 2026. However, the third-round pick from 2024 has struggled with injuries, participating in just one game over two years. His ability to stay healthy will be crucial, as any setbacks could open a roster spot for players like Pierre Strong Jr., Damien Martinez, or undrafted rookie Jaden Nixon.
How will Watson, Reed, and Golden work together?
With Jayden Reed signed long-term and Christian Watson likely to receive an extension, the Packers’ receiver group will hinge on the trio of Watson, Reed, and rookie Matthew Golden. However, they haven’t played much together. Due to injuries, they were only on the field together for 14 snaps last season, but during those plays, they averaged a strong 11.4 yards per play. Reed has primarily been a slot receiver, while Watson often moves inside on passing downs to exploit matchups. How they function as a cohesive unit remains to be seen.
Will the Packers locate a #2 in-line tight end?
Tucker Kraft is expected to return in time for training camp, providing a solid presence as a blocking tight end. However, the other returning players, Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle, have not excelled as blockers. After the draft, GM Brian Gutekunst acknowledged the need for a stronger in-line tight end, but the right options did not emerge. Given their run-first approach, the Packers may continue bringing in additional tight ends this summer.
How will the depth chart shape up?
The starting lineup of Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, and Zach Tom appears set for the next few seasons. Nevertheless, the depth chart for the backup roles is still uncertain. Aside from Darian Kinnard and 2026 draft pick Jager Burton, the other roster spots are up for grabs. Various players will vie for those final spots, making it a competitive fight to secure a place on the team’s 53-man roster this season.
Who will start at nose tackle?
The question of who will take the starting nose tackle position is crucial. The Packers lost T.J. Slaton to free agency and traded Colby Wooden, which opens more opportunities. While Javon Hargrave has been signed and Chris McClellan drafted, neither has predominantly played nose tackle historically. With Devonte Wyatt confirmed as a starting 3-4 defensive end, the remaining spots on the defensive line are still very much in flux.
