The Packers received just a C+ grade, ahead of only seven teams in 2025.
ESPN analyst Seth Walder dished out full grades for each NFL team’s 2025 offseason effort. According to Walder, the best offseason was had by the Los Angeles Rams, who were able to keep quarterback Matthew Stafford after granting him permission to seek out a trade, and turned their 2025 first-round pick into the Atlanta Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick, their 2025 second-round pick and their 2025 seventh-round pick. The Rams also added former Green Bay Packers receiver Davante Adams on a two-year, $44 million contract in free agency.
So, where do the Packers stand in these rankings? Ahead of just seven NFL teams. Walder gave Green Bay a C+ grade for their 2025 offseason. For perspective, only two teams received a worse grade than a C: the Falcons, who had a C-, and the New Orleans Saints, who had a D.
Here’s what Walder had to say about what general manager Brian Gutekunst put together this spring:
The Packers’ offseason featured two headlines — they finally drafted a first-round wide receiver, and they spent big on Banks. Let’s take those in reverse.
Banks, a former 49ers guard, signed a four-year deal that averages $19.25 million per year with $27 million fully guaranteed. The issue I have is that we don’t have evidence that Banks is anywhere near that caliber of player. Banks is coming off his best season according to win rates, but he ranked only 38th out of 64 guards in pass block win rate (92%) and 46th in run block win rate (69%).
The top of the guard market was frothy, but the Packers paid for not having patience, as Mekhi Becton, Kevin Zeitler and James Daniels all signed for $10 million or less. I would much rather have those players at their price than Banks at his.
Golden gives the team No. 1 WR upside it could use and helps make up for Christian Watson — who tore his ACL in the regular-season finale — possibly not being available for much of this season. Green Bay already had a group of solid receivers in Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks (I’m still a believer) and Watson, though entering the offseason running back Josh Jacobs said he believed the team needed a “guy that’s proven to be a No. 1 already.” Golden is not that, but first-round receivers offer that kind of potential.
The Packers were one of the most run-heavy teams in the league last season (even when excluding the Malik Willis games) but were much more efficient on dropbacks. If they have the confidence to throw more, that would help substantially.
Green Bay made one other sizable addition in free agency — former Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs. Hobbs signed a four-year deal averaging $12 million per year with $16 million fully guaranteed. The Packers needed a corner (they cut Jaire Alexander and lost Eric Stokes in free agency), though Hobbs has mostly played in the slot. His numbers were solid in a 2024 season abridged by injury and illness — he allowed 0.9 yards per coverage snap and minus-16 EPA when targeted, per NFL Next Gen Stats. However, in 2022 and 2023 he allowed 1.5 and 1.3 yards per coverage snap, respectively, well more than average. This price felt a bit rich.
If a pass rusher is available late in the offseason or during the season, the Packers could be interested.
I understand the hesitation with the Banks contract, considering the high dollar figure that was attached to his signing. If Banks didn’t get that money, would Elgton Jenkins, who was the team’s previous left guard, even be holding out right now? There’s legitimate criticism of the signing, but it’s worth noting that with any metric, Banks played through a hand injury last year that required surgery and also dealt with knee and calf injuries — so there’s room for optimism that these numbers will improve immediately.
On the Hobbs front, we’ve already written extensively about how he was likely signed to be a top-of-market slot defender with the ability to play outside cornerback as an added bonus. When you consider that two other non-Pro Bowl slot defenders have signed for $13 million per year since Hobbs’ contract was signed, Hobbs’ $12 million per year no longer seems out of left field.
Who did Walder have as his NFC North offseason champions? The Chicago Bears with a B- grade, highlighted by the addition of hiring head coach Ben Johnson to take over the team. Hang the banner!