Green Bay

Packers

This is a calculated ploy by the Packers, but we’re still a little surprised they did this after Wilson rushed for 496 yards on 125 carries and generally played as a pretty good backup runner. It leaves MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks as backups behind Josh Jacobs. Wilson turns 27 in May and should be able to find work elsewhere if he doesn’t wind up back with the Packers.

He compared Willis favorably to Justin Fields, who got $20 million per season. Willis has been linked to the Dolphins, Browns and Cardinals this offseason. In a quarterback-hungry landscape, Willis stands out as one of the only true upside plays on the board. He’s got a chance to be the highest-paid quarterback on the market despite making just six starts in his first four seasons.

With two Pro Bowl quarterbacks already on the roster in Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, it’s hard to imagine the Browns wanting to add even more to an already loaded QB room. That said, Willis, who is expected to be a highly coveted free agent this offseason, and Simpson could both be considered as options to add to the offense in Todd Monken’s first year at the helm. Watson remains a true question mark entering 2026. While he is under contract with the Browns through next season, the early return on his record-setting deal has been disappointing. Watson is returning from a torn Achilles he suffered in 2024 and has thrown for just 3,365-19-12 in the 19 games he’s played in for them over three years. When it comes to Sanders, the rookie QB is coming off a brutal first season that featured more lows than highs, and as a fifth-round pick, he shouldn’t be viewed as a lock to be handed any starting job. The Browns will have plenty of time to discuss all options at the NFL Scouting Combine this week, but Willis and Simpson will be two names to watch as free agency and draft talk continues to ramp up.

It’s not a typical source for us, but what Pauline is reporting aligns with the already widely-held belief that newly minted head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who were previously with the Packers, would pursue Willis in free agency. Pauline also notes that many believe Willis will ultimately sign with the Cardinals, who are expected to move on from Kyler Murray. Willis had a solid two-year stint with the Packers and flashed in limited action. So much so, that he’s expected to sign a multi-year deal this offseason and be the unquestioned QB1 for a team in 2026. Willis threw for 972-60-0 on 89 pass attempts in two seasons with the Packers while adding another 42-261-3 on the ground. Wherever he signs, his next team will hope the tremendous improvement he showed in a small sample size will translate into long-term success for him and their organization.

Last week, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman said he believes Jordan Morgan will be the Packers’ starting left tackle next season, so today’s report makes sense. All five members of the Browns’ starting offensive line are set to enter free agency this offseason. Starting anew with Walker, a talented 26-year-old left tackle, could be a smart move.

McMahon was initially hired for his prior role back in 2022. He was relieved of his duties in November 2025. He has served as an NFL special teams coordinator every year, dating back to 2009, spending time with the Rams, Chiefs, Colts and Broncos. The Packers will also interview Patriots ST coordinator Cameron Achord and Saints assistant special teams coach Kyle Wilber.

“I would be surprised if Gary is on the team next season. I’ll put it like that,” Schneidman notes. Releasing Gary, who disappointed in much better circumstances (next to Micah Parsons) in 2025 to the tune of just 7.5 sacks, would free up $11 million in cap space for the Packers per Schneidman. The career Packer will enter his age-29 season in 2025 with 46.5 career sacks but hasn’t been quite the same caliber of player since a 2022 ACL tear.

Doubs profiles as one of the better available receivers after we clear away George Pickens (expected to be tagged) and Alec Pierce (could be tagged), and enters his age-26 season as a likely No. 2 or No. 3 target somewhere. We’d be surprised if his fantasy role grew much, but perhaps he’ll find the exact right spot (Miami?) to be a strong No. 2 target and snag a WR3 ranking in 2026 drafts.

Of course, he also says that he’s “not putting him above Christian Watson or Jayden Reed just yet,” as there’s space to grow from what Golden did as a rookie and still not hit any fantasy-intriguing upside scenarios. He probably deserves to be approached cautiously in offseason best ball formats, though it was nice to see him pop off for 4/84/1 in the playoffs before the Packers collectively turtled on a lost fourth-quarter lead to the Bears.

Miami is among the teams expected to pursue Willis, a former third-round draft pick, this offseason. Willis showed great improvement over two seasons in Green Bay, spot starting in place of Jordan love a few times and appearing in 11 games as the Packers quarterback. Willis has connections to new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan from their time with the Packers. “Let’s envision a scheme built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in; that would set up Willis well as a thrower, and the QB run game would generate conflict for opposing defenses,” Bowen said. “Willis’ development in Green Bay creates upside for the Dolphins.” Willis’ mobility and arm strength would certainly bring more upside to the Miami offense than departing starter Tua Tagovailoa.