The Packers have been built for decades on the foundation of drafting well and developing homegrown talent, and while that remains a core value it isn’t the only way Green Bay is building to climb the NFC hierarchy.
Sure, former first-round pick Matthew Golden will play a vital role in the offense, and the vast majority of key skill position players were drafted by GM Brian Gutekunst and developed by head coach Matt LaFleur’s staff, but there was a philosophical shift inside the Don Hutson Center this offseason that could alter the 2026 outlook, entirely.
Packers leaning more on veteran players
According to ESPN, the Packers shifting to a more veteran-focused offseason is the most undderated development in Green Bay in recent months.
“This is more of a philosophical adjustment than just one move,” ESPN writes. “But after three straight seasons with the youngest roster in the NFL, the Packers made some under-the-radar moves to change that. It started with the trade for Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (who turns 30 in July and has eight NFL seasons under his belt) and continued with the signing of 33-year-old defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (10 seasons) and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (28, five seasons). While Skyy Moore (who will be 26 at the start of the season) is the youngest of the group, he’s still a veteran who could finally help the kick return game.”
No longer are the Packers solely focused on development or targeting younger players, but shifting to experienced veterans could prove to be a game-changer, especially late in the season and the postseason when experience becomes an asset.