The Green Bay Packers are going to have a very different-looking defense in 2026. After two seasons of playing a 4-3 base under Jeff Hafley, new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon plans on implementing a 3-4 scheme. At least, that is what general manager Brian Gutekunst seemed to imply earlier this off-season. Despite having been hired by the Packers over a month ago, Gannon has yet to speak to the media.
He has, though, been in contact with his new players, including star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is excited to play for Jonathan Gannon
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
In a recent article that posted posted by the Packers website, team insider Wes Hodkiewicz revealed what Green Bay’s young and exciting linebacker had to say about his new defensive coordinator:
“Seemed like great people already,” Cooper said of his initial conversations [with Gannon and linebacker Zaire Franklin. “Once (Gannon’s) here and I’m here, I’m ready to show him more of what I can do. I’m just preparing for what’s to come next.
“Once we walk into these (Lambeau Field) doors, that’s when the business is gonna start,” Cooper said. “It’s a fresh start and I’m really looking forward to what’s gonna happen.”
With the switch to a 3-4 defense, Cooper will join Franklin as the Packers’ two starting inside linebackers. This is, of course, going to be a bit different than the role he played in Hafley’s 4-3, but Cooper has shown he is able to learn quickly.
As a rookie in 2024, he had 87 tackles, one interception, four passes defended, and a forced fumble in 14 games. Last year, playing in 16 games, Cooper had 118 tackles, 0.5 sacks, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
Gannon is known for gearing his defense towards the strengths of his players instead of forcing them to fit a pre-determined role. It is going to be very interesting to see how he utilizes Cooper, who is considered to be one of the best young linebackers in the NFL.
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