What to watch for as Green Bay gears up for 2026 season

Mike Spofford

GREEN BAY As Packers training camp gets underway with its first practice Wednesday, here are five storylines to follow over the next month with the 2026 season fast approaching:

1. How will the new additions fit in?

The Packers were busy in the offseason, bringing in a handful of veterans to play key roles in 2026.

They traded for linebackerZaire Franklin, a 2024 All-Pro who was wearing the communication headset, running Jonathan Gannon's new defense this spring. They signed defensive tackleJavon Hargraveto help anchor the interior alongsideDevonte Wyatt, and they signed cornerbackBenjamin St-Justeto boost the cornerback depth and compete for a starting job.

Last but not least, they signed receiverSkyy Mooreto take over as the full-time returner after Green Bay struggled through a subpar year in the return game. Moore ranked in the league's top 10 on both kickoff and punt returns in 2025.

All four of those additions are accomplished pros who all will make a considerable impact on the 2026 squad.

2. Who's winning the cornerback competition?

Carrington Valentine, rookieBrandon Cisseand St-Juste will battle all throughout camp to start oppositeKeisean Nixonin the base defense.

Valentine has played a lot of football for the Packers his first three years in the league, but he's never emerged from training camp as a starter. Cisse was Green Bay's first draft pick, in the second round, this past spring and just turned 21 in early July. St-Juste was a three-year starter in Washington before having maybe his best season last year with the Chargers in a more limited, rotational role.

Training camp will sort out the pecking order at corner heading into the regular season, but it likely won't be set in stone.

3. How's the health of last year's key injured players?

Down the stretch in 2025, the Packers lostMicah Parsons,Tucker Kraft,Zach Tomand Wyatt to season-ending injuries. They constituted four of the top 10 or 12 players on the entire roster, so their health and availability will be a major factor in Green Bay's 2026 fortunes.

Parsons is not expected back until several games into the regular season, but Tom and Wyatt are reportedly good to go as training camp starts. Kraft is beginning camp on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) but the hope is he'll be cleared to return soon.

4. How does the offensive line come together?

Sean Rhyanmoved to center for the second half of 2025 and earned a new contract.Jordan Morgan, the Packers' 2024 first-round draft pick, is taking over at left tackle after Rasheed Walker departed in free agency.

Via different paths, both players appear to have found their proper homes. Rhyan had been a regular at guard until Elgton Jenkins went down last year, and he quickly settled into his new spot. Morgan played the role of versatile sub for two seasons but is now back at his college position, the one he was drafted to play.

Due to injuries and other issues, the offensive line felt in flux all throughout last season. The unit needs veteransAaron Banksand Tom to stay healthy first and foremost, but the plan is for a unit that can play together and stay together.

5. Who makes the biggest Year 2 jump?

Improvement from within is vital every year, and the Packers will be looking to their 2025 draft class for significant Year 2 contributions.

The runway has been cleared for receiverMatthew Goldento take off, with the top receiving trio ofChristian Watson,Jayden Reedand Golden all set and under contract for multiple years moving forward. Offensive linemanAnthony Beltonenters his second season as the starting right guard after the college tackle adjusted well to that spot late last year.

Edge rushersBarryn SorrellandCollin Oliverwill be competing for playing time in Parsons' absence, while defensive tacklesWarren BrinsonandNazir Stackhousecould have places in the rotation up front.

Those are just a handful of the Packers' players on the rise who will be looked to for bigger and better things moving forward.