Free agency frenzy dissipated, PFF has dropped its first batch of power rankings after the initial voracious wave of signings. While the Green Bay Packers did not make much of a splash, they did ink a few deals to stabilize next season’s roster. Perhaps their most popular move was re-signing kicker Brandon McManus to a three-year deal. They also brought back linebacker Isaiah McDuffie for 2 years and $8M. In the external market, they welcomed ex-49ers guard Aaron Banks (4 years, $77M) and former Raider cornerback Nate Hobbs (4 years, $48M). Where did these transactions put the Packers in the PFF rankings?
Green Bay Packers Fail To Gain Ground on NFC Foes
Simply put, PFF was not impressed with Green Bay’s early showing in free agency. In their heart of hearts, plenty of Packers fans probably aren’t either. Although Banks and Hobbs are nice pieces, both received contracts above their worth. Hobbs could live up to his salary if he stays healthy, but injuries have been a problem in his career.
Coming off an 11-6 record and first round postseason exit, in a division featuring the 15-win Lions and the 14-win Vikings, it is not as though Green Bay enters 2025 poised to take the NFC North crown. Despite losing both coordinators, as well as CB Carlton Davis III and guard Kevin Zeitler, Detroit retained most of its talent and still has one of the best offenses in the league.
Replacing Ben Johnson is no easy task, but it will be hard for new OC John Morton to mess up too badly. Not surprisingly, PFF ranks the Lions third overall, trailing only the reigning champion Eagles in the NFC.
The team the champs beat for the conference title, the Washington Commanders, rank next at #6. No surprise there, either.
Power Rankings Unkind to Packers
Minnesota ranks 7th–woah. True, the Vikings had a heck of a free agency, signing talent left and right and holding on to elite cornerback Byron Murphy. Former Colts guard Will Fries, no.4 last season by overall PFF grade at his position, was a major acquisition.
All that is well and good, but the Vikings have an enormous question mark at the most important position on the field. Choosing not to re-sign Sam Darnold, they will be trusting JJ McCarthy at quarterback next season. He missed all of 2024 with a torn ACL and even as a senior on Michigan’s title-winning squad, he was far more a game manager than offensive engine.
There is plenty to like about the rest of the team, but PFF must really, really think so to rank Minnesota 3rd in the NFC.
After the Vikings, the Rams slot in at 9th overall, Tampa Bay in 10th. Then, 11th overall and no.7 in the conference, come the Packers. Here’s what PFF has to say:
Despite overpaying for Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs relative to projections, the Packers remain well-positioned to compete in a tough NFC North. Jordan Love showed promise under center last season, and Josh Jacobs delivered a strong first year in Green Bay, solidifying the offense’s foundation.
The next big decision comes in the NFL Draft, where the Packers could target a true WR1. Given their draft position and history of avoiding first-round receivers, this won’t be an easy task — but it’s a move that could elevate the passing attack.
“Well-positioned to compete.” Thanks for the vote of confidence, PFF, but finishing below the Vikings and their rookie quarterback would be a major disappointment. To help out Love, they definitely need to invest, one way or another, at wide receiver. After passing on a number of free agent and trade options, Green Bay will almost certainly have to find their guy in the draft.
Otherwise, the Packers will need a breakout year from Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs or Dontayvion Wicks while they wait for Christian Watson to return from injury.
PFF clearly lacks faith in this team’s potential for improvement in 2025. And frankly, if GM Brian Gutekunst does nothing to fortify the receiving troops, it will be hard to expect a substantial upgrade to an offense that failed to show up against Philadelphia in the Wild Card Round last season.
