Packers on the Verge of a Defensive Coup: 9-Time Pro Bowler, Former DPOY Eyed as Game-Changing Addition
The Green Bay Packers found out in 2024 that they have a long way to go before they can truly consider themselves Super Bowl contenders.
After finishing their season with a three-game losing streak, which included a dreary performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card playoffs, the Packers are battered and bruised heading into what they hope is a transformational offseason.
A noteworthy deficiency for the Packers in 2024 was their pass rush. No one on the Green Bay front seven sniffed double-digit sacks this season, and though the team racked up 45 sacks in total, they ranked 26th in pass-rush win rate, per ESPN.
Colby Colwell of Yardbarker believes the Packers could add a legendary pass-rusher in 2025 to make up for their shortcomings. Colwell recently listed Green Bay as a top-three landing spot for Los Angeles Chargers star Khalil Mack in free agency.
“Following their disappointing three-game losing streak to end the 2024 season, the Packers could use someone like Mack on a defense that was sixth in the NFL in points per game (20 PPG) in 2024,” Colwell wrote.
“Mack’s ability to get to the QB would make a solid defense that much more dangerous and pair him with defensive end Rashan Gary, who recorded 7.5 sacks this season.”
Mack, a nine-time Pro Bowler and the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, may no longer be one of the game’s elite pass-rushers. But he still made a Pro Bowl appearance this season, tallying six sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and nine pass breakups.
The soon-to-be 34-year-old may not have many seasons left, but the Packers could also potentially steal him for cheap, which would allow them to make other necessary improvements at other position groups.
