Latest news with #Packers
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What are the Packers' biggest red flags heading into next season?
Despite coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, the Green Bay Packers need to take another step forward to show they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Or do they? Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently included Green Bay on his list of top NFL contenders in 2025. While it's positive the Packers are being mentioned in the same conversation as the Eagles, Chiefs, and Bills, the post highlighted each team's biggest red flags heading into next season. For the Packers, Benjamin believes depth and durability are their biggest flaws. "It was one thing for Jordan Love to battle multiple injuries in 2024; it was another for the quarterback to lose practically his entire receiving corps to various ailments by year's end," Benjamin wrote. "The Packers did their best to bolster their depth this offseason, spending not one but two early draft picks on receiver help, but at the end of the day, Matt LaFleur needs his arsenal to stay on the field to ensure his steady rate of postseason bids continues. That includes on defense, where Nate Hobbs will be tasked with filling the shoes of the also-oft-banged-up Jaire Alexander." Injuries were a major factor in Green Bay limping into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed and failing to advance past the NFC Wild Card Round. Two of their most important players—Jordan Love and Kenny Clark—never fully recovered from injuries they sustained in the season opener against Philadelphia. Jaire Alexander is now a Steeler because he appeared in only seven games. Winning a Lombardi Trophy next year will require some injury luck. Love getting hurt would be a worst-case scenario for Green Bay, which is why addressing the offensive line was a priority this offseason. GM Brian Gutekunst also went out and drafted two wide receivers in the first three rounds to give the quarterback more ammunition. Although the offensive line and wide receiver depth appear to be in good shape with training camp less than a month away, other positions aren't as solidified. Of course, every roster has weak spots, and the Packers' are pretty obvious, at least on paper. Edge rusher was thought to be a substantial need entering the offseason after the defense finished 26th in pass rush win rate, according to ESPN analytics. However, Green Bay didn't add a single pass rusher this free-agent cycle and waited until Day 3 to take an edge. That means they will rely on Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Kingsley Enagbare to hold down the edges in 2025. Gary is coming off a good but not great season, while neither Van Ness nor Enagbare have ever been full-time starters. Behind those three, the depth is questionable with Brenton Cox Jr. and newcomers Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver. Cornerback is another position that has question marks in its top three. This will be Keisean Nixon's first time entering a season as an outside corner, and playing opposite him is expected to be Carrington Valentine, who started only seven games last season. Nate Hobbs was one of the team's big free-agent splashes as a solidified slot corner. After that, things look bleak. Javon Bullard is a solid backup option in the slot, but if Nixon or Valentine goes down, the team will have to move Hobbs outside or potentially turn to Kalen King, Kamal Hadden, or Micah Robinson. King and Hadden did not log a single defensive snap in 2024, spending most of the season on the practice squad. Robinson was the 237th overall pick in the seventh round and could end up as a practice squad stowaway. Gutekunst seems confident at edge and corner, making a significant change to the roster highly unlikely unless an issue arises during training camp. Even then, you're probably not adding a difference-maker. So, what do the Packers need to do to be a contender? Staying healthy will be key, but guys stepping up at key positions like wide receiver, edge rusher, and cornerback will be equally important in deciding how far this team goes next season.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ben Roethlisberger Makes Clear Choice Between Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers
Ben Roethlisberger Makes Clear Choice Between Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Ben Roethlisberger has chosen his side in a debate over whether prime Aaron Rodgers was better than present-day Patrick Mahomes. Advertisement Mahomes and Rodgers are two quarterbacks who have captivated NFL audiences around the world for many years. During his heyday with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was among the most feared signal-callers in the league; between 2011 and 2021, he was named NFL MVP four times. During this span, he led the NFL in touchdown passes twice, and he boasted the league's lowest interception rate five times. However, Rodgers' lone Super Bowl win (to date) occurred in 2010, right as he emerged as an elite player. In only seven seasons as the Kansas City Chiefs' starting quarterback, Mahomes has already played in five Super Bowls, with three victories to his name. Mahomes, a two-time MVP, had a "down" year in 2024 despite the Chiefs' 15-2 record. Mahomes failed to crack the 4,000-yard mark for the first time since his rookie season, but he led the NFL in game-winning drives and fourth-quarter comebacks will winning another AFC championship. At 29 years old, Mahomes already has racked up more playoff victories (17) than Rodgers (11) has in his entire career. But Roethlisberger, an icon in Pittsburgh, still thinks prime Rodgers was better than the current iteration of Mahomes. Advertisement "Patrick Mahomes is just now entering out of his prime, I think," Roethlisberger said Wednesday on his podcast. "He'll go down as another arguable GOAT. But I think Aaron in his prime is better." Rodgers only recently joined the Steelers on a one-year contract, entering what is almost certainly his final NFL season in 2025. Only time will tell as to whether Rodgers can propel Pittsburgh to the playoffs, and a first postseason win since Roethlisberger was under center in January 2017, but Roethlisberger is optimistic that Rodgers has plenty left in the tank after two tumultuous, injury-affected years with the New York Jets. "I think you'll get a better Aaron this year," Roethlisberger said. "Just because the thought process of the Achilles, 'what can I do, what can I not do?' I don't think he'll think about it at all." Advertisement Related: 'Soulful' Aaron Rodgers Addresses Retirement Option At Steelers Minicamp This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Who is Alex Freeman? U.S. defender on the World Cup, his dad and fútbol over football
Alex Freeman has been asked about Antonio Freeman lately – including what's the favorite highlight of his dad from the NFL days. The younger Freeman readily answers, saying it's his dad's famous game-winning catch in overtime on Monday Night Football from 2000 that even got play-by-play announcer Al Michaels to exclaim "He did what?!" in disbelief. "Very, very important for Packers fans," Freeman said. But Alex is also making his own impression – it's just on a different type of field. At age 20, Freeman is the youngest player on the U.S. men's national team roster at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He's already started all three games for the U.S. at right-back, helping the team reach the tournament's quarterfinals. And he was named this week as This USMNT squad is missing several key stars at the Gold Cup for various reasons. Rest from long seasons. Injuries. Playing in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. But that's given rising talents like Freeman the chance to make a big impression on U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino. So, who is Alex Freeman? Here's what he had to say about his burgeoning soccer career, his dream about reaching the World Cup – and yes, his Super Bowl-winning dad. What was it like to get your first USMNT call-up, and to have it be for something as important as the Gold Cup? Alex Freeman: It means a lot. I feel like this is something that is very important to the U.S., to the team, and to myself. It's an honor to get called up and represent the country at this high-level tournament. It's just something that pushes all of us each day in training and especially in the games, to be able to win and try to get a trophy out of this. Were you expecting to be on this roster or were you surprised? Freeman: I would say I was surprised. I was just grateful to be on the [60-man] preliminary roster. Knowing that I was chosen for that final roster was a very big surprise for me and something that I'm forever grateful for. What has the USMNT camp and the tournament experience been like for you so far? Freeman: It's been good getting to know all the guys. We have a good group here, but also just being able to build chemistry with these guys in practice and everything like that. It's something that, you know, going into this camp that I really wanted to do was be able to get to know the guys' stories, where they come from and all that. And it's been good so far. Did you have expectations that you would be starting and playing as much as you have at this point? Freeman: When I came in, I was just going to work and see what Pochettino wanted and how I could fit his playing style. I didn't think I was going to play this much, but I just have to show [what I can do] when I'm on the field and just take my chances and show him why I deserve to be out there in the first place. What's your favorite highlight from your dad and how many times have you watched it? Freeman: (laughs) My favorite highlight is probably the Monday Night Football catch when he's on the ground and [the ball] hits his shoulder and he kind of catches it and gets up and scores the winning touchdown. It was a rivalry game [against the Vikings], so that was something that was very, very important for Green Bay fans. When I was a kid, I would watch that over and over and over. I'd look up 'Top 10 catches' and it would always be there. It was just a big moment for him and something that I admire. What is your dad's favorite highlight of your career and how many times has he watched it? Freeman: It's probably the one when I had my first start [at Orlando] and scored a goal against Toronto. He has a whole video of himself that he recorded and it's very popular. I think you could just tell in that moment that he was excited and happy. I saw him after the game and he actually couldn't believe it. I feel like that will be a moment he will remember forever. Was it tough to break it to your dad that you were going to play fútbol and not the same football he played? Freeman: It wasn't tough to tell him because he just wanted me to do something that I was passionate about and be able to excel at something. When I was younger, I played all the sports and when it came time, I chose [soccer] and I feel like he was supporting me the whole time. Obviously, it's weird telling your dad, who played another sport, that you want to play [a different sport]. But I feel like at the end of the day, he accepted it and just supported me. How close are you guys? Does he come to all of your games? Freeman: He's been to all the games at the Gold Cup and I think he's coming to the game in Dallas, too. He's just making this his own little vacation. But yeah, he's very supportive. Even in Orlando, he comes to a lot of the games. Who else is part of that support system that comes to your games? Freeman: I have a lot. My mom, my stepdad, and then I have my two little brothers and I feel like they're really the ones that I play for the most because they're the ones who look up to me as an example. And I feel like for them, it's just being able to be that good role model. [Tyler, 15, and Josh, 13] are both soccer players as well and just want to do what I'm doing. So just to be able to guide them in the right direction or any direction they want to go through. They must think you playing for the USMNT is pretty cool then? Freeman: Yeah, yeah. Whenever I go home, I watch them play and they tell all their friends [about my career]. It's good they're able to brag about me a little bit (laughs). Who is the coolest person you've met through your dad? Freeman: I've met a lot of cool people through him. The most notable one I'd say is Scottie Pippen. When I was little, I was a big basketball fan so seeing him was really enjoyable. When did you realize your dad was a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver? Freeman: When I was younger you'd hear about it, but you don't really understand it fully. I think I understood it when I was in middle school. Like in sixth grade I actually started doing research on my dad — it's funny. I realized how inspirational he was not just in Wisconsin, but to football in general. And so I think that was when I really realized how much of an impact he made on the game and in Green Bay. Are the Packers your favorite team? Freeman: Yeah, the Packers are my favorite team. But my second favorite team is probably the Steelers because my stepdad is a big Steelers fan. Who was the first person you called or texted when you found out you made the roster? Freeman: My mom [Rochelle]. What do you like to do when you're not playing soccer? Any cool or unique hobbies? Freeman: I've been getting into golf a lot. And I like to read. Right now I'm reading this book called 'Win The Day' [by Mark Batterson]. It's about being your best self. What's your pre-game meal? Freeman: Pasta and chicken. That's a must. The U.S. women's national team loves to get on TikTok during training camp. Is that something this younger USMNT group does too? Freeman: We don't really post, but we're the type to see a trend on TikTok and do it. We'll make little jokes about it or stuff like that. But the dancing and posting, this isn't really the group that does that. What would it mean to you to be on the U.S. World Cup roster next year? Freeman: It would mean the world to me. That's what every kid dreams of. And I feel like it's something that everyone wants to work towards and be able to get there. And so right now, it's just about putting your head down and putting in that extra work to be able to show the coaches here and to show the world that you're ready to compete at that level against the best. Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of "Strong Like a Woman," published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman . FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Alex Freeman United States Gold Cup recommended Get more from United States Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
17 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Josh Jacobs and the Packers' other team-friendly contracts entering 2025
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs -- a Pro Bowler in his first year in Green Bay -- ended up on Dan Graziano's list of the top "team-friendly deals" entering the 2025 season. Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million deal in free agency before the 2024 season, but the Packers only guaranteed his signing bonus, and Jacobs will make only around $8 million in 2025. He's still a great bargain compared to the production he created in his first season and the production the Packers are expecting this year. Who else qualifies as having a team-friendly contract for the Packers? Here are a few other picks: CB Keisean Nixon: His three-year, $18 million deal has aged well. Now a starting cornerback and still an asset as a returner, Nixon has a team-friendly base salary of just over $1 million and a cap number of just under $7 million in 2025. He's a big bargain considering his expected role and impact. LB Isaiah Simmons: The Packers are giving Simmons -- the former No. 8 overall pick -- a real chance to revive his career in Jeff Hafley's defense in 2025. The cost? A veteran minimum deal and under $200,000 in guaranteed money. Simmons won't have to provide much value to outproduce his contract this season. Several players on rookie contracts would qualify here, especially right tackle Zach Tom, but rookie deals are set by the league's wage scale and can't really be considered "team-friendly." And in Tom's case, a big extension is looming. To be fair, most of the Packers' best contracts are rookie deals. It's increasingly difficult to find "team-friendly" veteran contracts, although the Packers do help themselves by typically only guaranteeing signing bonuses. This is inherently team-friendly, given the lowered percentage of guaranteed money and the options for getting out of deals if things go south.
Forbes
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Forbes
The Most Important Packers: No. 26 — Isaiah McDuffie
Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) was second on the team in tackles last season. The Green Bay Packers went 11-6 last season, sweeping the NFC West and the AFC South along the way. Overall, though, no one in the building was happy. The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia. Afterwards, general manager Brian Gutekunst turned up the heat on everybody in the building. 'We need to continue to ramp up our sense of urgency,' Gutekunst said. 'I think it's time we started competing for championships.' Those are fair expectations. The Packers return 20 of 22 starters, and appear to have upgraded the roster via free agency and the draft. With several third and fourth year players trending upward, Green Bay should be poised to make a move. 'I think they're ready,' Gutekunst said. Now, it's time for the Packers to prove their G.M. right. Green Bay's first training camp practice is July 23. Between now and then I will count down the '30 Most Important Packers' heading into the 2025 campaign. At No. 26 is linebacker Isaiah 26 Isaiah McDuffie, LB Last season McDuffie started all 17 games last year and ranked second on the team with a career high 94 tackles. McDuffie added three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, three passes defensed and a forced fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, McDuffie had a respectable run defense grade of 66.5, which ranked 86th out of 189 linebackers. His coverage grade of 45.8 ranked just 148th, though. McDuffie, a sixth round draft pick in 2021, then signed a two-year, $8 million contract in to date McDuffie saw limited playing time as a rookie in 2021, then tied for the team-lead with a career-high 13 special teams tackles in 2022. McDuffie saw action in all 17 games that season, made one start and finished with 30 tackles. McDuffie then took on a far greater role in 2023 when injuries hit the position. With preferred starters De'Vondre Campbell (six) and Quay Walker (three) missing a combined nine games due to injury, McDuffie stepped in that season and played a career-high 513 snaps. While McDuffie didn't register a turnover play in 2023, he was extremely reliable and played with a ferocity the coaches loved. That eventually led to a bigger role in 2024 and a second contact with the Packers in Players like Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Ty'Ron Hopper and Isaiah Simmons might be more talented than McDuffie. But he might be hard to keep off the field. McDuffie is as reliable as that 1970s Smith Corona Typewriter that sits in your basement, but somehow still works. McDuffie played 64.2% of the defensive snaps last year, second-most in the linebacking group behind Walker (68.6%). And don't be surprised if he matches that total again. McDuffie will be challenged in training camp by younger or more athletic players. But all teams love consistency and reliability, which McDuffie Said It … 'From the day we've had Isaiah, he's done everything that we would ask for as far as the way he handles himself. He's been an elite special teams player from the beginning, certainly started a lot of games at linebacker for us, so I just thought as we were talking, that that made a lot of sense to bring him back. He's just a glue guy, does everything the right way and again, when you have a player of his caliber who's been an elite (special) teams player and really performed very well every time you put him on the field on defense, it just made sense.' — Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on re-signing McDuffie'I've known Isaiah for years. I was with him at (Boston College), knew him a little before. You know, he's a guy that you talk about play style, doing things the right way. He's that type of guy, right? He's going to show up every day and be the exact same person. He's going to work harder than anybody. He's going to study, he's going to learn, he's going to really pour everything he has into the Green Bay Packers. So I think when you get guys like that, it's getting back a leader. It's somebody people can follow.' — Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan on McDuffie'You want to talk about tough? That guy, you've got to give him so much credit for how much he cares about this team, for how badly he wants to play football. You talk about … what's right about the sport. I love that guy.' — Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley on McDuffieTHE TOP 30 • No. 30 — RB MarShawn Lloyd • No. 29 — WR Dontayvion Wicks • No. 28 — S Javon Bullard • No. 27 — WR Savion Williams
