Packers’ Roster Shakeup: 5 Players on the Chopping Block
As the Green Bay Packers push for a playoff spot in the 2024 NFL season, the front office is already eyeing potential roster changes for the upcoming offseason.
Despite recent success, several players and coaches find themselves in precarious positions. Let’s dive into the five Packers who might be saying goodbye to Lambeau Field sooner rather than later.
Rich Bisaccia: Special Teams Coordinator
Rich Bisaccia, the NFL’s highest-paid special teams coordinator, was brought in to fix Green Bay’s long-standing issues in this area. However, after three years, the results have been underwhelming. While the special teams unit has improved from catastrophic to below average, it’s far from the turnaround fans expected.
Key concerns include:
- Ongoing kicker instability in the post-Mason Crosby era
- Anxiety-inducing coverage teams
- Untimely penalties and mental errors
With three years to evaluate Bisaccia’s impact, head coach Matt LaFleur faces a tough decision. The question remains: Is mediocrity acceptable, or is it time for a fresh voice to lead the Packers’ special teams?
AJ Dillon: Running Back
AJ Dillon’s dream of becoming Green Bay’s lead back has likely ended. After sharing touches with Aaron Jones for four years, Dillon’s opportunity was further diminished by the signing of Josh Jacobs and a season-ending neck injury in the preseason.
With Jacobs and rookie Mar’Shawn Lloyd under contract through 2027, Dillon’s future in Green Bay looks bleak. The 2020 second-round pick may need to seek opportunities elsewhere to revive his NFL career.
Josh Myers: Center
Drafted in the second round of 2021, Josh Myers hasn’t lived up to the expectations set by his predecessor, All-Pro Corey Linsley. While durable, Myers’ performance has been disappointing:
- His overall PFF grade peaked at 60.4 in 2022
- The current 51.5 PFF grade ranks 37th out of 38 eligible centers
The Packers may upgrade the center position to better support quarterback Jordan Love’s development.
Eric Stokes: Cornerback
As a 2021 first-round pick, Eric Stokes has failed to progress as hoped. His struggles are evident in his statistics:
- He has had no interceptions since his rookie year
- No passes defended since his rookie season
- 50.0 PFF grade (105th out of 110 cornerbacks)
- Allowing a 106.6 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks
The Packers’ decision not to pick up Stokes’ fifth-year option speaks volumes about his future with the team.
Isaiah McDuffie: Linebacker
Isaiah McDuffie, another member of the 2021 draft class, has struggled to adapt to the team’s new 4-3 defensive scheme under coordinator Jeff Hafley. His weaknesses include:
- Consistently being out of position
- Poor pass defense (81.1% completion percentage allowed)
- Limited impact beyond special teams
While McDuffie has shown some promise against the run, his overall performance may not be enough to secure his spot on the roster moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As the Packers continue their push for the playoffs, these five players are at a crossroads. Their performances in the remaining games could be crucial in determining their futures with the team. For some, it may be an opportunity to prove their worth, while for others, it might be the last chance to wear the green and gold.
The upcoming offseason promises to be intriguing for Packers fans. The front office looks to build on the team’s success while addressing these potential weak spots.
With the NFL’s youngest roster and a comfortable salary cap situation, Green Bay is well-positioned to make the necessary changes to remain competitive in the years to come.