Which departing free agent will the Packers miss most in 2026?
· Yahoo Sports
The Green Bay Packers said goodbye 11 different veteran players during the first week of free agency. All 11 -- quarterback Malik Willis, running back Emanuel Wilson, receiver Romeo Doubs, left tackle Rasheed Walker, offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, defensive lineman Colby Wooden, edge rusher Rashan Gary, edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, linebacker Quay Walker, cornerback Nate Hobbs and safety Zayne Anderson -- were on the Packers' initial 53-man roster to start the 2025 season. Change is constant in the NFL, but the Packers are dealing with a significant amount of roster turnover entering 2026.
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Not all departures are created equal. The Packers couldn't avoid several of the departures and had actively planned for replacements in 2026. But there's no doubt: the Packers will look different come the start of this season.
So, which departing player will the Packers miss the most in 2026?
Answers from the Packers Wire staff:
Zach Kruse: WR Romeo Doubs
Matthew Golden is going to get a big opportunity to fill the hole left at receiver by Doubs, but the 2025 first-round pick remains a bit of an unknown -- whereas Doubs is going to New England as a mostly reliable pass-catcher who had earned Jordan Love's trust in a lot of big game scenarios, including on third down and in the red zone. Golden's pure talent creates the potential for a higher ceiling. The floor is also now lower at receiver without Doubs. The guess here is absence will make the heart grow fonder of Doubs, who rather quietly averaged over 13 yards per catch and over 8.0 yards per target with a success rate around 60 percent as a receiver over the last two seasons. He was also excellent over four playoff games. Undoubtedly, the Packers will face a few scenarios in 2026 that would have otherwise screamed for a Love-to-Doubs target. The hope will be that Golden and Dontayvion Wicks can rise to that challenge as the X receiver and make the clutch play so often provided by Doubs.
Brandon Carwile: OL Elgton Jenkins
Even though Jenkins struggled in his transition to center last season, there’s something to be said about a player who lined up at all five spots along the offensive line. Jenkins’ versatility was rare, and it’s what made him so valuable in Green Bay. He was an outstanding guard who could hold his own at tackle in a pinch. With Jenkins now a member of the Cleveland Browns, the Packers have lost the best guard on their roster and tackle depth. We know the Packers covet alignment versatility when drafting offensive linemen, but it won’t be easy to find someone who can mimic Jenkins’ unique skillset.
Mark Oldacres: WR Romeo Doubs
There is a world where losing Doubs is addition by subtraction overall, as it should give Matthew Golden more opportunities, but even if that is the case, Green Bay will still miss Doubs’ specific skillset in the offense. Jordan Love relied on Doubs a lot, and he developed into a very valuable receiver over his four years with the Packers. Doubs was the ‘bucket-getter’ in Green Bay’s passing attack, and whether it is primarily Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, or a combination of both replacing his targets, it could take time for the chemistry to build.
Brennen Rupp: QB Malik Willis
There is just something calming about knowing you have a quality backup quarterback. It's like a security blanket. Just knowing that the offense would keep humming if something happened to Jordan Love. Now, it's back to the drawing board for the Packers. Do they use a Day 3 pick on a quarterback in hopes they can develop said prospect? They tried that path with Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt. Do they go dumpster diving and try to find a veteran to back up Love? Regardless of the route the Packers take, they’ll miss what Willis represented. Security and safety.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Which departing free agent will the Packers miss most in 2026?