Green Bay Packers Face a Pass-Rush Crisis: How Can They Recover?

Free Agency Woes Leave Packers Empty-Handed One by one, the top pass-rushers available in free agency have found new homes. Unfortunately for the Green Bay Packers, none of them have landed in Wisconsin. As a result, the team still faces a glaring issue in its defensive front, a concern that could have major implications for the upcoming season.

Despite showing interest in several big names, including Dante Fowler Jr., the Packers ultimately missed out. Fowler signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, further depleting the list of available options. Now, barring an unlikely blockbuster trade for All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, Green Bay must shift its focus to the NFL Draft or rely on internal improvements.

Is the Draft the Only Answer? With free agency yielding no solutions, the Packers must look to the draft to reinforce their defensive line. Fortunately, this year’s draft class offers some intriguing edge-rusher prospects. Green Bay holds valuable draft capital, making it possible to select a young, high-upside talent who can contribute immediately.

However, relying on rookies to fill such a crucial void is risky. It places additional pressure on Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness, both of whom will need to elevate their performances next season. The Packers’ pass rush ranked in the bottom half of the league in pressure rates last season, so significant improvements are necessary if they hope to contend in 2024.

A Reunion With Za’Darius Smith? Don’t Count On It On paper, bringing back former Packers pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith seems like an obvious solution. He remains one of the most effective free-agent options, having recorded nine sacks in the 2023 season while splitting time between the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions. Pro Football Focus ranked his 67 pressures as the 11th-most among all edge rushers—significantly higher than any Packers player last season.

However, a reunion appears highly unlikely. Smith has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Packers organization, making several pointed comments about his time in Green Bay. He has also expressed his desire to exact revenge on his former team, particularly after Detroit’s victory over the Packers at Ford Field last season.

Additionally, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst rarely re-signs former players, even when it may be beneficial. Given Smith’s past criticisms and the organization’s stance on returning players, this bridge seems to be irreparably burned.

Other Free-Agent Options Are Slim Beyond Smith, the free-agent market for pass-rushers is bleak. Two other notable names—Preston Smith and Von Miller—have surfaced in speculation, but neither appears to be a viable solution for the Packers.

Preston Smith, another former Packer, struggled last season in Jeff Hafley’s defensive system before being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Given his recent performances and his request for a trade, a return to Green Bay makes little sense.

Von Miller, at almost 36 years old, is nearing the end of his career. His production has declined, and signing him would be a short-term solution at best. The Packers need sustainable long-term answers, not aging veterans nearing retirement.

What’s Next for the Packers? With free agency proving to be a dead end, the Packers’ best course of action is clear: prioritize the defensive line in next month’s NFL Draft. While internal development from Gary and Van Ness will be key, adding an impact rookie pass-rusher could make or break the defense.

Green Bay cannot afford another season of defensive inconsistency. If Gutekunst and the front office don’t find the right pieces, the Packers could face another year of falling short in the playoffs—or worse, missing out entirely.

The clock is ticking, and the Packers must act fast to ensure their pass-rush doesn’t become their Achilles’ heel in 2024.