The Green Bay Packers’ need to strengthen their interior defensive line has become increasingly urgent following key changes during the offseason. After T.J. Slaton signed with the Cincinnati Bengals last year and the team traded Kenny Clark as part of the Micah Parsons deal, concerns over defensive tackle depth escalated further when the Packers traded 25-year-old Colby Wooden on Saturday. With NFL free agency opening on Monday, attention now turns to whether general manager Brian Gutekunst will target new players to reinforce this critical position.
Current Status of Packers’ Free Agents
At present, the Packers have only one player set to become a free agent—Jonathan Ford. Drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Ford rejoined the team late last season. Scheduled to be a restricted free agent, he is expected not to be tendered by the Packers, enabling him to enter unrestricted free agency this upcoming Monday.
General Manager’s Strategy for Defensive Line Reinforcements
Brian Gutekunst’s approach in recent seasons often combines strategic free agent signings with a focus on building through the draft. The trade of Colby Wooden, a 2023 fourth-round pick with strong potential demonstrated by six tackles for losses last season, signals that this blend will likely continue. However, the pool of available impactful rookies might be limited by the time the Packers make their selection in the second round, emphasizing the importance of free agency acquisitions.
The team’s crucial need for interior defensive help was evident at the close of last season, prompting Gutekunst to take chances on Jordon Riley, Quinton Bohanna, and Jonathan Ford. Unfortunately, injuries like Riley’s torn Achilles and Bohanna’s underperformance led to a scarcity of early-season impact players. Ford, in particular, has yet to log a snap for Green Bay in more than two years.
Beyond the trade of Wooden, both Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks face expiring contracts after the 2026 season. Wyatt is expected to continue under his fifth-year option for the upcoming year, with talks of an extension underway, which provides some short-term continuity in the defensive line.
Free Agent Defensive Tackles Potentially Available to Green Bay
Several notable defensive tackles will be available in free agency, offering a range of options for the Packers seeking a mix of experience and upside.
John Franklin-Myers, Broncos (29): Known for his pass-rushing prowess, Franklin-Myers amassed 14.5 sacks and 33 quarterback hits over two seasons with Denver. Originally a Rams fourth-round pick in 2018, he missed the 2019 season but has been a near-constant starter since 2021. If Green Bay aims to upgrade their pass rush, Franklin-Myers stands out as the premier option on the market.
Calais Campbell, Cardinals (40): Defying age, Campbell remains a formidable run defender and leader. The oldest defensive player in the NFL and an Arizona team captain under coach Jonathan Gannon, Campbell recorded 6.5 sacks and 17 starts last season. While his tackling has shown some decline, his experience and consistency against the run remain valuable.
Logan Hall, Buccaneers (26): Drafted early in the second round in 2022, Hall has played in nearly every game over four seasons and is seen as a younger player with significant upside. His recent stats include 5.5 sacks in 2024 and a career-high 39 tackles in 2025, indicating he is entering the prime years of his career.
David Onyemata, Falcons (33): This Nigerian-born defender, despite recording only one sack last season, distinguished himself with a career-high 62 tackles and seven tackles for losses. Onyemata is a tough, reliable run defender who has proven durable, playing most games over the past four seasons.
Sebastian Joseph-Day, Titans (31): With eight seasons in the NFL, Joseph-Day has a strong reputation as a run-stopping force. Over the last two years with Tennessee, he appeared in all games and improved his impact, achieving six tackles for losses in 2025.
Javon Hargrave, Vikings (33): Likely to be released, Hargrave played 16 games for Minnesota with respectable numbers including 3.5 sacks last year. He enjoyed high productivity during his time in Philadelphia under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
D.J. Reader, Lions (32): Reader is primarily a run-stopper, having started most games for Detroit in recent seasons. Over ten NFL years, his sack total is modest, but his size and dependability make him a solid candidate to strengthen the Packers’ interior defense.
Jonathan Allen, Vikings (31): Expected to be released, Allen has demonstrated consistent tackling ability and durability after eight seasons in Washington and one in Minnesota. While he had fewer sacks last season, he matched his career-high tackles.
Sheldon Rankins, Texans (32): Rankins has fluctuated between teams but posted solid sack numbers in 2023. His most recent season included limited production, though his experience could benefit a defensive front seeking penetration.
DaQuan Jones, Bills (34): Despite missing games due to injury, Jones remains a force against both the run and pass, contributing three sacks and eight quarterback hits last season.
Khyiris Tonga, Patriots (30): Tonga has filled multiple roles recently, including a brief stint as a fullback, while contributing as a defensive tackle. He has fewer impactful statistics but familiarity with Jonathan Gannon’s system could be a valuable asset.
Roy Lopez, Lions (29): Drafted in 2021, Lopez has been a consistent contributor on various teams, including those under Gannon’s coordination. His recent seasons include several tackles for losses and sacks in a rotational role.
Shelby Harris, Browns (35): Though past his peak as a pass rusher, Harris remains effective as a run defender, averaging tackles near the line of scrimmage. His notable blocked field goal against Green Bay highlights his ability to contribute in critical moments.
Jordan Elliott, 49ers (28): A solid starter for San Francisco, Elliott offers experience without much pass-rushing production, but could provide stable depth in the interior defensive line.
Future Outlook for Packers Defensive Tackle Position
With critical departures and the trade of Colby Wooden, the Packers’ defensive tackle group requires immediate attention as they enter free agency. Selecting the right mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent will be key to stabilizing the defensive front for the upcoming season. Gutekunst’s history suggests a combined approach of free agent signings supplemented by draft choices, but limited availability in the draft’s early rounds may place greater importance on the free agent market.
The competition in free agency will be intense, especially for established players such as John Franklin-Myers and Calais Campbell, along with promising younger talents like Logan Hall. Balancing salary, experience, and potential impact will be essential as the Packers look to fill the gaps left by recent roster moves and delays in player development.
