DaQuan Jones, who played as a starting defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, is currently without a contract. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are grappling with some unresolved concerns following their offseason maneuvering.
It has been over two weeks since the Packers swiftly signed Javon Hargrave shortly after his release from the Minnesota Vikings. This move answered a significant question regarding the defensive line”s starting position following the trade of Colby Wooden. Nonetheless, a major concern remains: do the Packers possess sufficient talent in their defensive front to effectively defend against the run?
Addressing the defensive line was a priority entering the offseason, especially in light of Wooden”s trade to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for Zaire Franklin. The urgency for reinforcements escalated as the Packers prepared to implement a 3-4 base defense under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
The Packers” current defensive roster is primarily constructed for a 4-3 scheme, which typically requires three off-the-ball linebackers. With the acquisition of Franklin, the team is set to feature him alongside Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, and Ty”Ron Hopper as strong starters and reliable backups.
However, transitioning to a 3-4 defense necessitates a larger contingent of defensive linemen, with three needed on the field rather than two. Under Jeff Hafley“s previous 4-3 scheme, the Packers had five defensive linemen on the roster. The departures of TJ Slaton and Kenny Clark have left them with Devonte Wyatt, Wooden, Karl Brooks, and rookies Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse.
Last season, under Gannon”s leadership, the Arizona Cardinals trotted out six defensive linemen, including notable veterans like Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson. Their unit would have benefitted from the presence of Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones, both of whom encountered injuries that limited their availability.
As for the Packers, their starting lineup in the 3-4 scheme is expected to feature Wyatt, a first-round pick from 2022 who has yet to play half the snaps in a season, along with Hargrave, now 33 years old and not as dominant as during his peak years under Gannon with the Philadelphia Eagles, and one other player. Brooks, drafted in the sixth round in 2023, has the most career snaps but has yet to translate that into significant production.
Additionally, young players like Brinson, Stackhouse, and Jonathan Ford—who returned late last season—are in a position to prove themselves. Meanwhile, Jordon Riley is recovering from a torn Achilles and will not be ready to start the upcoming season. Jaden Crumedy, who signed a futures contract after last season, has limited experience with just 165 snaps over eight games in his career.
The Packers” situation is critical; they lacked the depth and quality on the defensive line even in their former 4-3 setup, which demanded two defensive tackles. Under the new 3-4 system, their deficiencies are even more pronounced, requiring three capable players upfront.
While the Packers have not yet finalized their roster for Week 1, the ongoing free agency offers them a chance to enhance their lineup. There are still players available who could help fill the gaps. D.J. Reader, nearing his 32nd birthday, started 17 games last season for the Lions but saw a decline in his average tackle depth. Eddie Goldman, who sat out the previous two seasons, played 17 games with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and 13 games with the Washington Commanders in 2025, achieving strong statistics.
DaQuan Jones, who has started 51 games for the Bills in the last four seasons, including 12 starts in 2025, is also an unrestricted free agent. The 40-year-old Campbell remains a solid contributor and served as a captain under Gannon last year in Arizona. However, injuries have plagued both Nichols and Jones, limiting their participation in the last two seasons to a combined 13 games.
As the Packers look towards the draft, they may prefer to wait and assess their options before making further moves in free agency. This strategy would ensure that any veteran acquisitions do not impact their compensatory draft picks. They may also discover promising talent from the collegiate ranks.
Several college prospects could provide the size and skill needed for their defensive front. Christen Miller from Georgia stands at 6-foot-3 3/4 and weighs 321 pounds, showcasing impressive stats during his final three seasons. Domonique Orange from Iowa State, another potential target, is 6-foot-2 3/8 and 322 pounds, known for his toughness against the run.
Other notable prospects include Zxavian Harris from Mississippi, who measures 6-foot-7 3/4 and 330 pounds, and Darrell Jackson Jr. from Florida State at 6-foot-5 1/2 and 315 pounds. The Packers may find their next impactful player among these up-and-coming talents.
