The Green Bay Packers are heading into NFL free agency looking to make some moves to bolster their chances of a Super Bowl run in 2026.
Brian Gutekunst and the front office have a few clear needs to address this offseason. They’ll need to bring in help for the defensive secondary, which was a clear issue during the 2025 season. Along with that need, the Packers must bring in a new backup quarterback and a new backup running back.
Outside of those needs, Green Bay could target improvements in a few other areas as well.
Keeping that in mind, the Packers received some good news ahead of NFL free agency. That good news came at the expense of the NFC North rival Chicago Bears.
Green Bay Packers Already Land Good News Before Free Agency
According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Bears star center Drew Dalman has decided to retire from football at the age of 27.
“ESPN sources: Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27,” Schefter wrote on X.
“Dalman left Stanford in 2021, and after four seasons in Atlanta and one in Chicago, he has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire.”
While Chicago is facing a difficult situation by having to replace a talent like Dalman on its offensive line, Green Bay received good news with an NFC North opponent suffering a major loss. The Bears no longer having Dalman will potentially make things more difficult on Caleb Williams and the Chicago offense.
The Packers-Bears Rivalry Is More Alive Than Ever
Last season, the resurgence of the rivalry between the two NFC North franchises was obvious. Both teams are contenders and loaded with talent. They don’t like each other.
That dislike starts at the top. It’s clear that Bears head coach Ben Johnson does not like Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. After last season, LaFleur will almost certainly share that dislike.
After a Wild Card collapse from Green Bay that saw the team blow a 21-3 halftime lead against Chicago, the 2026 season can’t arrive soon enough.
Even though the Packers aren’t going to openly celebrate a player retiring young, it’s a big help. Dalman will be missed in a big way by the Bears. As for the Green Bay defense, the unit will have a better chance at getting after Williams in 2026 with him gone.
Now, the Packers must focus on making moves themselves. If Gutekunst can put together a strong offense, Green Bay could very well be back at the top of the NFC North division next season.
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