3 Sneaky Good NFL Free Agents Packers Must Sign in 2026 Offseason

The Green Bay Packers need free-agent help, and here are three under-the-radar players they should target.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Green Bay Packers are looking to build on a disappointing playoff exit and return to Super Bowl contention. To do so, they should consider signing three key free agents in the 2026 offseason: center Tyler Linderbaum, wide receiver Mike Evans, and quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Why it matters

The Packers' offensive line struggled in pass protection in 2025, so adding a top run-blocking center like Linderbaum could bolster their ground game. Evans would provide a proven, physical receiving threat to complement the team's younger wideouts. And Minshew would give them a reliable veteran backup behind starting QB Jordan Love.

The details

Linderbaum, 25, is one of the NFL's best run-blocking centers and is expected to command a 4-year, $80 million contract. Evans, a future Hall of Famer, had a career-best 90.4 PFF grade in 2024 and would give the Packers a true No. 1 receiver. Minshew, who filled in capably for the Colts in 2023, could be an ideal insurance policy for Love.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins in March 2026.

The players

Tyler Linderbaum

A 25-year-old center who is one of the NFL's top run blockers, earning a PFF grade above 80.0 in three of his four seasons.

Mike Evans

A veteran wide receiver and future Hall of Famer who had a career-best 90.4 PFF grade in 2024 with 1,096 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Gardner Minshew

A veteran quarterback who filled in capably for the Colts in 2023 and could serve as a reliable backup to Jordan Love in Green Bay.

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What they’re saying

“It seems unlikely Patrick Mahomes will be able to return from his December ACL injury in time to start Week 1 next September. Minshew suffered a season-ending knee injury of his own, but it wasn't an ACL tear. He should be ready to play sooner than Mahomes, bringing veteran backup experience to a Kansas City team that suddenly needs it more than ever.”

— Nick Shook (NFL.com)

The takeaway

By targeting these three free agents - a dominant run-blocking center, a proven veteran receiver, and an experienced backup quarterback - the Packers can address key roster needs and put themselves in the best position to make a Super Bowl run in 2026.