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Inbox: Josh Myers made everyone proud this season

The future is inevitable and Packers football will be back before you know it

C/G Josh Myers
C/G Josh Myers

Glen from Fairfax, VA

Everyone needs to get off the FA train and get on the improvement of our current roster express. If you look at the two latest Packers' Super Bowl wins, they were largely because of the players they drafted and developed. Yes, we lost some heartbreakers to Dallas in the '90s and the OT game to AZ in 2009, but those teams were resilient and had depth. Yes, key FA signings were helpful, but those teams won with guys from the draft who stood tall when called upon.

It's never gonna be all or nothing. You have to strike a balance between developing your team through the draft and finding the right free-agent pieces. It doesn't always have to be signing Josh Jacobs or Xavier McKinney, either. As we often discuss, the 2010 Packers augmented their roster with the likes of Howard Green and Erik Walden.

Josh from Arvada, CO

Every season assembles a different group of players for the same (at least in Green Bay) goal. This group didn't achieve it, and still, much to remain excited about. That being said, is there anyone on the Packers' current free agent list you could share some personal perspective on, and maybe add to the appreciation already given to what they have contributed to this team...on or off the field?

I have a lot of respect for Josh Myers, both the player and the man. Josh played with a heavy heart this year. He lost his father at the start of training camp but persevered. Some of you may have noticed on the most recent “Mic’d up” Myers telling his dad he loved him while running out of the tunnel during the regular-season finale. Myers dedicated his season to his father, and he made everyone proud this season with how he played. He battled through wrist and pectoral injuries but left it all out there. I hope Myers is back next season but obviously not sure what the future holds. In either case, it has been an honor and privilege to cover him. I feel so privileged and spoiled that the Packers' preferred starting centers for the past decade have been Corey Linsley and Myers, two of the finest dudes you'll ever come across.

Preston from Tallahassee, FL

Has it been asked or explained the decision to not really use Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave very often in Philly? As an observer, with the WR room depleted, the need to run as much as practical, those two guys offer so much flexibility for the offense. I don't remember seeing them both on the field together much, let alone chipping and running routes.

I was surprised Musgrave only played 15 snaps, but it was just his third game back and the Packers featured the two-RB looks in Philly. LaFleur didn't address their utilization directly on Monday but told reporters it's "on us to make sure we find (Kraft) and feature him because he is when he gets the ball in his hands, you feel him." I could see that being a major point of emphasis this offseason.

Zak from Huntington Beach, CA

I'm not sure if this was asked/answered elsewhere, but do you know why Christian Watson wasn't placed on I.R. to free up a roster spot after his season-ending injury? My first thought was that the team didn't anticipate needing his spot and they kept him on the active roster as a courtesy, so he would get a playoff game check (and potentially some other bonus that's in his contract).

Because the Packers didn't need the roster spot. Some of you lock onto the notion that just because a player is hurt that he must go on injured reserve immediately. Increased flexibility with the practice squad allows teams to elevate up to two players each week during the playoffs, so you don't always have to sign people to the 53.

Austin from Woodstock, IL

Hello gents. In regard to the one- or two-point conversion at the start of the fourth, I saw one of the ex-NFL player talking heads (sorry I wish I remembered who) talked about how getting the game to 16-11 was beneficial because if Philly got a FG it stayed a one-possession game at 19-11. Saying it's a much easier ask of your defense to hold to a field goal instead of having to keep them on their half of the field.

It feels a bit like revisionist history, but I'm also not an analytics expert. To a layman like me, it made sense because a successful extra point puts the Packers in position to pull ahead with another touchdown. Obviously, I didn't account for the Eagles tacking on two more field goals to make it a two-possession game.

Ryan from Mackinac Island, MI

With the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay this year, do you think there will be total anarchy from the fans if the Packers trade out of the first round?

Brian Gutekunst is always going to do what's in the best interest of the football team, but I'd say there's an extremely high probability the Packers make a pick in the first round.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, I have no idea what a season-ending presser normally looks like, but was that typical? I was impressed with Coach Matt LaFleur taking questions for nearly 40 minutes and maintaining a positive attitude while patiently addressing inquiries that had to test his tolerance for armchair coaching. I look forward to watching how next season unfolds under new leadership at the top of the organization.

That's pretty much how they all go, at least here. Maybe this year's ran a little longer than in the past. I thought LaFleur's message and candor were great. Mike McCarthy did a nice job with those, too. Those final news conferences are important. It's sort of the state of the union for an NFL team, setting the tone for the offseason and the direction your team is headed.

Matt from San Luis Obispo, CA

Since we're already talking draft…Getting a healthy MarShawn Lloyd back at RB will be like getting an extra third-round pick, except this "rookie" already knows the playbook and what it takes to be a pro. Sign me up!

After doing a post-draft profile on Lloyd and having conversations with him throughout a challenging season, I can tell you nobody cares more about this game than him. Lloyd desperately wants to get back on the field and contribute to this offense. When healthy, he brings some real explosiveness to an offense. Hopefully, Lloyd's conversation with Badger Athletic Performance helps him navigate the recurring hamstring issue he dealt with this season.

William from Scranton, PA

Hi Wes, great article on MarShawn Lloyd. I was looking forward to seeing him play this season and it was truly unfortunate all the things that happened. His injury as well as AJ Dillon's allowed Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks an opportunity to really shine in backup roles. We got to see Wilson last year, but I thought Brooks' play was quite a revelation. His play was gritty on special teams as well as lead blocking and toted the rock well when asked. Unfortunately, we may not see Dillon again, but this group is still loaded.

The future is bright in the backfield, for sure. If Lloyd stays health next year, this easily could be one of the deepest backfields the Packers have had in decades.

John from Jupiter, FL

Morning Wes. Yesterday Mike said that a goal for Jeff Hafley in Year 2 is developing a pass rush that has some consistency. Does that involve scheming with the guys we have? Or finding more consistent guys? I realize it's probably some of both but which way would you lean? Thanks.

Rashan Gary said pretty much the same thing after the game. It's a mix of players getting comfortable in the scheme, coaches understanding what works best for their pass rushers and possibly adding some new pieces in 2025.

Kyle from St. Charles, MO

Guess how many 1,000-yard receivers the Bills, Ravens and Chiefs had this year. One. Total. Zay Flowers. And Kelce was the only one to sniff 100 receptions (97) with no one else getting to 80. These were arguably the best teams in the league and yes, they have generational QBs at the helm, but from a strictly QBR standpoint, Jordan Love is right there with them. You don't need a No. 1 receiver, but you do need to fit your offense to its strengths.

The Packers just need to catch the ball, man. That's it. I couldn't care less what the numeral reads next to the "Experience" category on their bio.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

Any chance of picking up Davante Adams from the Jets?

I'm steering clear of all these questions unless Adams is no longer a New York Jet. All I'm gonna say is Adams carries a $36 million base salary for 2025, though. The Jets will need to restructure or cut him loose.

Gary from Sheboygan, WI

Morning guys, the Packers have announced a number of reserve/future signings. Is there a limit on how many they can sign? Do these add to the total of 90 players the Packers can have?

Correct. All these new additions count towards Green Bay's 90-man roster. During his time as GM, Gutekunst has been much more active in signing players to futures deals who previously weren't on the practice squad.

Scott from Lake Geneva, WI

What should they do with Jaire Alexander? The guy is so talented and improves the defense so much. But he just can't stay healthy. Seems the be something every year – shoulder, knee, etc.

I'm not sure. That's up to Gutekunst and Co. to decide. I love Ja, though. He's a fascinating, introspective person and I've enjoyed my time covering him the past seven seasons.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation and Greater Green Bay Community Foundation host the eighth annual Give BIG Green Bay giving day, with donations going to 50 nonprofit organizations serving Brown County.

Julian from Gastonia, NC

I noticed Rasul Douglas will be an unrestricted free agent. Time flies as it seems like he was with GB just yesterday. After his stint with the Packers and now the Bills, he is a veteran that understands winning cultures. At a fair price for both Rasul and the Packers, I'd enjoy seeing him back in the Green and Gold.

Douglas is a great player, but I'd be inclined to draft a cornerback during the first two days to get that pipeline moving again. The Packers haven't used a pick earlier than the seventh round on the position since drafting Eric Stokes in 2021.

Paul from Pompano Beach, FL

As bad as Sunday was, could be worse. I'm glad I'm not a Vikings fan. They took a real beating and at least our QB1 is Love and not Sam Darnold. Looking forward to the draft!

This is a ruthless sport, man. Eight months of work for one 60-minute game.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Hi Wes, forgive me for asking about another team, but I'm intrigued about Schefter's conjecture that it would be a major upset if the Lions didn't lose both OC/DC to head coaching jobs in this hiring cycle. That's pretty rare, isn't it? Given how good the Lions have become, I am rooting for it as a disrupter because with their roster, culture, etc., that thing has got legs and maybe, just maybe, it's a possible tripwire. I'd rather we take their legs out ourselves, but whatever works.

It's rare for two coordinators from the same team to get hired away during the head-coaching cycle but a part of that is synthesized. Ben Johnson could've had a HC job last year if he wanted one but chose to run it back with the Lions. If Detroit loses both Johnson and Aaron Glenn, Dan Campbell has a big offseason ahead of him.

Casey from Madison, WI

Now that the Packers have been eliminated from the playoffs, who would you like to see in the Super Bowl this year? My vote would be for Bills vs. Lions.

Buffalo and Washington.

Scott from Sauk City, WI

Now that the Packers are out, I obviously watch the remainder of the season with a much lower interest. So, what are the big stories going into NFL Divisional weekend?

The entire weekend centers on the Bills and Ravens. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have been two of the NFL's top quarterbacks for years now, but neither has taken that next step to a Super Bowl. Only one can move on to the biggest game of their career.

Dylan from Amery, WI

I saw the other day this was Washington's first playoff win since the 2005 season. We're pretty blessed.

It's hard to make the playoffs and even more difficult to win when you get there. If Denver can make it back next year, the Broncos will be looking for their first win since Super Bowl 50.

John from Belleview, FL

I for one would like to see the Lions advance. I think they have the best shot of beating the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. I do NOT want the Chiefs to achieve the three-peat. I want the Packers to remain the only team to have ever done it (and twice at that). Now if somebody knocks off the Chiefs along the way, then it doesn't matter so much...

I'd rather Kansas City match the Packers' three-peat than see Detroit win a Super Bowl. That's how much I despise the Lions.

Mark from Savannah, GA

Wes, a couple of years ago, I suggested that you write a piece on what Green Bay – city and team – would be like today if some event hadn't happened. The event could have been Reggie White or Vince Lombardi not coming to Green Bay, or it could be Tesla passing on setting up headquarters just on the west side of Van Boxtel. I, and your other loyal readers, believe you have a special gift when it comes to writing. Dip your toes into fiction and see how it feels. We won't be disappointed.

I'm not a fiction guy, Mark, but you gassing me up like that might make me re-consider that position.

Steve from Grawn, MI

Hey Insiders, thanks for keeping us all grounded through the season. No question or lamentation, just an acknowledgement that I miss football. As a diehard fan for longer than I am willing to say, the Packers become woven into life's routine. I know there are still games to be played, but there is no edge to it going forward. As always, can't wait till next year!

I'm with ya. Josh Jacobs articulated this well when he said after the game it's unlikely that he'll watch any more football until the Super Bowl is over. When the ride ends, the emotions really hit you. Fortunately, the future is inevitable and Packers football will be back before you know it.

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