If the Packers re-sign Sean Rhyan, it will be because they see him as the long-term starting center. Maybe they’re a little lucky in getting a deal made before training camp, because an offseason of work could polish Rhyan into a very good center indeed
It ties back to what I wrote yesterday about Rhyan giving the NFL something to contemplate. We talked for years about the progress Rhyan was making as a center and that work was put to the test this season. As far as Rhyan’s future in Green Bay, we first gotta see what happens with Jenkins.
Good morning, Wes! If the Seahawks are the best team in the NFL, do they have the best roster top to bottom, or the best overall roster, or the best playmakers at crucial spots, or…How do you assess an NFL roster? Are the best teams populated by the right handful of difference-makers (àla Micah Parsons) and then solid depth? Where would you rank the Packers’ roster now? We will have to see how different the roster is today compared to the initial 53.
I think the Packers have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, beginning at the premier positions. Where Seattle separated itself from the pack in 2025 is it added a franchise quarterback to a talent-rich roster and arguably the best defensive mind in the game right now in Mike Macdonald. Sam Darnold put the Seahawks over the top. The question now is if he can keep them there.
Josh from Playa Majagual, Nicaragua
Similar to Skokie Sam’s draft-and-develop question, how do you explain the Eric Stokes blunder? A first-round draft pick who was consistently improving at a position of need, and they let him walk on a one-year, $4 million deal. And to add insult to injury we replace him by signing an oft-injured nickel, a position we were deep at, to a long-term deal at three times the cost. Stokes goes on to become one of the best CBs in the league, while Nate Hobbs couldn’t even carve out a starting role on a CB-needy team.
I like Stokes – the football player and the human. But I think it’s a stretch to say he’s become one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He was healthy and reliable last year for Vegas, but it’s been four seasons since Stokes caught his only NFL interception. The Packers were in a no-win situation with Stokes. They could have re-signed him. It wasn’t a hefty price tag, but Green Bay already played that “prove-it” game once with Kevin King. Stokes missed 22 regular-season games over four years with the Packers. I think a fresh start was needed for both sides. Knee injuries derailed Hobbs’ debut season in Green Bay. With Javon Bullard entrenched in the slot, the Packers must access whether Hobbs is the best option across from Keisean Nixon outside.
Why should anyone feel bad about drafting, developing a player, and then ultimately losing them in free agency? That’s not unique to the Packers, that’s the NFL or any business. Every team tries to get the most of its players or employees. We all hope that everyone gets better at their jobs and contributes the utmost possible on game day. But when they cost more than they are worth to the company or team, they must be replaced with someone who fits the budget. The beauty of the NFL is the budget.
I agree. This is the position teams want to be in, making difficult choices with good players. External free agency is tool but also a high-stakes game; a perilous pendulum that swings both ways.
Tallon from Castle Rock, CO
The hype around Edgerrin Cooper going into last year had people thinking he was going to be a Pro Bowler. I thought he took a slight step back or at least didn’t take that next step forward last year. I still think his potential is sky high, but what do you think the problem was?
I thought Cooper was exceptional, but Jeff Hafley had him playing more like a straight-up linebacker in 2025 than his rookie season. That probably had something to do with Micah Parsons, but I personally hoped to see Cooper utilized more in the rush plan. We’ll see what Year 3 holds. The guy absolutely has Pro Bowl potential, though.
Wes, living in Northern Minnesota my whole life curling has been a big thing. Every little town had their own four-sheet curling club. Eventually several merged and built a beautiful eight-sheet venue in Eveleth right next to the U.S.A. Hockey Hall of Fame. If you are ever in the area, check it out. There have been many very successful curlers that have walked through those doors.
I’ll be sure to stop next time I’m headed that way.
I’m sure I’m showing my age here, but if someone would reboot ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” then curling would be televised at least monthly throughout the winter. Seems like no one wants to take a chance anymore. The “Big Four” plus golf and tennis are seen as a sure thing so they get all the airtime. I still think there a place for the “weird” sports like curling, skiing, lumberjack games and that thing where skaters jump over numbered barrels. Guess I’m the only one.
I was a bit too young for “Wide World of Sports” but was a big fan of “Cheap Seats.” Obviously, the Sklar Brothers’ humor drove the show, but it was fun revisiting the wide array of programming ESPN used to put on its airwaves.
Arlan from Cedar Rapids, IA
Wes, since we’re in the time of year and I have no meaningful Football question, how about this: UFC 326, Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira? Also, could Dakota Ditcheva dominate in the UFC as she does in the PFL?
You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for someone to ask me a Dakota Ditcheva question. I’m convinced she could compete in the UFC flyweight division. I’m picking Holloway in the BMF title fight. I love do Bronxs but feel like Max has his number.
Ken from Boynton Beach, FL
Hi Wes, in reference to the Super Bowl being played overseas you said “It’ll happen. Not soon, but probably in my natural lifetime.” Is there an unnatural lifetime?
Just accounting for the “hit by bus” variable.
Jennifer from Middleton, WI
Oh Wes. Wes, Wes, Wes, Wes, Wes…No beer and cheese, I can handle. I can’t handle this. I suggest you watch “Tommy Boy” tonight and work at least one quote into every answer of Friday’s column as your penance. I mean, seriously.
I know, I know…I promise to check it out during my PTO next month and provide Inbox with a full report.