March 7, 2026, 5:59 p.m. CT
It’s time to break down how the Green Bay Packers will reshape the roster for the 2026 season. The Packers have begun checking boxes with a few re-signings and a trade, but the opening of the legal tampering period on Monday provides another head start, and the official work begins Wednesday afternoon with the start of the new league year.
Follow along as we break down every move involving the Packers in free agency:
Packers re-sign LB Nick Niemann (3/7)
The move: The Packers signed linebacker Nick Niemann to a one-year deal (Bill Huber of Packers on SI).
What it means: The Packers return a core special teamer who was on his way to a special season before injury hit in 2025. Few realize, but Niemann was leading the NFL in total special teams tackles when he went down in Week 8. While lacking as a true linebacker, he’ll likely be the little used No. 5 option who contributes real value while playing at least 200 snaps on special teams (barring injury) for coordinator Cam Achord in 2026. For the Packers, there was no reason for a below average special teams unit to let one of their best go.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Packers trade for LB Zaire Franklin (3/7)
The move: The Packers traded defensive lineman Colby Wooden to the Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin (multiple outlets).
Breakdown: Unable to re-sign Quay Walker, the Packers proactively filled the looming hole at off-ball linebacker — trading Wooden to the Colts for Franklin. A 2024 Pro Bowler with four straight 100-tackle seasons, Franklin is an experienced option to replace Walker as the “Mike” linebacker next to Edgerrin Cooper. But he’s coming off a poor season in Indianapolis, and he turns 30 in July. Given Walker’s expected market, the Packers likely saw Franklin as a more cost-effective way to address linebacker with Jonathan Gannon expected to shift to a 3-4 base front. Expect him to be a capable downhill run defender who is often a liability in coverage. Sound familiar? Trading Wooden means the Packers are fully in the market for a nose tackle, arguably the biggest need position on the roster.
Packers re-sign RB Chris Brooks (3/4)
The move: The Packers signed running back Chris Brooks to a two-year deal worth $4.85 million (agency).
What it means: With Emanuel Wilson expected to hit free agency, the Packers made sure they kept some stability behind Josh Jacobs by locking up Brooks — the far more versatile player. He can run, block, catch and play special teams. For a gameday roster of 48 players, Brooks is the perfect RB3. It’s possible the Packers plan to use free agency or the draft to find another back to team with Jacobs and Brooks, given Wilson’s status and MarShawn Lloyd’s unreliability.