Inbox: And the list goes on 

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, following up on the question from Doug of Neenah… what's your take on how the Packers got better since you went on vacation? Thanks!

I feel like what the Packers lose in proven experience they gain in upside at positions of replacement. It's time to see what Green Bay has in Matthew Golden, Jordan Morgan, Lukas Van Ness, Ty'Ron Hopper, Brenton Cox Jr., MarShawn Lloyd and the list goes on.

Doug from Odell, IL

Should the Packers sign a veteran QB or draft one?

I'd rather draft a quarterback or trade for one, especially at this point of free agency.

Dar from Mansfield, TX

My friends and I recently discovered that most of us have a "backup team." That's a team (usually AFC) that doesn't come close to rivaling the Packers for our love and dedication, but one we do tend to notice and subtly pull for. As I proudly watch Jon-Eric Sullivan infuse the "Packers Way" into the Miami Dolphins, those 'Fins are becoming interesting to me. Did you notice Sully has now accumulated seven 2026 draft picks in the top 100? Is there an AFC you tend to gravitate toward?

I did and my AFC team probably is the Dolphins. I have so much respect for Sullivan, Jeff Hafley, Willis, and Ryan Downard. They're all high-character dudes I want to see succeed. Hopefully, that rebuild comes together quickly.

Jeff from Milwaukee, WI

Surely (I'm not calling you Shirley) this has been answered previously, but after reading that Savion Williams wasn't part of the punt return team, it leads me to wonder what the difference is between punt and kick returners, and specifically regarding Williams?

Experience plays a part in it. Williams never returned punts at TCU whereas he handled kickoffs as a freshman. In general, I view kickoff and punt returners as different positions. While some players have the ability to do both, kickoff returners are almost like running backs now in wake of the rule changes. Punt-returning requires more finesse than straight-line speed in my opinion. You also have to be strong under pressure and make good decisions once the ball is in your hands. Enter Skyy Moore.

Scott from Holly Springs, NC

Any chance of Jacob Monk getting more playing time this year?

Monk and Donovan Jennings are both in the running for that "next man up" spot inside. Both can play the three interior positions and probably would have last season if not for some untimely injuries. Entering Year 3, they're poised to compete for roster spots behind Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan and Anthony Belton. Opportunity is knocking for the Packers' young linemen.

Ben from Cripple Creek, CO

To John from Freedom – yes, improvement in the OL from last season is much needed. But there are reasons to be optimistic, once Zach Tom is able to return to the lineup. Yes, Belton is a converted T to G - but with a full off-season of learning, that could be beneficial - along with Rhyan at C, and Morgan at LT. Also, once healthy, Banks looked decent toward the end of the season. Much of the beginning he was hampered with injuries.

A lot will be put on the shoulders of Morgan and Belton this year, but the sky is the limit for that group if those two young offensive linemen can handle it.

Samuel from Skokie, IL

The discussion of the offensive line brought up real issues that need to be addressed. But a huge issue is arguably the key position in the line, left tackle. We are counting on Jordan Morgan to be the man. There is no evidence that he can be counted on there. Yes, he has No. 1 pick cred, but he was made to play both guard spots and a little right tackle, but virtually no snaps at left tackle. If it turns out he's got the stuff, where is the depth to back him up?

Again, I'm imploring fans to give Morgan a chance. There wasn't much evidence David Bakhtiari or Rasheed Walker could play left tackle in the NFL either when they were pressed into action in 2013 and 2023, respectively. Bakhtiari was a rookie fourth-round pick whom some projected to play inside when Bryan Bulaga tore his ACL. Meanwhile, Walker saw just four special teams snaps as a rookie before supplanting Bakhtiari in Year 2. As far as current depth at left tackle, the draft could factor into that. Darian Kinnard and Belton also have experience there, too.

Mitch from Cedarburg, WI

With the craze of the initial free agency winding down, attention starts to turn towards the draft. Do you believe the Packers will put in a bid to host another draft soon, or is the league pushing to allow all teams to host and we are going to have to wait 30 years for the next draft in Green Bay?

Like Frosty, the draft will be back again someday and perhaps even during my time at packers.com. The event's gotta make the rounds first, though. Half the league is bidding to host it, but the Green Bay draft was a roaring success. On top of the phenomenal turnout, I heard from many at the NFL that it was one of the easiest and most well-executed drafts since the league moved the event out of Radio City Music Hall a decade ago.

Tyler from Cross Plains, WI

Hey guys, a question I've had for a while, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to answer. Do the Packers/Matt LaFleur tend to rotate DL more frequently than other teams? It always seems out top DL play 50%-60% of the defensive snaps, maybe aside from Micah Parsons last year. Is that a pretty typical DL rotation around the league, or do we tend to rotate DL more often than other teams? There's something to be said about keeping the DL fresh, but maybe some of the lack of production is due to a lower snap count?

That's how most teams handle rotations on the defensive line, especially inside. Kenny Clark was a bit of an anomaly for a few seasons, but most starting defensive tackles fall into that 60-70% range. Top edge rushers hover around 80%.

Jim from Tempe, AZ

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Bob Harlan. I've never lived in Brown County, but when I first heard of the 2000 referendum, I thought it was a slam dunk to pass. Given the fact the team had returned to glory in the 90's and was the cornerstone of the city. I'm confident most of those 47% are now glad they were not the majority. An "It's a Wonderful Life" like view of Green Bay, sans the Packers, with Bob Harlan portraying George Bailey would be a great watch.

What I respect most about Harlan is he was willing to literally knock on doors to secure votes. Could you ever see an NFL executive doing that in 2026? I sure wouldn't want to. But that's how strongly Harlan felt about the Packers' need to renovate Lambeau Field and position the organization for the future. He was the hero Green Bay deserved, and I can't wait to honor him during his Celebration of Life here at Lambeau Field next week.

Phillip from Wonder Lake, IL

Are all the trades in free agency turning out to be a positive for the Packers in your judgment?

As Jeff Suppan once said, it's a horse a piece. It is wild how prevalent trades have become in the NFL, though. It seems like a decade ago nobody wanted to make trades…like Dave in my fantasy league turning down every offer.

Brandon from Imperial, MO

Good morning, reading about EW's PBP got me to a link that said Jaire Alexander had to pay back a significant portion of his bonus since he didn't make it on the field for Philly. It said Philly was able to recoup some of the bonus, too. When was the last time the Pack got to recoup some cost? Second, do you think that may be the end of JA's career? He was so great with the Pack, but Brian Gutekunst seems to have moved on at the right time again.

I don't recall an instance where a player was forced to repay money to the Packers. Maybe one of you do. I have no inside information on Alexander, but I'd be surprised if he made a comeback. His decision to step away last season felt like the train coming into the station. Ja is a special dude. I'm wishing him well with whatever comes next.

Nate from Kewaskum, WI

What is the reason only one player on offense (QB) and one player on defense has audio access to get plays/communication? If every player on both sides of the ball could hear the play call, the league could shorten the play clock from 40 to 35 seconds to increase the number of plays per game. Any chance?

I think you have to draw the line somewhere from a technological standpoint. In addition to the issues of having 11 players hearing voices before every play, it also would be a logistical nightmare for NFL equipment staffs. One is enough.

Scott from Issaquah, WA

I love how the team that blew three first rounders on arguably the worst QB trade in history now wants to be able to blow five first-rounders at a time.

Life comes at you fast, doesn't it?

Jeff from Foothill Ranch, CA

Hi Wes, hope you're having a good one so far! I wanted to follow up on the naming rights question. Teams that are raising "mountains of cash" through sale to private equity-what is that cash needed for and where is it going? With all the revenue streams available, I can't imagine any franchise hard up for cash. Please tell me it's not just lining the pockets of the billionaire owners.

I'm sure this will be a popular topic at next week's league meetings, so I'll save any further commentary until then. I will say the NFL is this country's most profitable sports entity and every year it's looking to improve its year-over-year margins (like any business). The Packers are part of this high-speed race and gotta do their 1/32nd to keep pace.

Donny from New York, NY

I like the "Best athlete of all time" question. Gave me some great flashbacks. Wes, will you give us this question and keep a list of them? I don't have just one. I will go with Bo Jackson. Isn't it nice to be back?

Looks like Outsider Inbox has gained another question.

George from North Mankato, MN

I find it hard to believe that the NFL is entertaining replacement officials rather than paying the current group. Record profits for owners, the league and highest salary cap ever for the players. Why would you compromise that with unproven officials? Is the memory of 2012 too far removed?

I've said it a few times now…the NFL doesn't care. The games will be played. TV obligations will be fulfilled. Officiating will be whatever it is.

Megan from Quincy, IL

Happy March Madness. With four games done and a full slate of games to go, who are you picking as your Cinderella to break some hearts and bust brackets?

I picked High Point…and have the bracket to prove it.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Wes, you brought up the much-hated notion of performance assessments. (I worked for a number of companies and never found a format I liked.) If you were to conduct a performance assessment on II submitters as a whole, what are our strengths? What are our key areas of improvement? We're all just looking to get a little bit better here!

Passion and loyalty would have to rank among the strengths. One identifiable area of improvement would be to wait two or three breaths before hitting "Submit."

Ed from Minneapolis, MN

Hey Wes, thanks for holding down the fort. Do you have a favorite root beer? Have you tried the root beer, "Lady's?" Do you try different brews from various locations? Good luck these two weeks.

I have not but like trying new root beers. I'm down. Titletown's Sno-Cap has been – and will forever be – my favorite.

Andy from Lowell, MI

"This generation constantly falls victim to the moment without any sense of the future." Very astute observation Wes. I'd like to add, "…while failing to learn from past generations. Or something to that effect. Now if you will excuse me, some kids need to be yelled at to get off my lawn.

Give 'em heck, Andy.

Barb from Marengo, IL

Someday when Spoff does retire (which will be a sad day for us), will he have a refrigerator named after him?

Perhaps, but the Mike Spofford Memorial Commode also has a certain ring to it.

Bob from Rome, NY

Wes: Can you have "two straight weeks of Inbox can test one's will" put on plaque and placed on Mike's desk before he gets back? That's classic!

What doesn't PTO you makes you stronger.

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