Inbox: They have at least five shots at it…and hopefully more

Jeremy from Weston, WI

You know you're not supposed to do math in the Inbox.

He who seeks the wrath reaps the math, J-Dawg.

Jeremy from Mansfield, TX

First, I would like to apologize for Jeremy from Weston sniping about minimal baseball discussions. This is not the decorum us Jeremy's should carry ourselves with. Secondly, your response to requesting a refund got me thinking. I, too, would like to submit a refund request for the free column you two so diligently and thoughtfully put together daily. Could you point me and any others looking for their "free" access refund in the direction of the refund office? Thanks for all you do!

I can see the line forming in the Lambeau Field Atrium as we speak… "Yes, I'm here for my free refund." Hope you all had a pleasant Memorial Day Weekend. Let's talk (mostly) football.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Congrats to the Love family for the birth of their daughter! Exciting times for them!

QB1 is growing up before our very eyes. Congrats to the Loves on their new addition. The baby photos were enough to draw tears from the hardest of cynics.

Dave from Kaukauna, WI

With the season starting as late as possible because Labor Day was as late as it could possibly be, Sept. 7, the last two home games are as late in January as they can possibly be, setting up some potential real Ice Bowl conditions. On the other hand, it looks like an El Nino is coming, maybe even a super El Nino, and winters in Wisconsin are usually milder during an El Nino, which would be nice for the fans in the seats. What do you predict? If you can't make a prediction, what are you rooting for?

Well, I don't know what the farmer's almanac projects for 2026-27, but it feels like we're due for some good ol' Wisconsin winter weather. It's been a few years now since the Packers had a true snow game at Lambeau Field. Counting Christmas Day at Soldier Field, they have at least five shots at it…and hopefully more.

Tallon from Castle Rock, CO

As we slowly approach Jordan Love's version of the Aaron Rodgers cap crunch era the team will have to make some tough money decisions based on players and which positions they value. With that being said, do you think it makes sense to give Christian Watson a $30 million per year deal this offseason? He's not an eight catches per game guy, and we haven't seen a fully healthy year from him yet. There's positives and negatives to waiting till next year so which side do you land on?

Watson doesn't need eight catches, though. Sometimes it only takes one to change the complexion of a football game. For that reason, I land on the side of "I hope Christian Watson is Green Bay into the 2030s," but I also don't work in the finance dept. Everyone involved knew what they were doing when Watson and the organization agreed to that one-year extension last September. The deal was done to give Watson some security while allowing Green Bay a year to decide on an extension. That time is almost upon us.

James from Appleton, WI

I don't want to in any way diminish Zaire Franklin and Javon Hargrave. They are established veterans who will produce strong results. Adding them, however, feels like an admission that you can draft all the high-ceiling players you can find but you need high-floor players to win consistently.

I get what you're saying, but the Packers had two good vets at both of those positions in Quay Walker and Kenny Clark, respectively. Neither of whom is here now. While Green Bay has prospects at linebacker and interior defensive line, it needed proven veterans now. That's where Franklin and Hargrave come in. In addition to what they can do on the field, both are known as great locker-room guys, too. So, I feel it's a net positive for the Packers to bring Franklin and Hargrave in during what the team hopes is a championship push in 2026. I can guarantee you this – those two men are going to be motivated to get the ring eluding them.

Kerry from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Assuming the injured players are ready when the season starts, how does this roster stack up to the previous three rosters?

It's the deepest. I say that without pause or equivocation. Love and the Packers' top skill-position players are all in their prime. Micah Parsons is one of the best defensive players in the game. There are a few pieces that need to fall into place, but it's all to play for now for Green Bay.

George from Lacey, WA

What is still our biggest need to be competitive?

Good health and strong finishes.

Dave from Kaukauna, WI

Which tired, old NFL cliche needs most to be retired? The "Gatorade bath" (first happened in 1984) of the coach after a big win. Just ask the coaches!

"Sneaky athletic." It's the NFL, not Wednesday pickleball. Everyone is athletic. Nazir Stackhouse at 327 pounds runs a 40-yard dash faster than I would on the best day of my life. Nothing sneaky about that.

Jeffery from Monticello, WI

Hi guys, do you think Tyrod Taylor has the backup QB position sewn up or does Kyron Drones have a chance to steal it from him? I personally like Drones' style; he looks like a young Taylor anyways.

I ran this question past my son. He likes the name "Kyron Drones" and chose the rookie, but the Packers signed Taylor to be QB2 and that's the role I expect him to fill. Dad wins.

Keith from Oakland, CA

I've been a Packers fan since '97. I was reorganizing the office and decided it was time for the Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers jerseys to come down but not time for Love yet. So decided to go for Clay Matthews as among other great attributes, he made the biggest play in my history as a Packer fan in the Super Bowl! Spill it Pickett! What would be your biggest play since being a fan?

It's gotta be the leap. Brett Favre gave the Packers a quarterback. Reggie White gave them a superstar. LeRoy Butler gave Green Bay its aura back and that's why he's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (along with four All-Pro selections, 38 INTs, 20½ sacks and a partridge with a Super Bowl ring).

Bruce from Appleton, WI

Will the Packers be looking for some help at the running back spots?

Not if MarShawn Lloyd can fulfill the prophecy.

George from North Mankato, MN

Just wondering if you had to choose a team-building experience heading into OTAs, what would it be? Axe-throwing, escape room, bowling, karaoke, youth clinic, hospital visit, civic engagement, autograph session or something else?

Go-karts.

Thomas from Oviedo, FL

I was a huge Brewers fan back in the Bambi's Bombers days but not so much anymore. When you answer questions regarding baseball I either read it or scroll to the next question. I don't get upset in the least. This would be rude, weird and utterly bizarre. Aren't you glad you took away the comments section years ago?

The ability to observe, process and proceed without comment has become a lost art in society. It's OK to have an opinion, but the refusal of some to acknowledge they may be wrong gives me grave concern for the future.

Eric from Kenosha, WI

Another fascinating point about the oldest player drafted by the Packers still on the roster is that it is not the one drafted first among them, Jordan Love. He's going into season 7 and probably still has a jump he can take. Also, how are we gonna fill this column five days a week in the offseason if we don't discuss other topics now and then? IMHO, that is part of what makes this a community of fans, not just a column.

Mike and I are football writers, but we're also human. We have hobbies and interests outside of this column – families, too. What a circus! So, my sincere apologies if our life outside of these imaginary walls occasionally interferes with the morning entertainment.

Stan from Jupiter, FL

I guess there's a lot of cheap Packers fans out there. Netflix is the gold standard for TV series and movies ... and has been for a number of years. Why not just take the plunge like millions of others? Is it really gonna break you?

Spoiler: I'm gonna use a non-football analogy here. So, please stop reading now if that revelation is gonna cause your vexation, but my dad wanted to watch the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, the first NASCAR Cup race since Kyle Busch's unfortunate passing. However, the race was only on Amazon Prime. We don't have Amazon Prime. So, Pa Hod spent the evening listening to the race on his lawnmowing headphones. 'Merica.

Bob from Covington, KY

Hi, guys. From Monday's Inbox... "(streaming services) are banking on (pun intended) those one-month customers testing out other shows during that month and becoming regular consumers of their service." So, if those of us who sign up for one month for an NFL game all cancel immediately, streaming services will see no benefit from their massive investment and stop bidding on the rights to the games? Rise up, my fellow Rebels, and Cancel, Cancel, Cancel!

You do you, my brother. As I've said before, I had to sign up for Apple TV to watch Formula One this year with my son. We both love F1 and it means enough to us to pay the $12.99 a month for those memories and experiences. Some will stream the games at home. Some will not. Some will head over to Ray's Boneyard for the game. It is all up to you.

Randal from Suamico, WI

What defensive brothers were better, the Watts or Bosas?

The Watts and it's not particularly close.

Jeff from Foothill Ranch, CA

Regarding the natural grass vs. turf discussion. Is that something that could be a bargaining chip for either side with the forthcoming CBA? The players are steadfast, they prefer grass and ownership says data doesn't support any benefit to it over turf. Personally, I'll always side with the workers over the billionaires, but curious if that becomes a give-something-to-get-something situation.

I do, too, but I'd be surprised if fields are overhauled in the next CBA. Too many teams desire stadiums that are domed, revenue-generators 12 months of the year.

Adrian from Oregon City, OR

As a union guy most of my life, collective bargaining takes on a whole new meaning with players' associations. "You can't pay everybody" says a few key players: quarterback, left tackle, cornerback, edge get big contracts, while others get less. And hardly any contracts get paid full "book" value, since expensive players get cut in favor of younger "developing" players. It seems like the NFLPA takes care of the "stars," but doesn't do much for their other members. Your take?

You make fine points, but I think the fallout of the 2020 CBA debunks your final theory. Perhaps the NFLPA leadership favor its stars, but it was young players on rookie contracts – many of whom no longer are in the league – who swayed the vote in the most recent CBA. They wanted higher base salaries, better pensions, and relaxed testing protocols, and that was what moved the ball over the goal line in the end.

Andy from College Grove, TN

I love Insider Inbox because it is a forum to gain knowledge about the Packers/NFL and openly speculate about the future, rather than having predictions crammed down our throats. A work colleague recently shared the quote "Truth is the oxygen of culture," which made me think of II (and, hopefully, the Packers organization). Congrats on fostering that type of forum and for often saying "I don't know."

If this crazy game of life taught me anything, it's that knowing something is often better than knowing everything. People tend to enjoy your company much more at parties, too.

Chef David from Chestertown, MD

Math and the No. 88 in one II post? What are the odds? I thought "88" was sacrosanct but it keeps wheedling its way back into the II consciousness regardless.

We've reached a new week and thank goodness there's actual football on the horizon.

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