Russ from Peosta, IA

Hi Mike and Wes and all of II! My thought is about players in a contract year. It is usually said you will see that player have or try to have a banner year. Doesn't that sound like he isn't trying that hard in other "safe" years? It is hard to conceive a player at the NFL can think about it being a contract year every game and play harder than he usually does. Any insight to a player thought process for a contract year? GPG!

I think that's a glass-half empty way of looking at it, especially in a league that doesn't fully guarantee contracts. I don't think players in a contract year try that much harder than those with long-term stability. I think we, starting with the media, just perseverate more on their future. Tucker Kraft, for example, worked his ass off last season but isn't even eligible for an extension until after the 2025 season, so we didn't really talk about that aspect of his play. Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney signed life-changing contracts last offseason and promptly responded with career years, respectively. There may be more financial incentive for players in contract years to push harder, but I promise the average NFL player is already working hard.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Mike or Wes, does the Mecole Hardman signing stand as the absolute testimonial that Brian Gutekunst does not know what will happen during the draft? I would not imagine Hardman being signed if BG knew the Packers would draft two WRs.

Obviously Gutekunst doesn't know how the draft board will fall, but he does have a hunch who could be available where the Packers are picking. What's more, everyone thought it was possible Green Bay could draft another receiver or two after how last season went. The point I'm trying to make is the Packers never would've signed Hardman if he had no chance of making this roster. If a player has a roster spot, it means the Packers believe he can help the team meet its goals and objectives. They're all here for a reason.

Larry from Hudson, WI

I forgot all about being down three receivers in that last game. One could argue that most of our offseason personnel moves were a response to how we lost that game. This offseason also drives home the fact that availability is the most important ability.

Definitely. It was sort of the same story on the offensive line, too. Everything changed for the Packers after Nolan Smith rammed his helmet into Elgton Jenkins' shoulder.

Tom from Houston, TX

If I offered you a 3-3 divisional record for 2025, would you take it?

No. It's better to fall short in pursuit of excellence than settle for mediocrity. The Packers want to win the NFC North, not merely survive it.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

If you could only improve upon one single detail from last year, what would it be? I'd choose drops on third (fourth) down. Seems like we had too many drive-killers from those. Runner-up might be penalties, but I forced myself to choose just one.

It would be the drops because it's sensational what the Packers' wideouts can do once they secure the catch. This receiving corps already was an explosive play waiting to happen and now it adds Matthew Golden and Savion Williams into the mix. My runner-up would be more consistency with the four-man pass rush. It's not always about getting sacks, either. It's also applying pressure to force the QB into making mistakes. That's where Green Bay struggled at times last year.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

What are the chances that we will see Christian Watson play this season?

I think very good. It's not so much a matter of if, but when.

Jimmy from Easley, SC

As we approach the 18-game season, will the NFL allow for an increased roster size from 53 on the roster and 48 for gametime? More games will likely lead to more injuries, bumps and bruises. Do we know if the league has considered this?

I doubt it. I think the NFL's reaction to a longer season was expanding practice-squad rosters to 16 (or 17 with an international player) and relaxing the rules to now enable PS players to be elevated to the gameday roster.

Josh from Fort Myers, FL

I have to disagree with the idea that increasing the number of teams wouldn't increase viewership. I believe it is only a matter of time before we have multiple teams outside the U.S. Toronto has been tossed around as a potential NFL city for years. London seems like a given at some point. And there are numerous untapped markets stateside (imagine a rivalry between Dallas and OKC). Put teams where there aren't and give local fans something that is theirs and they will watch.

The NFL is always looking to grow its footprint, but I don't believe adding more teams accomplishes that objective. Also, adding more teams would cut into the 1/32 cut every owner receives from league revenue. If you're going to add more seats at the table, owners need a guarantee the table will also be larger. It's much easier to add more international games, a blueprint that's worked quite well for the Premier League in the United States.

Rob from Louisville, CO

As far as expansion goes, do you think we will see teams in Canada first, rather than overseas? Does the NFL have any sort of agreement or informal relationship with the CFL that would make that more or less likely?

If there was ever a chance the NFL would expand to Canada, it came and went when the Buffalo Bills officially ended their flirtation with Toronto in 2014.

Bruce from Appleton, WI

Do you think any of the rookies have a chance at starting this year?

Oh sure.

Steve from Grawn, MI

I liked Mike's response to my question about what we need to do to win some division games next year. Indeed, a number of wins last year (Indy, TN, Seattle, Miami, etc.) included fast starts. So, to follow up, what are the keys to fast starts? While game plan and execution seem primary, how much does coming out "on fire" vs. "flat" have to do with it do you think?

We make a lot out of "fast" starts, but really, it's just a euphemism for execution. When you really break it down, I think execution, preparation, experience, talent and health are the five pillars of any successful team. If enough of those stand in alignment, a team will get the fast start it seeks.

Derek from Lexington, KY

I know it's only June, but can you reassure me that worrying about predicted strength of schedule is a silly thing to worry about?

Strength of schedule is a silly thing to worry about, Derek.

Ben from Avon, IN

Just read that Frank Ragnow is retiring. Great player but sadly a short career. How much of a blow is it for a team to learn their amazing center is retiring this close to the start of the season?

Ragnow's retirement is a massive blow for Detroit's offense and it would be disingenuous to say it's not. The guy has made the Pro Bowl in four of his last five seasons. Ragnow was not only an integral part of the Lions' offensive line but also a mainstay during Detroit's resurgence. While Ragnow was openly contemplating retirement after last season, Detroit doesn't have a readymade replacement for him at center.

Justin from Thousand Oaks, CA

Ragnow retiring in Detroit. Garrett Bradbury out in Minnesota. Chicago bringing in Drew Dalman. Jenkins taking over from Myers. Any thoughts about all four teams in the NFC North having new centers this year?

It's definitely a changing of the guard – or center – within in the division. Kenny Clark often has gotten the best of the Vikings' and Bears' centers over the past decade, so it'll be interesting to see what Ryan Kelly and Dalman can offer.

Gordon from Newport Beach, CA

It's interesting that the 2024 Packers were a pretty healthy team over the year, however, when there was a backup player starting the odds of winning/losing hardly ever changed. Is that simply because of a lack of star skill players or something else?

I wouldn't say that. I think it was more the Packers didn't lose many of their star players and had solid depth at key positions when injuries occurred (e.g. quarterback, cornerback and linebacker). Reserve players were ready to contribute…and they did.

John from Stevens Point, WI

Bryce Huff reunites with Robert Saleh in San Francisco after bombing with the Eagles. Assuming he re-worked his big contract, wouldn't he be the type of guy to help the Packers?

I think Huff makes more sense back in Saleh's scheme than trying to resurrect his career in a new defense for the third straight year. I also don't know how much of an upgrade Huff would've been for the Packers. He only has 10 career sacks in four seasons outside of his breakout year in 2023.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

If the Packers started a Hall of Fame for assistant coaches, who would be your first inductee? To make it more interesting, you can't pick Tom Clements because I feel like that's too obvious of a choice and we all know he would be voted in regardless. So, other than him, who would you put in?

He's a coordinator, not a position coach, but Fritz Shurmur should be in the Packers Hall of Fame.

Jeff from Mequon, WI

Hey Insiders, hope the offseason is treating you well. I'm excited to share that our 5-month-old is one of the newest members of the Packers' season ticket waiting list! I never got on the list, so this is an exciting tradition to start in our family. I had the pleasure of running into Matt LaFleur at a Marquette game a while back. How would you evaluate his career with GB so far? I can't help but feel if he had the level experience he does now back in 2020-21, he'd be a Super Bowl champion already.

Wonderful. What an exciting day for your family. I think the results speak for themselves with LaFleur. Yes, the Packers are still chasing a return to the Super Bowl, but they've also made the playoffs in five of LaFleur's six seasons as head coach despite the massive transition from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love under center. While I don't disagree there is no substitute for experience, Green Bay also arrived as a championship contender well ahead of schedule thanks to LaFleur's hiring in 2019.

Jeff from Edgerton, WI

Happy Tuesday, Wes. I'm previously known as Jeff from Victorville, CA, but have since retired and moved to Edgerton, WI. I just wanna say you have a very good speaking manner and get your point across in a positive way that resonates with the fans. You present yourself well on camera. If say, "Good Morning Football" asked you to be part of their morning show, filmed now in LA, do you take the job or remain true to your roots and stay in Green Bay for 1/5 of the income? Just a hypothetical question.

Congratulations on retirement Jeff! Thank you for the kind words, but I'm very happy and content where I am with packers.com (not that anybody is even calling). If I weren't in Green Bay, maybe I'd be more open to new opportunities, but I get to cover the Packers/NFL 15 minutes from my childhood home. It doesn't get much better than that.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

What's the most amusing sports headline you've ever read?

"On to Chicaco."

David from Ft. Worth, TX

Mike, so sad to read you won't be writing books in your retirement. "There's a Song of Ice and Fire" tome that could use your help.

"A Dream of Spring" would've been written before I graduated high school if Spoff had the pen and not GRRM.

Jake from Regina, Canada

Please pass along my thanks to Wayne Larrivee for recording his encouraging message for my dad, Pete, who is nearing the end of his five-year battle with cancer. Pete is a diehard Packers fan and is also a member of our local sports media. He spent many years working in journalism and broadcasting for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) and also coordinates and stars in a weekly sport talk show, giving a platform to any and all youth, amateur, or semi-pro athletes in our Province.

That was a beautiful message, Jake. I will be sure to do that. All the best to you, your father and the rest of your family. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

Andrew from Chicago, IL

I'm pretty sure I'm the one who needs to get into shape. I don't think I've had a submission published this calendar year. I promise to do better, Mike and Wes. Back to the grind I go.

Watch for deer.

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