Inbox: The Outrage Over the Offseason
It's not just about one offseason.
Feb 04, 2026
Kurtis from Macungie, PA
"The reality is there are still 272 games each regular season. Half will be won and half will be lost."
Rick from San Diego, CA
"So you are saying we can't get a second-round pick by trading a bunch of much lower picks with lesser value? There was a certain assistant to the traveling secretary that might disagree with you. He had a way to acquire Bonds and Griffey without giving up that much."
Ray from Phoenix, AZ
"Say the highest-rated player on the Packers' board when they pick in the second round is a receiver. Do you see them trading down to get more picks, or is this the year they go to a position of need and take the highest-rated corner, D-tackle or O-lineman on their board?"
Brian from Manitowoc, WI
"Greetings II. Longtime first time. If the Packers organization doesn't divulge the head coach or GM contract details, specifically the number of years, then is this a new practice? How did we all come to know the duration and expiration of both Gutekunst and LaFleur's previous contracts and their expirations? Thanks for all the great writing."
Barb from Marengo, IL
"Well, it looks like every team next season will be playing at least one overseas game. Where would you like to travel to?"
Barry from De Pere, WI
"Saw the Saints would play at the Stade de France this year. If the Packers are chosen as the opponent, we can rest easy knowing the field is Desso GrassMaster, same as Lambeau. Better than that horror in Sao Paulo against the Eagles."
Bill from Menominee, MI
"It was speculated that when former defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington was hired by the Packers as a position coach, that he would be a potential candidate for GB's DC role should Hafley move on for a head coaching job. Are you aware if Covington was considered for the position prior to their eventual hiring of Gannon?"
Kevin from Arlington Heights, IL
"Would you say it's easier for a defense to pick up on a completely new scheme than for an offense to learn an entirely new playbook?"
Shawn from Colby, WI
"Mornin' Spoff. Michael from Jacksonville asked yesterday about why the runner on an outside run doesn't just throw the ball downfield or out of bounds if he isn't going to get back to the line to gain. I wondered that for a while myself but then realized on a running play, someone on the OL is likely downfield blocking, thus, it would be a penalty for 'illegal man downfield.' Do I have that right?"
Don from Thompson, ND
"When the NFL turns preseason games into regular-season games I see an unintended consequence occurring. Previously the preseason was the opportunity for young or undrafted players to show they deserve a roster spot, but now that the games count their chance to shine is lessened. Teams may decide to stay with an aging, diminishing-skills player rather than risking a roster spot on an intriguing but now unproven player. In this new world would a player like Sam Shields possibly not get discovered?"
Ian from Kirkwhelpington, UK
"Mike, I have read in various places that the Packers will almost certainly not tender Emanuel Wilson but seek to sign him to a cheaper one-year contract instead. Given his play over the last two years, is he not worth a two- or three-year deal, or will Wilson spend his career on one-year deals?"
Michael from Mesa, AZ
"What's the one position group that has to take a clear step forward for the Packers to make a legitimate playoff run next season and why?"
Tom from Yardley, PA
"Looking at the starting quarterbacks throughout Super Bowl history the vast majority have included at least one bona fide star. This matchup clearly bucks that trend. Who do you pick to shine?"
Jeremiah from Middleton, WI
"Given that Jordan Love was sitting approximately third in MVP odds around the time that Pro Bowl votes are finalized, I was surprised that he was left out of the top three NFC QBs. I'm even more surprised that after people have dropped out and gotten replaced for the Pro Bowl, he apparently didn't make top five either. What are your thoughts?"
Jim from Eau Claire, WI
"Do you guys see any of the Packers' current free agents that they might use the franchise tag on?"
John from Canada
"I know the playoff mantra is 'just get in' but the regular-season records mattered this year. All division weekend teams had a regular-season record of at least 12-5, except for the Bears (11-6) because they beat the Packers (9-7-1). All championship weekend teams had a regular-season record of 14-3, except for the Rams (12-5) because they defeated the Bears. Both Super Bowl teams had 14-3 regular-season records. There were similar patterns in 2024 and 2023. Is 'just get in' realistic or wishful?"
Jeff from New Lisbon, WI
"In your response to Ron from Eleva WI you state you believe the game would have been played even at minus-40 degree wind chills. At what point do you believe player safety comes into play? I understand these are tough young men but they are human and that kind of cold can be dangerous to minor extremities. I wonder how a franchise and players' union would handle a QB or receiver with severe frostbite to fingers? Where is the line with cold? Has a game ever been rescheduled due to this?"
Mark from Appleton, WI
"It's said that football is a young man's game. As a season-ticket holder in my 70s, I've concluded attending live football games in December and January at Lambeau is also a young man's (person's) game. Do you see any potential for future upgrades at Lambeau (other than a dome) such as heated seats, warm air blowers, or whatever to make the viewing experience more accommodating?"
