The Green Bay Packers find themselves on the brink of securing a playoff spot as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. With a solid 10-4 record, the Packers aim to maintain their momentum and enter the postseason firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, the Saints, struggling at 5-9, arrive in Green Bay with a depleted roster, making this matchup a critical opportunity for the Packers to capitalize.
Despite their promising season, the Packers’ pass rush remains a glaring weakness. Heading into Week 14, the team ranked 27th in pass rush win rate, with Rashan Gary leading the squad with 5.5 sacks and 34 pressures. Beyond Gary, no other player has managed more than 3.0 sacks or 21 pressures, leaving Green Bay’s defense vulnerable in high-pressure situations. This lack of consistency has hindered defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s aggressive scheme, which relies heavily on generating quarterback pressure to force turnovers.
In light of these struggles, the Packers are reportedly eyeing a major offseason upgrade to bolster their pass rush. Khalil Mack, the eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker currently with the Los Angeles Chargers, has emerged as a potential target. According to Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst previously pursued Mack in 2018 but was outbid by the Chicago Bears. Now, with Mack’s stellar career and leadership qualities still intact, the Packers may revisit the opportunity to bring him to Green Bay.
Adding Mack to the roster could be a game-changer for the Packers. A five-time All-Pro with a proven track record of success, Mack could provide the veteran presence that Green Bay’s EDGE room desperately needs after the departure of Preston Smith. His influence would extend beyond the stat sheet, offering younger players like Gary and Lukas Van Ness the chance to learn from a future Hall of Famer.
While the Packers are focused on their immediate playoff push, the potential acquisition of Mack represents a forward-looking strategy to address their defensive shortcomings. By shoring up their pass rush, the Packers could solidify themselves as perennial contenders and maximize their Super Bowl aspirations.
