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Pass-rusher Micah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers.

The Green Bay Packers have a core group of players that will have them in the mix to make a deep postseason run in 2026.

However, having key complementary pieces to that core is also vital. The Packers added six rookies through the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as a slew of undrafted free agents. They also acquired new veterans such as defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, and linebacker Zaire Franklin (via trade).

Green Bay Packers urged to sign veteran edge rusher to complete roster

Multiple outlets across the sports media landscape agree that the Packers need to add another edge rusher with a proven track record in the NFL. They obviously already have one of the best in Micah Parsons, but he is recovering from a torn ACL that he sustained late in 2025.

It’s possible he will have to miss the first handful of games in 2026, and the depth behind him at the position leaves a lot to be desired. Aaron Schatz of ESPN doesn’t believe Green Bay can trust Parsons’ current supporting cast.

“Wide receiver depth is also an issue for the Packers, but at least their three starting receivers are all supposed to start the season healthy. What happens to the Packers’ defense if Micah Parsons, who suffered a torn ACL in December, is not ready for Week 1? The other starting edge rusher is slated to be Lukas Van Ness, who had just 1.5 sacks in nine games last season. The top backups are fourth-round rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton and Barryn Sorrell, who had 1.5 sacks while playing 16% of the Packers’ defensive snaps as a rookie last season. This is a team that really needs to explore the remaining free agents in the veteran edge rusher market.”

Many are high on the projected potential of Dennis-Sutton, but it is risky to be overly reliant on a fourth-round draft pick. Van Ness has been very disappointing during his three-year tenure with the Packers, and Sorrell isn’t someone you want in a starting role.

Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney Among Top Potential FA EDGE Options for Packers

Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated also believes Green Bay would benefit by adding a veteran edge rusher, and should pursue top free agents Joey Bosa or Jadeveon Clowney.

“The Packers have one of the best edge rushers in Micah Parsons, but the position group is thin after him, even with Green Bay picking up Lukas Van Ness’s fifth-year option. With it unclear when Parsons will be back from his torn ACL, it would make sense for the Packers to bring in another edge such as Joey Bosa or Jadeveon Clowney.”

Both Bosa and Clowney have had a lot of success throughout their careers, and although they’re past their primes, they are still productive and bring veteran leadership to the table. In 2025 Bosa recorded 29 total tackles and five sacks, and Clowney posted 41 total tackles and 8.5 sacks. Other potential options include AJ Epensa, Cameron Jordan, and Haason Reddick.