The Green Bay Packers, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, have a rich history of playoff contention and championship aspirations. As the 2025 NFL season inches toward the playoffs, the Packers find themselves in a familiar position: looking to strengthen their roster for a deep postseason run. While their core group of young talent has impressed, there remain opportunities for general manager Brian Gutekunst to further solidify the squad with a key free agent signing.
There are several free agents still on the market who could make a significant impact for the Packers, whether by enhancing the defense, improving the offense, or providing veteran leadership during critical moments. Below, we explore the perfect free agent signings available to the Packers heading into the playoffs, examining who could be the missing piece to a championship run.
### 1. **Jadeveon Clowney – Defensive Pass Rush**
The Packers’ defense has been a bright spot this season, with rising stars like Rashan Gary leading the pass rush. However, injuries and the lack of depth on the defensive line have occasionally hindered the team’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently. Clowney, who has been a force as an edge rusher throughout his career, is still available on the free-agent market and could provide the Packers with a proven, dynamic pass rusher.
Clowney’s fit in Green Bay would be immediate. Not only does he have the versatility to play both defensive end and outside linebacker, but his experience in high-pressure situations could provide a vital boost. In the playoffs, the ability to disrupt the quarterback is often the deciding factor, and adding a player of Clowney’s caliber could help the Packers maximize their defensive potential.
Clowney’s game is built on athleticism and power, and with the Packers already boasting a talented defensive front, his addition would create an even more formidable pass-rush unit. Pairing him with Gary could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and put more pressure on NFC teams like the 49ers, Cowboys, and Eagles, who boast high-powered offenses.
### 2. **Frank Gore Jr. – Veteran Running Back Depth**
The Packers’ offense, spearheaded by quarterback Jordan Love and star running back Aaron Jones, has shown flashes of brilliance in 2025. However, Jones has dealt with injury concerns, and the team’s depth at running back has been tested at times. While AJ Dillon offers power and physicality, the Packers could benefit from another experienced ball-carrier to help shoulder the load in the postseason.
Enter Frank Gore Jr., the veteran running back who has remained unsigned. Gore, the son of the legendary Frank Gore Sr., has shown glimpses of solid play in limited roles with other teams but is still available to help bolster a playoff contender. A proven runner with excellent vision and pass-catching abilities, Gore could be the ideal backup for Jones, allowing the Packers to maintain a steady ground game even when their top back is unavailable or limited.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Gore Jr. brings veteran leadership and a high football IQ, traits that are incredibly valuable during the high-pressure playoff games. His ability to contribute in short-yardage situations or on passing downs could provide an immediate spark to the Packers’ offense.
### 3. **T.Y. Hilton – Wide Receiver Depth**
The Packers have a promising group of young wide receivers, led by Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, both of whom have shown considerable development. However, one area where the team could still use some depth is at wide receiver. The postseason often demands that a team’s passing game takes the next step, and a player like T.Y. Hilton could be the perfect signing to provide the Packers with a reliable target in critical moments.
Hilton may no longer be the deep-threat dynamo he once was, but his experience and ability to make crucial catches in high-pressure situations remain valuable assets. In the postseason, having a veteran who can run precise routes and come through in key third-down situations is essential. Hilton’s ability to stretch the field, especially in the intermediate and short areas, would complement Green Bay’s younger wideouts and provide Love with an additional security blanket.
With Hilton’s speed and savvy, the Packers would be able to deploy a more dynamic offense, one that can keep defenses on their toes and avoid getting too predictable in crucial playoff games. Hilton has the pedigree of a big-time postseason performer, having been part of several Indianapolis Colts teams that reached the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
### 4. **Kyle Van Noy – Veteran Linebacker Presence**
While the Packers have had promising performances from their linebackers, the unit could use a proven leader, especially in the middle of the defense. Adding a player like Kyle Van Noy would not only strengthen their linebacker corps but also provide them with a versatile, experienced presence who knows what it takes to win in the postseason.
Van Noy has been a reliable starter throughout his career, having played for teams like the New England Patriots, where he won two Super Bowls. He’s an excellent tackler and brings leadership, football IQ, and positional versatility to the table. Whether the Packers need him to help shut down the run or cover in the passing game, Van Noy’s experience in big games would be invaluable. He’s a player who knows how to make clutch plays in critical moments.
With De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker playing at a high level, Van Noy would provide the Packers with a veteran option to rotate in on passing downs or to help add depth in the run game. His presence in the locker room could also provide valuable mentorship for the younger linebackers, ensuring that the Packers’ defense is firing on all cylinders come playoff time.
### 5. **Jason Peters – Offensive Line Depth and Veteran Leadership**
While the Packers’ offensive line has been solid overall, injuries to key players like David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins have highlighted the need for additional depth. In the postseason, where every possession counts, having quality depth on the offensive line is crucial to ensuring that quarterback Jordan Love has the protection he needs to execute the offense effectively.
Jason Peters, the future Hall of Fame tackle, remains a free agent after a lengthy career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. At 43, Peters may not be the player he once was, but his experience and leadership would be invaluable to a team like the Packers, particularly in the postseason. Peters could step in as a reliable backup or even start if necessary, providing Green Bay with another experienced player who understands the nuances of high-pressure games.
Peters’ physicality and ability to step in and play at a high level during crucial stretches of the season could give the Packers’ offense the extra stability it needs as they push toward the playoffs. His veteran presence on a line full of young talent would also provide a calming influence during high-stress moments in tight games.
### Conclusion
As the Green Bay Packers look toward a playoff run, there are still several key free agents who could help elevate their chances of winning the NFC and competing for a Super Bowl. Whether it’s bolstering the pass rush with Jadeveon Clowney, adding depth at running back with Frank Gore Jr., providing veteran leadership at wide receiver with T.Y. Hilton, or shoring up the linebacker corps with Kyle Van Noy, the Packers have multiple opportunities to bring in the perfect player to complement their already talented roster.
Brian Gutekunst has a chance to make a move that could tilt the scales in the Packers’ favor as they prepare for the postseason. Whether it’s a player to make an immediate impact or one to add depth and experience for the long haul, the right signing could be the difference between an early playoff exit and a Super Bowl championship.