PackersNow

Ben Kurkowski
  • 5.0 (16)
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  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Get the latest updates on the Green & Gold because it’s always Packers season at PackersNow.

  1. 5D AGO

    Packers Blew Free Agency? The Moves Gutekunst Got Wrong (Gary, Sweat, Devin Lloyd)

    In this episode of PackersNow, Ben Kurkowski takes a hard look at the Packers offseason and asks the big question: did Brian Gutekunst get free agency wrong? Now that the dust has settled, Ben breaks down the moves that could come back to haunt Green Bay—and what should have been done differently. The episode starts with the Rashan Gary trade, and why the Packers may have missed a massive opportunity to land T’Vondre Sweat, a perfect fit for their new defensive scheme. Instead of adding a top-tier interior defensive lineman, Green Bay settled for a future draft pick—was that a mistake? Then we dive into the decision to trade for Zaire Franklin, and why it may have been the wrong approach at linebacker. Ben makes the case for why the Packers should have been more aggressive in targeting a high-impact player like Devin Lloyd, even if it meant sacrificing a compensatory pick. On the offensive line, the Packers made major financial and roster decisions, including: Releasing Elgton Jenkins instead of trading him for valueCommitting long term to Aaron Banks despite concernsPassing on low-cost, high-upside depth options that could have strengthened the unitBen also breaks down what the Packers did get right, including the value of Sean Rhyan’s extension, smart low-cost signings, and maintaining strong positioning for future compensatory picks. This episode is a full rebuild of Packers free agency—highlighting the missed opportunities, questionable decisions, and the moves that could define the 2026 season.

    32 min

  2. MAR 12

    Packers Offseason Chaos: Rashan Gary Trade, Offensive Line Shakeup & Big Defensive Moves

    In this episode of PackersNow, Ben Kurkowski breaks down a wild start to Packers free agency and reacts to all the biggest moves shaping Green Bay’s roster. The episode starts with the Rashan Gary saga, from the confusing social media drama to the Packers ultimately trading him to the Cowboys for a 2027 4th round pick. Ben explains why getting something back matters, but also why the Packers may still regret missing a much bigger opportunity to land T’Vondre Sweat. From there, Ben dives into the Packers’ defensive overhaul, including the addition of Javon Hargrave, the signing of Jonathan Ford, and the trade that sent Colby Wooden out while bringing in linebacker Zaire Franklin. Was Franklin the right move, or did the Packers overpay for a player they could have waited out? On offense, the Packers made major changes up front by re-signing Sean Rhyan and cutting Elgton Jenkins, signaling a clear long term plan for the offensive line. Ben breaks down the upside of Rhyan at center, the concerns with the Aaron Banks commitment, and why Green Bay may have missed a chance to get value back for Jenkins. The episode also covers several under-the-radar moves Ben really likes, including: Benjamin St. Juste signing at corner Skyy Moore as a low risk return and slot option The return of key depth and special teams pieces like Darian Kinnard, Chris Brooks, Kristian Welch, Nick Niemann, and Brenton Cox Finally, Ben explains how all of these moves impact the Packers’ compensatory pick formula, and why Green Bay may still be in position to load up for the 2027 NFL Draft. A crazy few days, a ton of roster movement, and a full breakdown of what it all means for the Packers moving forward.

    29 min

  3. MAR 6

    Packers Already Making Offseason Mistakes? Gutekunst Misses T’Vondre Sweat Trade + Special Teams Miscue; The Smart Free Agency Plan

    In this episode of PackersNow, Ben Kurkowski breaks down several key developments in the Green Bay Packers offseason. First, the Packers were late to hire a new special teams coordinator after Rich Bisaccia stepped down, forcing Green Bay to choose from the final remaining candidate pool. What does the hiring of Cameron Achord mean for the future of Packers special teams? Next, we examine what may have been the biggest missed opportunity of the offseason. The Jets and Titans completed a trade that sent dominant interior defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat to the Jets. With the Packers potentially shifting toward a 3-4 defensive front, Sweat would have been a perfect run-stopping presence next to Devonte Wyatt. So why wasn’t Brian Gutekunst involved? Ben explains why elite defensive linemen are one of the most predictable and impactful positions in the NFL, and why missing out on a player like Sweat could have long-term consequences for the Packers defense. Finally, we dive into how the Packers can fill several major roster holes without sacrificing valuable compensatory draft picks in 2027. Green Bay is positioned to potentially gain multiple draft selections if they manage free agency strategically. Potential solutions discussed include: • Center Tyler Biadasz as a stabilizing option on the offensive line• Offensive line depth with Mekhi Becton• Linebacker options like Bobby Okereke, Leo Chenal, or Devin Bush• Adding another reliable tight end such as Charlie Kolar Can the Packers improve the roster while still maximizing their compensatory picks next year? All that and more in this episode of PackersNow.

    36 min

  4. FEB 15

    Build the Line, Win the Super Bowl

    If you study Super Bowl winners and losers, one pattern shows up every single year: Bad offensive lines do not win championships. In this episode, we break down why the Packers should go all in on one major free agent move — and why that move isn’t at corner or defensive tackle. We dive into: The offensive line pattern that keeps deciding Super Bowls Why average starters aren’t good enough when it matters most The difference between Gutekunst’s 2024 and 2025 free agency strategy Why paying for elite talent beats paying for “solid” veterans The long-term cap math that makes this move smarter than it looks Why protecting Jordan Love must be the priority The player? Tyler Linderbaum. Young. Elite. Durable. Scheme-changing. If the Packers want to return to dominant, sustainable offense — this is the move.

    19 min

  5. FEB 10

    Coaching Updates & the Blueprint: How One Offseason Can Completely Change a Team

    The Packers keep reshaping their coaching staff — and it matters more than people realize. Green Bay adds Bobby Babich to the defensive staff alongside Jonathan Gannon, and this hire might be one of the most important moves of the offseason. Babich just led the NFL’s best pass defense in 2025 with limited talent, and now his voice joins Gannon’s as the Packers try to maximize their personnel. From there, we zoom out. This episode breaks down why the idea that “rebuilds take years” is mostly false — and how teams like the Seahawks and Patriots proved you can transform a roster in one offseason if you get the details right. We cover: Why the Babich hire is a massive win for Green Bay What recent Super Bowl teams got right in free agency How value signings quietly flipped entire position groups Why creating a floor matters more than chasing stars How offensive and defensive lines can be fixed fast Which teams are positioned to make a massive leap next season Early value free-agent targets at every position The lesson is simple:Smart coaching + predictable free-agent value can change everything — fast.

    27 min

  6. JAN 26

    Not the Flashy Choice, the Smart One: Breaking Down the Gannon Hire

    The Packers have their new defensive coordinator. Green Bay officially hires former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon to replace Jeff Hafley, and while the move wasn’t obvious at first glance, the logic behind it is sound. In this episode, we break down: Why Gannon wasn’t initially on the short list How the coaching market and interview timing shaped the decision Why top DC candidates were never truly available What made Gannon stand out in interviews How his adaptability and coverage disguise fit Matt LaFleur’s vision Separating Gannon’s Arizona results from roster and injury reality Why stability at DC mattered more than upside alone The risk of hiring a fast-rising coordinator who leaves after one year Why Gannon’s head coaching experience is actually a strength This wasn’t a panic hire.It was a calculated one. Now the focus shifts from who was hired to whether Green Bay can finally get defensive consistency over multiple seasons.

    21 min

  7. JAN 21

    The Right Call: Why Extending Matt LaFleur Was Essential — and the DC Decision That Matters Next

    The Packers made the right move. Green Bay officially extends Matt LaFleur, and despite how the season ended, this was the best possible outcome for the franchise. In today’s NFL, elite offensive head coaches are the most valuable asset in the league — and letting one walk would have guaranteed a downgrade. In this episode, we break down: Why firing LaFleur would have been a massive mistake How his win rate, offensive consistency, and QB adaptability separate him from the field Why CEO or defensive-minded head coaches create instability long-term How expectations vs. results matter more than playoff emotion What LaFleur still must fix moving forward Why roster construction, not coaching alone, held this team back Then we turn to the real looming change: the defensive coordinator position. With Jeff Hafley likely headed to a head coaching job, we evaluate seven realistic DC candidates, including: Brian Flores Jim Schwartz Sean McDermott Jim Leonhard Aden Durde And more This hire will define the Packers’ Super Bowl window. Getting it wrong again isn’t an option. Stability is secured at the top.Now the margin for error disappears.

    23 min

  8. JAN 11

    A Collapse We Can’t Ignore: Bears 31, Packers 27

    This one hurts.After blowing a 21–3 halftime lead and losing 31–27 to the Bears, we break down how a game that was fully under control slipped away, and why it never should have happened.The passing offense was excellent. Jordan Love played like one of the best quarterbacks in football. We intercepted Caleb Williams twice, shut down one of the league’s best rushing attacks, and dominated the first half in every measurable way.And then the second half happened.In this episode, we walk through:Why abandoning the passing game directly led to four straight puntsHow early-down play calling flipped against all available dataWhy asking a broken offensive line to “run out the clock” was never realisticThe difference between trusting your quarterback and coaching scaredHow personnel failures on the offensive line made success nearly impossibleWhy both Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst deserve real scrutinyHow missed kicks and special teams execution finished the collapseAnd why injuries, bad luck, and roster construction all intersected at the worst possible momentThis isn’t a reactionary episode calling for firings. It’s a hard evaluation of decision-making, roster philosophy, and why this team, despite being good enough, wasn’t built to withstand mistakes in the biggest moments.The season ends here. The questions don’t.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Get the latest updates on the Green & Gold because it’s always Packers season at PackersNow.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Kurkowski
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    398
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ben Kurkowski
  • Show Website
    PackersNow