Fourteen weeks into last season, the Green Bay Packers ranked fifth in the NFL in fewest yards allowed, sixth in fewest points allowed, and eighth in ESPN's pass rush win rate. Over the final four weeks, they slid to 24th, 29th, and 21st in those categories, highlighting a late‑season collapse.

The injury to Micah Parsons—a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos—prompted GM Brian Gutekunst to note that losing key players changes how a team plays, but the NFL never pauses. Despite the setback, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley secured the Miami Dolphins head coaching job, leaving Jonathan Gannon to run the defense.

Key roster moves included adding veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on a two‑year, $23 million deal to pair with Devonte Wyatt, and acquiring linebacker Zaire Franklin to replace Quay Walker. Cornerback depth grew with Brandon Cisse and Benjamin St‑Juste, while the safety group retained Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams.

Overall, the defense remains largely the same at many positions, but the loss of Parsons and Walker leaves gaps that Gannon must address as the season progresses.