Wednesday Cheese Curds: Young Packers Ready For New Roles

Every departure in free agency means a new opportunity for someone else. That’s certainly the case in Green Bay.

Romeo Doubs is a Patriot? That means more reps for Matthew Golden. Elgton Jenkins joins the Browns? That’s good news for Sean Rhyan, and by extension Anthony Belton, both of whom take advantage of the domino effect on the offensive line created by Jenkins’ departure.

Even Rashan Gary’s departure via trade (not free agency) should be good news for young pass rushers Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, and even Lukas Van Ness should benefit.

The question is whether or not these players will be able to take advantage of their new opportunities.

Chances to make a big impact only come along every so often, but each of these players has been handed a golden opportunity, if you’ll pardon the pun in Matthew’s case. Rhyan, in particular, has already enjoyed the windfall of Jenkins’ departure, inking a deal worth up to $39 million dollars to be the Packers’ new starting center.

And just as important as each of these moves is for the individual, the Packers as a team need each of these players to step up in a big way. You don’t let Romeo Doubs walk unless you’re absolutely certain Matthew Golden can get the job done, and the same goes for every other player now looking at an expanded role.

Can they get it done? The Packers’ fortunes in 2026 and beyond will depend on the answer.

Matthew Golden made it possible for Packers to pass on re-signing Romeo Doubs | Packers News

It’s time for Matthew Golden to take on a bigger role.

Rashan Gary, Who Was Traded to Cowboys, Personifies State of Packers | Sports Illustrated

Gary had a good but not great run with the Packers, which is a pretty accurate summation of where the team has been essentially since he was drafted.

Benjamin St-Juste should be perfect fit for Gannon’s Packers defense | Packers Wire

St-Juste is probably more of a special teams signing, but he fits well on Gannon’s defense.

Ravens back out of Maxx Crosby trade after agreeing to send two first-round picks to Raiders | CBS Sports

In one of the wildest developments of the free agency news cycle, Maxx Crosby won’t be a Raven after all.

Bag containing weed and cash accidentally donated to a New Zealand charity shop | Associated Press

Someone’s going to want that back.