The work is only just beginning for the Packers.

The Green Bay Packers made a fast start to free agency.

While they didn’t end up with players many predicted, general manager Brian Gutekunst still strengthened the offensive line before finding cornerback help.

Green Bay spent big to sign free-agent guard Aaron Banks, who will likely find a home on the left side of the offensive line, a move that allows Elgton Jenkins to play at center.

The Packers later signed cornerback Nate Hobbs, who primarily plays in the slot but also has experience on the boundary. No matter how Jeff Hafley uses him, Hobbs is a playmaker and gives the secondary a much-needed upgrade.

What’s next? The Packers still need pass-rush and interior defensive line help. They also need another corner, although that may have to wait until the draft.

Even after a busy start to free agency, the work is far from over.

What moves will the Packers make after signing Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs?

1. Release Jaire Alexander

Jaire Alexander’s departure is inevitable, especially after the Hobbs signing. The Packers will try to find a trade partner, but if and when that comes to nothing, they will have no choice but to release him. On Monday, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that the Packers are “not moving him yet.”

This feels more like a leverage play than anything else. “Oh, you won’t trade for him? We’ll have to keep him then.”

In reality, it’s hard to envision a scenario where Alexander returns to Green Bay on his current contract. The Packers may try to find a trade partner, but the writing is on the wall.

2. Sign a free-agent pass-rusher

Gutekunst made it crystal clear that the Packers’ pass rush needs to improve. One way to help that process? Sign a pass-rusher.

Azeez Ojulari would make a ton of sense. His name came up regularly as a possible trade deadline target last season. It never happened, but the Packers could put that right in free agency. Ojulari is a talented, improving edge defender but won’t get enough opportunities in New York behind starters Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Could the Packers go even bigger and trade for Trey Hendrickson? It’s not the type of move Gutekunst typically makes, but we said the same thing about signing free-agent running backs in 2024, and then he spent big to land Josh Jacobs.

3. Re-sign Eric Wilson

It was somewhat surprising that Green Bay re-signed Isaiah McDuffie over Eric Wilson before free agency began. McDuffie is a solid run defender but the Packers can’t rely on him in coverage.

Wilson had a far better season and is a core special teams player, leading Green Bay in fourth-down snaps in 2024.

Bringing Wilson back should be an easy choice. The Packers need quality linebacker depth, and he proved he can step into a starting role when either Edgerrin Cooper or Quay Walker is unavailable.

Walker made 12 starts last season, finishing with 72 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception.