Packers Proposed to Add Former 1st Round ‘Insurance’ Tackle

After a rare down season at the position, the Green Bay Packers went forth with some decisive action on the offensive line.

General manager Brian Gutekunst put his faith in the emerging interior trio of Aaron Banks, Anthony Belton and center Sean Rhyan, signing the latter to a three-year $33 million deal ahead of free agency, after all three continued to improve down the stretch of the 2025 season.

Gutekunst also promoted former first round pick Jordan Morgan to clear first-choice left tackle after letting Rasheed Walker hit the open market, and decided to release long-time IOL and Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins.

However, according to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, Green Bay could look to make yet another move at the position with the remaining veteran players available. And one that stands out is former Cincinnati Bengals first round pick Jonah Williams, who most recently spent time as the starting right tackle for the Arizona Cardinals.

Jonah Williams Considered Potential Fit for the Packers

“The former Arizona Cardinals starting right tackle is only 28 years old, but played just 15 games combined in 2024 and 2025 because of injuries after signing a two-year, $30 million deal in March 2024. With Zach Tom amid a lengthy rehab process after undergoing surgery for a partially torn patellar tendon — he should be ready by training camp — the Packers might want insurance at right tackle.” Schneidman wrote on March 24.

Schneidman also connects the dots between the ex 11th overall pick and current Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who coached him for two years as the head coach of the Cardinals.

“Williams would be a solid option to go along with swing tackle Darian Kinnard.” Schneidman continued. “If Gutekunst and LaFleur need a reference, they can ask their new defensive coordinator, who was Williams’ head coach in Arizona (maybe he wouldn’t have a glowing review, but who knows).”

Would Williams Make Sense For the Packers?

Williams had his ups and downs with the Bengals, but was ultimately given a fairly lucrative two-year $30 million deal from Arizona to be their starting right tackle. By no means outstanding, the former Alabama man was very much serviceable when on the field, which as Schneidman notes above was less than 50% of the time in 2024 and 2025.

At this point in his career, there are no teams looking to add the 28-year old as a permanent, full-time starter like there was back in 2024 – that ship has sailed for the moment. However – and perhaps crucially – Williams has experience at both right and left tackle, having been moved to the right hand side in 2023 after the Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr. to be their new blind side protector for Joe Burrow.

Darian Kinnard, having put in some decent performances last season after being traded from the Eagles last August, is likely the frontrunner for the swing tackle role, even if the team does add Williams. But for contenders like Green Bay, offensive line depth is crucial for late season runs – especially given Zach Tom’s injury history.