Josh Myers, the Green Bay Packers’ starting center, faces an uncertain future with the team as he enters unrestricted free agency. Despite battling through a litany of injuries throughout the 2024 season, including a torn pectoral minor, a wrist injury requiring a brace, and a late-season tibia/fibula injury, Myers displayed remarkable resilience and played the vast majority of offensive snaps. His toughness and dedication earned him the team’s Ed Block Courage Award, a testament to his character and perseverance, especially considering the loss of his father to cancer earlier in the year. Myers has publicly expressed his desire to remain in Green Bay, citing his love for the organization and his strong rapport with quarterback Jordan Love. However, the Packers’ history of allowing veteran offensive linemen to depart in free agency casts doubt on his return.
Myers’ 2024 season was a testament to his durability and commitment. He played nearly every offensive snap, demonstrating his value as a consistent presence on the offensive line. While he faced challenges in the run game and allowed a significant number of quarterback pressures, his overall performance improved from the previous season, and he allowed only one sack. His toughness was particularly noteworthy as he played through a pectoral injury that sidelined other teammates for extended periods. This resilience, coupled with his leadership on a young Packers roster, underscores his importance to the team’s dynamic. His ability to maintain a high level of play despite various physical setbacks makes him a valuable asset, and his desire to remain in Green Bay adds a layer of complexity to the Packers’ offseason decisions.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged Myers’ strong performance and resilience, praising his ability to fight through injuries and earn the trust of quarterback Jordan Love. However, Gutekunst’s comments also hinted at the uncertainty surrounding Myers’ future, noting his free agent status and the need to evaluate the situation. This ambiguity reflects the difficult decision the Packers face: prioritize continuity and re-sign a reliable, albeit sometimes inconsistent, center who has a strong connection with their quarterback, or follow their established pattern of allowing veteran linemen to depart and seek younger, more affordable alternatives. This pattern has yielded success in the past, but replacing a player of Myers’ toughness and leadership qualities carries its own set of risks.
Gutekunst’s track record suggests a potential departure for Myers. Since assuming the general manager role, Gutekunst has consistently allowed veteran offensive linemen to leave via free agency, opting to replace them with younger, less expensive draft picks. This strategy has proven effective in the past, but Myers’ relatively young age (26) and the established chemistry with Love present a different dynamic. While the Packers have internal options to replace Myers, including Sean Rhyan, Zach Tom, and Jacob Monk, none possess the same level of experience or proven consistency. The upcoming NFL draft offers another avenue for finding a replacement, but relying on a rookie to anchor the offensive line carries inherent risks.
The financial implications of re-signing Myers also factor into the equation. While Myers isn’t in the top tier of highly-paid centers, the rising salary cap could create a competitive market for his services. Top-tier centers command salaries exceeding $10 million annually, and while Myers isn’t expected to reach that level, he could still attract significant offers from other teams. The Packers will need to weigh the cost of retaining Myers against the potential savings of pursuing a younger, less expensive option. This decision will likely hinge on their assessment of Myers’ long-term potential and their willingness to invest in maintaining continuity along the offensive line.
Ultimately, Myers’ future in Green Bay remains uncertain. While he has expressed a strong desire to stay and has demonstrated his value through resilience, leadership, and a growing connection with Jordan Love, the Packers’ historical approach to free agency and the potential financial implications suggest a possible departure. The team has internal options and the upcoming draft to consider, but replacing a player of Myers’ caliber is never a guarantee. The coming weeks will determine whether Myers’ toughness, leadership, and connection with Love are enough to convince the Packers to deviate from their established pattern and prioritize continuity on the offensive line. For Myers, the waiting game continues, trusting that the outcome, whatever it may be, is meant to be.
