RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe Green Bay Packers open training camp in 2026 with a practice on Wednesday morning. Of all the important things accomplished during camp, one of the biggest -- at least for outsiders looking in -- is the competition for starting jobs. The Packers don't have many mysteries within the starting lineup entering training camp, but the competitions ahead will be important ones.
It's possible the entire starting offense is already set, and won't change by Week 1. The Packers appear to have five preferred starters along the offensive line, a streamlined top three at wide receiver and returning starters at quarterback, running back and tight end. The unknowns on offense will revolve around roster spots and depth roles.
Jonathan Gannon's defense, however, is a different story. Micah Parsons' injury will create an open starting job, and the Packers need to identify preferred starters at two other spots. And while rookie Trey Smack is the favorite to be the kicker for the Packers, a competition is expected during training camp.
Here are the four competitions for starting jobs to watch at training camp:
No. 2 edge rusher
Two things we know: Micah Parsons isn't going to be ready for the start of training camp, and Lukas Van Ness is locked into one starting edge rusher job. But who will start and play the majority of the snaps opposite Van Ness while Parsons recovers? Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton and Brenton Cox Jr. will all compete for the important role. It's certainly possible that the Packers will use a committee approach until Parsons returns. Green Bay needs one of the young rushers to really make a splash at camp.
Ideal scenario: Van Ness takes a big step after flashes of a breakout season in 2025, and at least one of Sorrell or Dennis-Sutton proves they are a legitimate starting caliber edge rusher during training camp.
Nose tackle in base
Who will play in the middle of the defensive line when the Packers are in their base 3-4 defense? It's not a high snap role, but it's still an important job in terms of defending gaps and allowing others to make plays against the run. The Packers return Jonathan Ford and Nazir Stackhouse, and it's believed that both Javon Hargrave and rookie Chris McClellin can play the nose. Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt are expected to play the most snaps on the interior, but the Packers still have to determine the other starter in base.
Ideal scenario: One of McClellin or Stackhouse proves ready to play the nose full time, allowing Hargrave to focus solely on disruptive opportunities at other spots along the interior defensive line.
No. 2 cornerback
The expectation is that Keisean Nixon will continue on as one of the starters at perimeter cornerback. But who will be the other starter come Week 1? Carrington Valentine returns after starting 30 games over his first three seasons, Benjamin St-Juste arrives as a veteran competitor after a rebound season with the Chargers, and top pick Brandon Cisse provided the long-awaited investment via the draft. Any of the three could be a starter for the Packers in 2026.
Ideal scenario: Cisse looks the part from Day 1 and gives the Packers an exciting, high-upside prospect who can start right away, immediately elevating the position.
Kicker
The Packers traded up to draft Trey Smack in the sixth round and then released veteran Brandon McManus, continuing the post-Mason Crosby carousel at kicker. Can Smack be a long-term answer? Or will Lucas Havrisik make a legitimate run at winning the job? Signing more competition is another possibility.
Ideal scenario: Smack wins the job easily, showing the consistency inside 45 yards every team wants at kicker while also displaying elite leg strength on longer kicks.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Which starting job are up for grabs as Packers open training camp?
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