BREAKING: Packers Confirms Josh Myers Replacement with $49 Million Pro Bowler
The Green Bay Packers may need to consider finding a new starting center if Josh Myers doesn’t show significant improvement by the end of the 2024 season. Although the team has a strong track record of drafting and developing offensive linemen, there’s one major free-agent option they might explore in 2025.
Myers, a second-round pick from 2021, has underperformed since replacing Corey Linsley as the starter in his rookie year. While he hasn’t allowed any sacks in the first six games of 2024, he has given up 11 pressures and struggled in run blocking over 401 snaps, raising doubts about his future with the team.
Even if Myers has moments of solid play, the Packers may find it hard to justify offering him a long-term contract extension when he becomes a free agent in 2025.
That’s why Bleacher Report’s staff is urging the Packers to make a bold move and target Indianapolis Colts veteran center in the 2025 NFL free agency.
“Josh Myers has remained below-average this season, and with his contract expiring, it’s doubtful he’ll return as Green Bay’s starting center next year,” Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department noted on October 14. “At the same time, Kelly is set to become a free agent and continues to perform at a high level.”
Is Ryan Kelly Too Risky for Packers to Pursue in 2025?
If the Packers are looking to upgrade at center in next year’s free agency, Ryan Kelly could be their best option if the Colts let him hit the open market. At 31 years old, Kelly has been a mainstay for the Colts, starting 115 games since being drafted 18th overall in 2016, and he’s consistently ranked among the NFL’s top centers. He’s been selected to the Pro Bowl four out of the last five seasons, including in 2023 when he allowed just seven total pressures—a league-best for starting centers.
Pro Football Focus ranked Kelly as the fourth-best center heading into 2024, behind only Creed Humphrey, Frank Ragnow, and Tyler Linderbaum.
However, pursuing Kelly would mark a shift from the Packers’ usual approach. He’ll turn 32 before the 2025 season and will likely command a significant contract after his high-level play under a four-year, $49.65 million deal with the Colts. Injury concerns could also be a factor, as Kelly has only missed significant time once in his career but has struggled to play a full season in recent years. He has already missed two games in 2024, raising some doubts about his long-term durability.
Could Packers Replace Josh Myers With Current OL?
The Packers might opt for the strategy that has traditionally worked for them—turning to the 2025 NFL draft to find their next starting center. However, as the 2024 season progresses, it’s becoming clear that Josh Myers is unlikely to remain with the team when 2025 arrives.
Could their future center already be on the 2024 roster, though?
The Packers selected guard/tackle Jordan Morgan with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, with plans for him to eventually become a starter. While an injury has delayed his path to the starting lineup, if Morgan shows consistent growth, the Packers might feel confident enough to experiment with their offensive line alignment.
One potential move could involve shifting star lineman Elgton Jenkins to center to replace Myers, with Morgan stepping in as the new left guard. This alignment change wouldn’t even need to wait until the end of the 2024 season, though Morgan might need more time to earn the team’s trust.
Another option is moving right tackle Zach Tom to center. The Packers are reportedly high on Tom’s potential at the position. If they believe they can draft a replacement at tackle in 2025, Tom could be a strong candidate to slide inside. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky mentioned that the Packers view Tom as having All-Pro potential at guard and Hall of Fame-level talent at center.
“I was told by a couple of people within the organization. They think Zach Tom is a Pro Bowl right tackle, an All-Pro guard, and a potential Hall of Fame center,” Demovsky shared in an April interview on ESPN Milwaukee’s “Wilde & Tausch” radio show.