Jonathan Gannon Reportedly Lands Packers DC Contract, Who Are Top NFL Free Agents to Target?

The Green Bay Packers are hiring former Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon as their next defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Gannon was the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator for two seasons before taking the Cardinals job in 2023. He went 15-36 with Arizona.

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported that LaFleur "loved the fact that [Gannon has] sat in the [head coach's] chair." Demovsky added that "a source also said Gannon was drawing interest from both Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh for their respective defensive coordinator openings with the Los Angeles Chargers and New York Giants, and if the Packers had waited any longer, they might have lost out on Gannon."

The 43-year-old takes over for Jeff Hafley, whom the Miami Dolphins poached as their next head coach. Demovsky reported that "LaFleur was still 'working through' an additional change to his coaching staff for 2026."

Beyond bringing Gannon aboard, general manager Brian Gutekunst will presumably be as aggressive as he can in free agency to improve on a 9-7-1 finish in 2025. That will be a little tricky, however, as the Packers are projected to be $4.5 million over the salary cap next year.

That could take Green Bay out of the running for the most prominent targets.

Cornerback figures to be an area of focus. The Seattle Seahawks' Riq Woolen or New Orleans Saints' Alontae Taylor would be more cost-effective solutions at the position. Should Gutekunst move enough money around, the Kansas City Chiefs' Jaylen Watson is the top corner on the board.

The front office might want to add some depth at the edge with Micah Parsons recovering from a torn ACL. Signing Seattle's Boye Mafe or Los Angeles Chargers' Odafe Oweh would achieve that. Perhaps a 34-year-old Khalil Mack would be willing to take a team-friendly contract on a Super Bowl contender.

The Packers traded away their 2026 first-round selection as part of the Parsons deal, but they have all of their other picks this spring. That gives Gutekunst some flexibility.

Free agency will be an avenue to at least make improvements around the margins.