The Green Bay Packers are heading towards the 2026 season as clear underdogs in the NFC North, with the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears appearing to be handed far more attention. This has done little to dampen the spirits of Packer fans excited for a young core that remains under contract for the foreseeable future and hands the roster an undeniable window of contention. It isn't just fans noticing the youth of the roster, but players as well, with the team's biggest free agent addition talking about joining the young team.
Via FOX11's Vince Lovergine, "From Sunday's locker room. I asked Javon Hargrave what's the difference from this team to the other teams he's played with previously. He said the youth which gives him energy. They call him two things... "Unc" or "OG." This is an underrated part of Green Bay's roster: having a team united under a common goal that is undeniably hungry to accomplish what few players on this team have been a part of.
Hargrave is 33 and understandably, is viewed as older on a roster that is focused on youth. Even at kicker, the franchise is counting on rookie Trey Smack to stabilize the position after last year's collapse from Brandon McManus. Looking at the skill positions offensively, the secondary, and defensive line depth, what jumps out about the franchise is a consistent theme of youth.
This isn't discounting the veteran pieces the franchise has added, but pointing out that the most important players are either at the start of their respective prime seasons or in the middle of what should be the best years of their careers.
Hargrave Points Out Packers Underrated Weapon Heading Closer to 2026 Season
It is especially important to embrace this youth understanding the confidence that often comes with it after the way last season ended. Collapsing in the postseason against a hated division rival would likely have far more impact on an older roster it is more reasonable to expect Green Bay's younger core to be able to shake this off and become the surprise winner of the NFC North.
No matter how fans feel about last year's end, there is no denying the future remains bright in Green Bay. Hargrave simply reminded fans and pundits of the age of the roster and how there should be a collective expectation that a return to health and the progression of young players should demand a leap forward.
Fans were given a taste of this at the start of last season when the franchise appeared to be among the league's elite contenders before injuries piled up. Getting back these pieces while benefiting from the progression of youth and young players stepping into larger roles, there is no question this team is going to be underrated heading into the 2026 season.
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