Green Bay Packers Decision To Move On From Josh Myers Looks Even Better Now

When the Green Bay Packers decided to move on from former second-round pick Josh Myers this past offseason, the move was met with mixed reviews. Myers had been a starting center for Green Bay since 2021, but his inconsistency, particularly in pass protection and run blocking, left the Packers looking for an upgrade. Now, as Myers struggles with the New York Jets, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Packers made the right call in free agency.

Here’s why Myers’ performance with the Jets, particularly during their joint practice with the New York Giants, serves as validation for Green Bay and how the Packers have improved their offensive line since his departure.

Josh Myers: A Troubled Tenure With The Green Bay Packers

Coming out of Ohio State in 2021, Myers was seen as a polished, cerebral player with the potential to anchor an NFL offensive line. For the Packers, his entry into the starting lineup came with an air of optimism as they looked to solidify their offensive line during the twilight of Aaron Rodgers’ tenure in Green Bay.

However, Myers never lived up to his billing. His struggles in pass protection were stark, as he allowed 59 pressures and 6 sacks in 2024, both ranking near the bottom among NFL centers, according to Pro Football Focus. Run blocking wasn’t much better, with Myers frequently failing to create push at the line of scrimmage.

Whether it was missing key assignments in the zone-blocking scheme or getting overpowered by physical defensive tackles, Myers became a liability for an otherwise strong offensive line unit. When Green Bay decided to move on, it was less of a surprise and more of a necessity for a team committed to protecting its young quarterback, Jordan Love.

Struggles Continue with the New York Jets

Since signing with the New York Jets, Myers hasn’t found the redemption arc he was likely hoping for. Although he temporarily held the edge in the Jets’ starting center competition, his struggles both in preseason games and practices have kept him firmly under the microscope.

During their joint practice with the New York Giants, Myers had perhaps his most difficult day yet. Multiple reports highlighted issues in the Jets’ offensive line, with Myers notably struggling to create traction against the Giants’ elite defensive line. One play in particular went viral after Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence bulldozed through Myers during a 1-on-1 matchup, a moment later described as “trucked” or even “killed” by observers.

The lack of improvement in Myers’ game raises questions about his ability to maintain a starting job in the NFL. His inability to handle powerful defenders and adjust to varying schemes echoes the same concerns that plagued his time in Green Bay.

Why the Packers Look Smarter Than Ever

The Green Bay Packers, meanwhile, have quickly reaped the benefits of moving on from Josh Myers. By letting him walk in free agency, Green Bay not only rid its offensive line of its weakest link but also opened up opportunities to bolster the unit further.

The signing of Aaron Banks, a versatile and powerful interior lineman from San Francisco, was a game-changer. Banks’ presence at left guard allowed Green Bay to seamlessly shift Elgton Jenkins to center, where his football IQ, physicality, and athleticism have already improved the efficiency of the unit. Anchored by Jenkins in the middle, the Packers’ offensive line now looks more cohesive and dominant, with Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker flourishing on the edges.

This reshuffling of the line has also been a boon for Jordan Love, who enters 2025 as the clear starter under Matt LaFleur’s offense. With better protection and fewer missed assignments, Love has been able to focus on his development without enduring the constant pressure that defined the Packers’ offensive struggles in recent years.

Myers and New York’s Risky Gamble

While the Green Bay Packers fortified their line, the Jets’ decision to sign Josh Myers might end up being one of the bigger gambles of their offseason. Despite the lingering concerns over his play in Green Bay, the Jets seemed to bank on Myers’ veteran status and collegiate familiarity with quarterback Justin Fields to justify their investment.

However, Myers’ continued issues in both pass protection and run blocking make it hard to see how he holds onto a starting role. Joe Tippmann, a former Wisconsin standout and one of New York’s younger offensive linemen, is waiting in the wings and has the potential to claim the job if Myers’ struggles persist.

Even with his apparent locker room leadership, Myers’ on-field shortcomings could force the Jets to reconsider their depth chart sooner rather than later.

Final Thoughts

Josh Myers’ ongoing struggles with the Jets validate the Packers’ decision to move on and strengthen their offensive line around Elgton Jenkins and Aaron Banks. By addressing its weakest link, Green Bay has positioned itself for greater offensive efficiency in 2025, a crucial factor as the team builds around Jordan Love in his first full season as the starter.

For Myers, his time in New York is shaping up to be a continuation of the inconsistency that marred his tenure in Green Bay. The 2025 season might be a tipping point for the former second-round pick as he fights to stay relevant in a league where performance is the ultimate currency.

The Packers’ move wasn’t just about subtraction; it was about addition by subtraction. And as Myers struggles to find his footing with the Jets, Green Bay’s offensive line is thriving without him—a clear sign that sometimes, letting go is the best decision a team can make.