GREEN BAY − Their defensive line has been significantly thinned in the early phase of free agency, but the Green Bay Packers secured some depth hours before players officially reach the open market.

The Packers are re-signing defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. to a one-year, $2.5 million deal, according to ESPN. Cox is a rotational edge rusher who has shown potential, though injuries last season prevented him from building on a promising.

The Packers keep some edge rusher depth after agreeing to trade Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare exiting in free agency. Cox was hurt for most of the 2025 season but has played 15 games over three seasons in Green Bay. Still only 26, Cox will have a chance to emerge as a key backup for Jonathan Gannon.

The Packers are re-signing tight end Josh Whyle to a one-year deal.

Whyle’s return gives the Packers much-needed depth behind Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave at tight end. John FitzPatrick, the team’s third tight end in 2025, tore his Achilles and is a free agent. Whyle, a 2023 fifth-round pick, saw action during eight games for the Packers, playing 199 total snaps. He’ll be the favorite to start 2026 as TE3.