Should the Green Bay Packers Re-Sign OL Sean Rhyan?

Offensive lineman Sean Rhyan will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The Green Bay Packers have important decisions to make this offseason on potential free agents. The Packers will have some cap space to work with after GM Brian Gutekunst restructures some deals and likely releases some veterans who are not living up to their cap hits. One player the team needs to decide on is Rhyan. Today we examine why the Packers should or should not re-sign Sean Rhyan this offseason.

Why the Packers Should Re-Sign OL Sean Rhyan

The Packers selected Rhyan in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former UCLA star had a slow start to his NFL career but became a starter in 2024. He started all 17 games that season at right guard although Jordan Morgan rotated some series with him before suffering a season-ending injury in October.

This past season, Rhyan began the season at right guard, but lost the starting job to Morgan. When Elgton Jenkins suffered a season-ending injury, Rhyan took over as the starting center. Rhyan held that position for the rest of the season.

Rhyan played all 17 games for the Packers this season and started 11. Overall, he played 77 percent of the Packers offensive snaps for the season.

Rhyan gives the Packers offensive line toughness and a combative attitude. He also has the versatility the Packers like in their offensive linemen. He can play either guard position or center. Rhyan has spent four seasons in Matt LaFleur’s offense and knows it very well.

Offensive lines rely on chemistry and continuity. The Packers have two other offensive linemen who are unlikely to return in 2026. Left tackle Rasheed Walker will also be an unrestricted free agent and should receive offers for more than what his performance justifies. Most experts project Jenkins to be a cap casualty. Keeping Rhyan around either as a starter or a backup would give the team more continuity and depth.

Statistically, the Packers offensive line struggled at run blocking last season. Rhyan grades out as a better run blocker than pass protector.

Why the Packers Should Not Re-Sign OL Sean Rhyan

The offensive line is a weak link system. That means the defense will take advantage of the weakest player in the unit and try to exploit it. Rhyan grades out as one of the weaker links among the Packers offensive line. His pass blocking grade ranked was the lowest among Packers qualified offensive linemen according to Pro Football Focus.

The Packers do have some cheaper alternatives available along the interior offensive line. Anthony Belton took over at right guard late in the season. He remains on his rookie contract. While Belton had lower grades at run blocking than Rhyan, his pass blocking grade was slightly higher. Belton will start his second NFL season in 2026, and the former second-round pick has plenty of upside. Jacob Monk and Travis Glover are also set to return although they still need to prove they are ready for a larger role on offense.

The Packers could also add a free agent along the interior offensive line, trade for one, or add one or more players in the 2026 draft who could play the position. Rookies usually mean learning curves, but in a relatively short amount of time, these young players could exceed the level of play Rhyan has established.

What Sean Rhyan Would Cost the Packers

The Packers would not have to break the bank to retain Rhyan. Spotrac.com projects Rhyan’s value at $6.5 million per year on a three-year deal if he hits the free agent market. This would be a very low salary for a starter along the offensive line, but on the expensive side for an experienced backup.

Gutekunst must determine what value he places on Rhyan, how much continuity he needs along an offensive line that struggled through the 2025 season and what the cost of potential alternatives would be.

A bigger picture issue may be how Gutekunst seeks to build the offensive line. Last year, the Packers sought to become bigger and stronger along the offensive line to improve the run blocking. It had the opposite effect as the run blocking took a major step back. If Gute wants to stay the course on the offensive line, would Rhyan make sense either as a starter or a backup?

The Packers may be interested in signing Rhyan to a new deal, but it’s not a priority. If he’s unwilling to sign a team-friendly contract, the Packers will likely let him test the market. If he fails to sign a deal with another team, Gutekunst may welcome him back at a reasonable price if Rhyan wishes to return.