Head coach Matt LaFleur is looking to shore up his offensive line ahead of a crucial 2026 NFL campaign for the Green Bay Packers. The unit performed solidly in 2025, protecting Jordan Love en route to the most efficient season of the star signal-caller’s career thus far.
During a turbulent offseason that featured plenty of losses, the Packers expected some new faces to claim starting jobs on the offensive line, though such projections could pan out differently than anticipated. At right guard, former second-round pick Anthony Belton finds himself in a highly contested position battle for the starting job.
Belton carved out seven starts over 14 games a season ago, but inconsistent play has raised concerns over his ability as the full-time starter.
Looking to add depth to the unit, the Packers added versatile lineman Jager Burton in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The rookie offers premier athleticism and has flashed rapid development during his first training camp, earning first-team reps at times this offseason.
Burton isn’t the only one contending for the job, though, as fellow former fifth-rounder Jacob Monk has positioned himself nicely to take the field with the starting role in Week 1.
Jacob Monk, Jager Burton Threatening To Claim Guard Jobs Coming Into 2026
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
According to reports, even with Belton and fellow starting guard Aaron Banks available in practice earlier this week, LaFleur and staff deferred to the guard tandem of Burton and Monk, their starting guards against Pittsburgh. The two performed well in their first-team reps in a joint session against the Steelers and continue to garner attention entering Week 2 of the preseason.
The move has come as a surprise to some, but Green Bay’s offense is looking to lean heavily on Love and the passing game in 2026, something that will be determined in part by offensive line play. Down the stretch of last season, Banks and Belton provided a much-needed spark to the running game, though the two raised their share of concerns in pass protection.
Green Bay could ultimately defer to either Burton or Monk at right guard, or even elect to roll out the pair as their starters at both guard spots for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Regardless of who receives the starting nod for Week 1, this position battle will be one that comes down to the wire for Green Bay.
