Packers are interested in bringing offensive starter back in free agency

Throughout the 2023 season, Runyan was the primary right guard, but he alternated snaps with backup Sean Rhyan — especially by the end of the regular season. Runyan played 84% of the regular season snaps, though, and performed slightly better than Rhyan overall — and significantly better in pass protection.

PFF grades in 2023:

Pass blocking

• Jon Runyan 63.5
• Sean Rhyan 52.5

Run blocking

• Jon Runyan 50.4
• Sean Rhyan 50.2

He admitted after the season that the rotation wasn't the ideal scenario for his performance.

“Not really what I preferred,” Runyan said. “But just talking to the coaches, they were kind of saying I was dealing with injuries, kind of banged up, kind of everywhere on my body, and the coaches could see it, and they thought it would be a good opportunity to get some rest and give Sean (Rhyan) some reps, give him a shot, and he played well.”

Jon Runyan finished his season with a 54.7 PFF grade, the worst grade since his rookie year in 2020. He played 925 snaps at right guard and three at center. His positional versatility is also a factor, since he's practiced at center and has played snaps at all five positions in regular season games.

Runyan was a sixth-round pick for the Packers in 2020 and, outside of quarterback Jordan Love, he has been the best player of that class for Green Bay. And his desire to come back became clear.

"It was awesome. I don't know if there's a better organization out there," Runyan said about his tenure with the Packers. "I gave them all I could, really. I never went out there without trying to give my best. I hope the fans and my teammates and coaches are able to see that. I don't know why I'm getting so emotional right now, but it means a lot to me. It was awesome. I don't want to leave, but it's not really in my hands."

Even though the Packers have a solid tackle depth, the situation on the interior of the offensive line is concerning.

The only guards on the roster at the moment are Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan, and Royce Newman, and the only center is Josh Myers.