Barryn Sorrell Can Be Part Of the Solution For the Packers

It was common sense that the Green Bay Packers would only have a few meaningful takeaways from their trip to Minneapolis in Week 18. With the seventh seed already locked up, Green Bay rested several starters, limiting the broader conclusions that could be drawn from the game.

That said, one of the most encouraging performances of the day came from a rookie edge rusher. That showing should carry significant weight and open the door for a legitimate opportunity to compete for a starting role in training camp heading into the 2026 season. That performance belonged to Barryn Sorrell.

Sorrell finished the game with three total pressures, a sack of Max Brosmer, a tackle for loss, and a fourth-quarter fumble recovery. He was also excellent against the run. What he did against the Minnesota Vikings exceeded the impact of anything $96 million edge rusher Rashan Gary has produced over the last nine games. Interestingly, Sorrell carries a base salary of just $840,000 for the 2025 season.

"I thought both those guys played really hard," LaFleur said regarding Barryn Sorrell and Brenton Cox Jr., who forced the turnover by Max Brosmer. "I've got to go take a look at it, do a deeper dive on it and critique it, but the energy and how they competed, I was happy with that."

The Packers find themselves in a difficult spot with their edge group moving forward. Micah Parsons tore his ACL in September. While he has publicly targeted a return for the start of the season, it would not be surprising if he missed at least the first month.

There’s also legitimate uncertainty surrounding Gary’s future, given his declining production relative to the size of his contract. Meanwhile, Lukas Van Ness has occasionally shown flashes. Still, as he enters Year 4, he has yet to establish himself as a reliable starter, which is concerning, considering Brian Gutekunst invested a top-15 pick in him.

As of January, the Packers are projected to be roughly $11 million over the cap for 2026, and they also lack a first-round pick. Given those constraints, it’s reasonable to expect that Green Bay will not be in position to take a big swing for another high-profile edge rusher.

The reality is that they must work with what they already have, regardless of whether Parsons is ready for Week 1. That means internal development will matter, and someone will need to step into a larger role. Given the circumstances, there is a path for Sorrell to be part of that solution.

Green Bay selected Barryn Sorrell with the 124th-overall pick in the 2025 draft. He ranked 143rd on the consensus board at the time, but his skill set always suggested a player capable of outperforming his draft slot and pushing into top-100 value. It’s also hard not to root for him after his emotional introductory press conference following the draft, a moment that underscored both how much the opportunity meant to him and why the Packers were drawn to him in the first place.

"Man, just an unreal feeling," Sorrell said. "I really don't have any words to describe it. It's definitely going to be one of the best memories I've had in my life. This day has been great. Just the energy that these fans bring. You could tell just how important it is out here, and obviously, walking through here and seeing the Vince Lombardi trophies around here. Man, there's definitely something special going on here. So I'm just happy to be part of this."

Sorrell spent the first two days of the draft in Green Bay without hearing his name called, and the Packers were not even aware he was in attendance. When Roger Goodell said, “This young man is here today,” there was a moment of confusion inside the draft room, as some believed he was introducing the guest set to announce the pick.

The former Texas Longhorn had arrived midweek with his parents and a small support group, fully aware he would not be a first-round selection. He watched the opening rounds pass without his name being called, and by Day 3, Sorrell was the only prospect still waiting backstage in the green room.

"The memories that we were able to make this weekend," Sorrell said before wiping tears away. "For them to give me the opportunity to be here, forever thankful for that and thankful for the relationship I was able to develop with them, not just on the business side but on the family side. Thankful for them and thankful for God for putting them in my life. So that's who I have with me, man ... very passionate about all these people."

Barryn Sorrell has the potential to become one of the most compelling stories in green and gold over the next decade. He brings strong character and significant upside. The Packers should give him a real opportunity to compete for a starting spot once training camp arrives. If he simply takes care of what is in front of him, there is a strong chance he works his way into the starting lineup at some point next season.