PODCAST · sports
Jason Wilde
by Wisconsin On Demand
Jason Wilde, host of ESPN Wisconsin's Wilde & Tausch, is in his 25th season covering the Green Bay Packers, having written for ESPN.com, ESPN Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Journal, and now The Athletic. Any time Jason joins any ESPN Wisconsin program, yo
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Wilde: Kraft’s Risk and Love’s Real Voice
Jason Wilde joins Ben and Homer to discuss Tucker Kraft practicing while he still waits on a long-term contract from the Packers. Wilde says Kraft is doing and saying all the right things, but the risk is real enough that he would understand Kraft limiting his work until the deal is finished. He believes the contract still gets done before the opener, possibly even before the Cardinals joint practice. Wilde also digs into Kraft’s relationship with Zaire Franklin, saying the two competitive personalities may have used their practice barking to help give the team more edge. He then explains why Jordan Love’s quiet, careful public style may be boring, but it is also authentic and respected inside the Packers locker room.
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Wilde: Banks, Preseason and Love’s Next Step
Jason Wilde joins Homer and Bryan Bulaga to discuss how the Packers should handle preseason playing time before their matchup with the Broncos. Wilde says he expects most starters to play, but questions whether key players like Zach Tom and Tucker Kraft should be exposed to unnecessary risk. He and Bulaga debate whether Aaron Banks should play after returning to team periods, with Bulaga saying Banks needs reps if he is healthy enough because he has missed so much time. Wilde also pushes back on Matt LaFleur skipping more joint practices, arguing that Denver would have been a valuable test for Green Bay’s offense and defense. The segment closes with Wilde and Bulaga agreeing that Jordan Love’s best improvement would be staying healthy for all 17 games, even though Homer insists Love is already good enough if the rest of the team elevates around him.
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Jason Wilde: Packers Have More O-Line Questions Than Answers
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe and Chewy to explain why Marshawn Lloyd should receive a much bigger workload in the Packers’ next preseason game. Wilde discusses the uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs and why Green Bay would like clarity on his situation before the regular season begins. He breaks down an offensive line that entered training camp with questions at every position and may have somehow created even more of them. Wilde also assesses Savion Williams and the Packers’ receiver competition before explaining Green Bay’s new “Protect Our Plays” approach to limiting filming at practice.
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Wilde: Banks’ Progress and Love’s Leadership
Jason Wilde joins Homer with an encouraging Packers update after Aaron Banks took part in team periods for a second straight day. Wilde says it was surprising because Banks had previously talked about knee soreness after strenuous football activity, but the progress is meaningful even if the Packers still need to manage him carefully. He also discusses Tucker Kraft continuing to practice without a long-term deal, Zaire Franklin bringing needed energy to the defense, and the way Franklin and Kraft reflect the team’s competitive edge. Wilde then breaks down Jordan Love’s leadership style, saying Love may not be fiery like Aaron Rodgers, but he is consistent, authentic and respected for being himself. He says that kind of leadership can still motivate teammates, especially if Love’s play takes another step this season.
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Wilde: Nixon Noise and Banks Alarm
Jason Wilde joins Homer to sort through what matters and what does not during Packers training camp. Wilde says Keisean Nixon is still likely to be Green Bay’s top cornerback, even if the Packers are using practice reps and public pressure to reinforce that he has to tackle better. He explains that Brandon Cissé may be the next No. 1 corner eventually, but Nixon remains the more realistic option for Week 1 unless something drastic changes. Wilde is much more concerned about the offensive line, especially Aaron Banks’ knee issue and how little he has worked next to Jordan Morgan. He says Banks getting back into team drills is encouraging, but the Packers still need a clearer plan for how he will handle the season if the injury continues to linger.
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Jason Wilde on Packers 2026 expectations and cornerback competition
Jason Wilde joins Molly & Jim to discuss Unsportsmanlike's take on the Green Bay Packers being one of the most overhyped teams in the NFL and Evan Cohen calling out ESPN Wisconsin hosts for overhyping the Packers. So what should the expectations be for the Packers in 2026? Wilde shares his optimism for this upcoming team, but notes that he's looking forward to the 2027 team competing for higher stakes than the 2026 team will. Plus, Wilde shares his belief that while Keisean Nixon is the best cornerback on the Packers roster, it's not going to bode well in Week 1 against Minnesota.
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Wilde: Tucker Kraft Deserves Better From the Packers
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe and Chewy with the latest from Packers training camp and explains why he wishes Green Bay had another joint practice on its preseason schedule. Wilde breaks down Keisean Nixon’s comments about feeling “punished” while competing for his starting job and explains why the perception of Nixon doesn’t necessarily match how teammates view him. The conversation turns to Aaron Banks, his lingering knee issue and how the Packers approach contract decisions. Wilde also argues Tucker Kraft has earned a new deal and questions why players are expected to honor contracts when NFL teams can move on from deals whenever it benefits them.
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Wilde: Kraft’s Risk and Nixon’s Full Context
Jason Wilde joins Kyle and Brust to discuss Tucker Kraft practicing while still waiting on a contract extension that could make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends. Wilde says Kraft is taking a real risk because football contracts are one-way deals, and injuries during camp or practice can change everything before a player gets paid. He explains that Kraft appears to be trusting the Packers to take care of him, but Wilde personally would avoid full 11-on-11 work until the deal is done. Wilde also discusses Keisean Nixon’s “punished” comment and says the full nine-minute conversation matters, because Nixon also talked about competing, confidence and working his way up from the bottom in Green Bay. He adds that the Packers’ cornerback conversation is complicated because Jonathan Gannon wants corners who tackle, but building a roster with bigger, more physical corners can come with coverage tradeoffs.
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Jason Wilde: Trey Smack Shines, Nixon Struggles
Jason Wilde breaks down what mattered from the Packers’ preseason opener against the Steelers, starting with an encouraging night from kicker Trey Smack. He explains why simply getting Marshawn Lloyd and Jordan Love through the game healthy was important and examines Green Bay’s makeshift offensive-line rotation. Wilde discusses what the Packers were trying to evaluate during the first-team offense’s opening drive and why Smack’s 58-yard field goal mattered. He also reacts to Keisean Nixon’s ugly tackling effort and the scrutiny surrounding his place in the secondary. Meanwhile, Brandon Cisse continues to make a strong case for a significant role when the regular season arrives.
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Wilde: O-Line Mystery and Gannon’s First Look
Jason Wilde joins Kyle Wallace and Bryan Bulaga to preview the Packers’ preseason opener against the Steelers and focuses on Green Bay’s biggest unresolved issue: the offensive line. Wilde says the Packers somehow have more questions up front than they had when camp opened, with Aaron Banks still limited, Anthony Belton no longer clearly locked in at right guard, Jacob Monk rising, and Jordan Morgan still needing meaningful reps. He and Bulaga discuss why Banks’ knee situation is concerning, especially because nagging camp injuries rarely disappear once the regular season begins. Wilde also wonders how much of Jonathan Gannon’s defense Matt LaFleur will allow the Packers to show, while noting that live-game communication could be valuable for a new coordinator and a young group. He adds that Aaron Rodgers is not expected to play for Pittsburgh, but the Rodgers-McCarthy reunion still gives the preseason matchup some extra history.
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Wilde: Smack, O-Line and Rodgers’ Exit
Jason Wilde joins Kyle and Brust to preview Packers-Steelers preseason night and says the offensive line and kicker Trey Smack deserve equal attention because they are Green Bay’s two biggest concerns. Wilde says the offensive line somehow has more questions than it did when camp opened, especially with Anthony Belton sliding away from the starting right guard job, Jacob Monk rising, and Aaron Banks still not getting enough team reps. He also agrees that Matt LaFleur’s choice not to signal whether camp kicks were good or no-good was soft because it made the rookie kicker seem like he needed protection. Wilde says Brandon Cissé and the cornerbacks are also worth watching once they face players who are not their own teammates. He closes by comparing Aaron Rodgers’ Packers departure to Brett Favre’s and says the Favre exit was far more contentious, even though Rodgers clearly still views his own ending in Green Bay as difficult.
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Wilde: Is Playing Jordan Love Worth the Risk?
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Homer and Joshy ahead of the Packers' preseason matchup with the Steelers and explains why he questions the value of putting Jordan Love and other established starters at risk. Wilde discusses uncertainty along the offensive line, including Aaron Banks' continued absence from 11-on-11 work. He also weighs in on whether Aaron Rodgers will suit up against his former team and why he would be surprised to see him play. Plus, Wilde breaks down the Packers' running back depth and why staying healthy is crucial for Marshawn Lloyd as he tries to establish a role in Green Bay's offense.
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Wilde: Sit Love and Save the Stars
Jason Wilde joins Ben Brust on the Homer Hour to discuss Packers-Steelers preseason week and Aaron Rodgers’ return to the Packers conversation from Pittsburgh. Wilde says Rodgers was disappointed the preseason matchup was not at Lambeau Field and explains why a return to Green Bay would have created a much different atmosphere. He also says Jordan Love should not play in the preseason because the Packers already saw the danger last year when Love tore a ligament in his non-throwing thumb during a preseason game. Wilde argues the same caution should apply to Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft, while the offensive line should still get major work because that group lacks cohesion. He also weighs in on Jonathan Gannon’s fiery personality and says fans should care less about coaching style and more about whether the Packers win.
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Wilde: LaFleur’s Love Praise Went Too Far
Jason Wilde joins Homer to react to Matt LaFleur saying Jordan Love is the best quarterback he has been around at protections and adjustments. Wilde says the comment may have been a case of LaFleur getting too hyperbolic, but he also notes that Stacey Dales did exactly what a reporter should do by immediately following up with the Aaron Rodgers comparison. Wilde and Homer role-play how LaFleur could have clarified the answer by praising Love’s communication while still acknowledging Rodgers’ brilliance at the line of scrimmage. The conversation expands into what Love still needs to show, with Wilde saying the next step is delivering more games where he elevates the Packers when everything around him is not working. Wilde also stresses that Green Bay’s offensive line has to be better, because even great pre-snap adjustments do not matter if the protection breaks down.
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Wilde: Love vs Rodgers, Preseason Starters, & CB Depth Chart
Jason Wilde joins Molly & Jim! He gives his thoughts on LaFleur's commentary regarding Jordan Love's presnap abilities compared to Aaron Rodgers from today, as well as weighing in on how much he thinks the starters will ACTUALLY play in the preseason, who the Packers' starting cornerbacks will be, and much more!
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Wilde: Is LaFleur’s Jordan Love Praise Going Too Far?
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to break down the latest storylines from Packers training camp, starting with whether Matt LaFleur has changed his approach and become a better communicator with his players. Wilde explains what’s happening with Keisean Nixon’s practice reps and why his status in the Packers’ secondary is worth monitoring. He also dives into Green Bay’s offensive line concerns, including Jacob Monk’s emergence, Aaron Banks’ health and what the starting five could look like if the Packers had to play a meaningful game right now. Jason reacts to LaFleur calling Jordan Love the best quarterback he’s been around at protections and adjustments and explains why comparing Love’s command at the line of scrimmage to Aaron Rodgers is complicated. Plus, Wilde discusses Tucker Kraft’s health and why his contract situation could factor into how much work he takes on before the season.
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Wilde: O-Line Worry, Cissé Buzz and Smack Pressure
Jason Wilde joins Kyle and Brust to sort through the Packers’ offensive line concerns and says panic would be premature, but apprehension is fair. Wilde points to Aaron Banks’ limited work, the uncertainty at right guard, Anthony Belton’s positional juggling, and Jacob Monk’s rise as reasons the group still has plenty to prove. He also clarifies that Keisean Nixon has only rotated briefly with the second-team defense, while still acknowledging that it is not exactly a vote of confidence. Wilde says Brandon Cissé has impressed with his maturity, steadiness and ability to avoid getting beat, making it possible the rookie could start against Minnesota. He closes by explaining why Trey Smack’s strong Family Night mattered, but why preseason kicks will be the next real test for the Packers’ rookie kicker.
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Wilde: Fans, Family Night, & Trey Smack
Jason Wilde joins Molly & Jim! He has a request regarding his open, shows his appreciation for fans, tells them what to expect from Family Night, which isn't much, discusses Trey Smack's job security including his apparent skill kicking inside of Lambeau, and much more!
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Wilde: Packers Still Waiting on Their Starting O-Line
Jason Wilde joins Jen and Chewy ahead of Packers Family Night and explains why the event has evolved from a true scrimmage into a much lighter practice. Wilde questions the team's attempts to limit scrutiny of kicker Trey Smack and explains why hiding the officials' signals won't keep observers from tracking his kicks. He also discusses the unresolved Josh Jacobs situation and whether a late development could impact his availability. Wilde breaks down an unsettled Packers offensive line, including the mystery surrounding Aaron Banks, before explaining how Green Bay could use Skyy Moore on offense and special teams.
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Wilde: Parsons’ Rehab and Cissé’s Rise
Jason Wilde joins Kyle Wallace and Bryan Bulaga to react to Micah Parsons saying opponents should worry less about when he returns and more about how dangerous he will be when he does. Wilde says the confidence is a good sign for Parsons’ knee rehab, though he and Bulaga both stress that coming back from a major injury still requires caution. The conversation turns to Brandon Cissé, who has taken advantage of extra first-team reps and shown maturity beyond his age during Packers training camp. Wilde also explains why Zaire Franklin’s leadership has stood out, including how he reached out to Marshawn Lloyd after Lloyd stayed healthy deeper into camp than he had before. The segment finishes with concern about Javon Hargrave still being on PUP and the offensive line needing Aaron Banks and Zach Tom back so Green Bay can build real chemistry before Week 1.
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Wilde: Lloyd, Morgan and Love’s Footwork
Jason Wilde joins Kyle and Brust to break down the biggest Packers training camp storylines, starting with Marshawn Lloyd’s touchdown backflip. Wilde says Lloyd is easy to root for and clearly overdue for good luck, but he also notes that Matt LaFleur told him not to do it again and that the team is still cautious because of Lloyd’s injury history. Wilde then explains why Jordan Morgan’s one-on-one success against Lucas Van Ness matters, while also noting the bigger concern is Green Bay’s lack of a clear backup left tackle. He discusses Jordan Love’s focus on cleaning up his footwork while keeping the off-platform throws that make him dangerous. Wilde also details Jonathan Gannon’s defense, its pre-snap disguise approach, and why Trey Smack will remain a storyline until the rookie kicker proves himself in games.
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Jason Wilde: Matt LaFleur Can't Protect Trey Smack
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to break down the biggest storylines from Packers training camp, including why he's baffled by the team's approach to protecting rookie kicker Trey Smack and Matt LaFleur's decision to stop signaling made field goals during practice. Jason also shares his thoughts on Jonathan Gannon tailoring the defense around Micah Parsons' absence, questions the Packers' depth at backup left tackle, and discusses the cautious optimism surrounding MarShawn Lloyd. He also explains why Luke Musgrave's neck injury remains concerning and why the Packers still haven't been able to unlock the dynamic tight end duo they envisioned.
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Wilde: Packers Camp Flashes and Tight End Worries
Jason Wilde joins Homer to explain why Anthony “Homer” Campbell has stood out at Packers training camp by batting down four passes in two practices. Wilde connects that to Homer’s theory on young players, saying flashes matter because they reveal what a player might eventually become. He also reflects on Tremon Williams as a classic example of a camp flash turning into a real Packers success story. The conversation turns to Green Bay’s defensive line depth, Javon Hargrave’s PUP status, and Luke Musgrave’s neck injury, which Wilde says remains concerning without more clarity. Wilde also identifies Josh Whyle as a possible No. 2 tight end and discusses how the offensive line, including Zach “Z-Bach” Tom, can affect Tucker Kraft’s role in the Packers offense.
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Jason Wilde on Smack's Struggles, O-Line Play, & CBs
Jason Wilde joins Molly & Jim! He breaks down everything regarding Smack, including his belief that the Packers should have retained Lucas Havrisik. He also chatted about Jordan Morgan, Green Bay's OL, Kesean Nixon, and much more!
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Packers Camp Overreactions? Jason Wilde on Tucker Kraft, Jordan Love & More
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy from Packers training camp to separate the real storylines from the early overreactions. Jason discusses Tucker Kraft's contract negotiations, why he's preaching patience with rookie kicker Trey Smack, Jordan Love's start to camp, and why the Packers' biggest concern remains replacing Micah Parsons' impact. He also explains why fans shouldn't blame Keyshawn Nixon for being the Packers' top cornerback, shares his early impressions of rookie Brandon Cissé, and breaks down how Green Bay plans to use Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed in Matt LaFleur's offense.
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Jason Wilde on Kraft, Kesean, & Camp Superlatives
Jason Wilde joins Molly & Jim, who may have forgotten he was scheduled to appear... he gives the lowdown on Green Bay three days into training camp, including updates on Tucker Kraft & Kesean Nixon, as well as going through a few training camp superlatives which include some sleepers Packers fans need to keep an eye on!
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Jason Wilde on Packers Camp Reality
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to recap another day at Packers training camp, share stories from Tremon Williams' Packers Hall of Fame celebration, and look back at some of the best offensive lines he's covered in Green Bay. He also weighs in on Aaron Banks' belief that the Packers can have the NFL's best offensive line and explains why he's more optimistic about the defense than the offensive front. Jason provides the latest on Keyshawn Nixon's contract situation, why the veteran corner is handling it the right way, and what he learned from speaking with him after practice.
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Wilde: Packers Young Core Must Drive Defense
Jason Wilde joins Kyle and Brust to discuss Kyle’s theory that Edgerrin Cooper, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams can become the emotional core of the Packers defense. Wilde agrees, saying all three are good players and that Bullard in particular looks like a breakout candidate in Jonathan Gannon’s system. He also shares Zaire Franklin’s confidence in both the linebackers and safeties, while noting that Green Bay still has to prove how this new defense will actually look. Wilde then turns to Matthew Golden, calling him one of the players he is most eager to see elevate after a developmental rookie season. The segment closes with a Jordan Love discussion, as Wilde pushes back on the idea that Matt LaFleur has been holding Love back while still acknowledging Green Bay’s offense needs to be excellent early without Micah Parsons.
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Wilde: Kraft, Nixon and Packers O-Line Questions
Jason Wilde joins Homer and Bryan Bulaga for a wide-ranging Packers training camp conversation that starts with the forgotten Pro Bowl cases for Green Bay right tackles. Wilde discusses Keisean Nixon’s return to practice, saying Nixon is smart not to open the door for Brandon Cissé while his contract situation remains unresolved. He explains why Cissé’s maturity stands out for such a young player and why he could handle a bigger role if needed. Wilde and Bulaga then focus on the offensive line, with concerns around Aaron Banks’ lingering knee issue, Zach Tom’s gradual return, Jagger Burton’s hamstring, and how much depends on Jordan Morgan. The segment closes with a deep look at Green Bay’s contract model and why Tucker Kraft should not settle for the same low-guarantee structure the Packers used with other recent extensions.
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Jason Wilde: Day 1 Questions From Packers Camp
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy from Packers training camp to break down everything he saw during the first practice. He explains why the reduced number of training camp practices is a product of the NFL's current CBA, questions the Packers' decision to clear the way for rookie kicker Trey Smack without a true competition, and discusses why Tucker Craft has significant leverage in contract negotiations. Jason also shares why he's intrigued by Keyshawn Nixon's absence from practice and whether it could be more than just an injury, while offering his early impressions of Green Bay's new-look defense.
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Wilde: Musgrave, Kraft and Nixon Camp Questions
Jason Wilde joins Homer to react to Homer’s Aaron Rodgers theory before shifting into the biggest Packers questions at training camp. Wilde says Luke Musgrave’s neck injury is concerning because head, heart and neck issues are always treated differently, and he notes the Packers are suddenly thin at tight end. He explains that Tucker Kraft’s PUP status may give Green Bay cover while contract talks continue, but says he would advise Kraft not to practice without a long-term deal. Wilde also discusses Keisean Nixon’s hamstring injury and why it is fair to wonder, without declaring it, whether contract dynamics could be involved. The segment closes with a broader conversation about NFL hold-ins, player leverage, and why Parsons’ situation is not the same as Nixon’s.
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Wilde: Smack, Kraft and the Schneider What-If
Jason Wilde joins Homer to break down the Packers’ curious kicking setup after Green Bay moved on from Lucas Havrisik and continued clearing the runway for rookie Trey Smack. Wilde says he does not understand why the Packers are not creating more direct competition at kicker, especially for a team with championship expectations. He also discusses Tucker Kraft’s contract outlook, explaining why Kraft’s PUP status may provide cover while the Packers work toward a long-term deal. Wilde revisits the Davante Adams contract fallout and says Green Bay eventually made the right offer, but only after the relationship had already been damaged. The segment closes with Homer pushing his John Schneider argument, while Wilde says Schneider would have been far more valuable to the Packers as general manager than as president.
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Jason Wilde on Fickell's Big Ten Media Day + Packers Expectations in 2026
Jason Wilde joined Molly & Jim as Molly Brown, Jim Rutledge, and Riley Jauch were live from Chicago at the Big Ten Football Media Day. Jason gives his stance on Fickell's leadership heading into a make or break year. How is Fickell selling the program to his players? Why would this group buy in differently than previous seasons? Plus, is there a new kicking competition in Green Bay? What does the signing of Lenny Krieg mean for rookie Trey Smack? And what should the Packers and Jordan Love expectations be for 2026?
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Jason Wilde: What's Really Going On With Tucker Kraft?
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy as Packers training camp gets underway, breaking down why Tucker Kraft opening camp on the PUP list could be tied to both his recovery and an impending contract extension. Jason also explains why Aaron Banks landing on the PUP list is a legitimate concern after the Packers doubled down financially on the veteran guard, while providing the latest on Micah Parsons' recovery timeline. The conversation shifts to Green Bay's financial messaging, where Jason questions the team's accounting practices and discusses whether recent comments from team president Ed Policy are laying the groundwork for future public funding requests for Lambeau Field.
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Wilde: O-Line, Corners and Edge Define Camp
Jason Wilde joins Kyle and Brust to sort through the Packers’ biggest position questions heading into training camp. He says offensive line, cornerback and edge depth all belong on the concern list, especially with Micah Parsons unavailable early. Wilde leans on Joe Thomas’ belief in Jordan Morgan while still acknowledging uncertainty after Morgan did not lock down left tackle last season. He also discusses Lucas Van Ness’ need to stay healthy, Keisean Nixon’s polarizing role, and Zach Tom’s likely path back from injury. Wilde says if the offensive line struggles against Brian Flores and the Vikings in Week 1, Green Bay will quickly learn those concerns were justified.
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Jason Wilde on the Badgers' Big Return
Jason Wilde joins Jen and Homer to celebrate Wisconsin Badgers football returning to ESPN Milwaukee while reflecting on what the program has meant throughout his life. He explains why 2026 is a pivotal season for Luke Fickell, discusses how NIL has changed the standard for judging college football coaches, and shares why results ultimately matter most. Jason also evaluates Brian Gutekunst's drafting, arguing that while Jordan Love was a franchise-changing selection, the Packers need stronger depth and more impact picks beyond the first round to become legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
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Gutey Bets Big on the Packers' Young Core
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe, and Chewy to discuss the Packers' extension for Devonte Wyatt and the risks of committing long-term to players with injury histories. He explains why Brian Gutekunst's recent roster-building approach differs from his previous philosophy, what it says about Green Bay's championship timeline, and why 2027 could be the organization's target season. Jason also weighs in on Aaron Rodgers' apparent family reconciliation and how the quarterback seems to be approaching the final chapter of his career differently.
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Wilde: Packers Look Built for 2027
Jason Wilde joins Homer to discuss why Green Bay’s offseason moves may point more toward a serious Packers run in 2027 than a Super Bowl push in 2026. Wilde agrees with Homer that moving forward with rookie kicker Trey Smack, combined with Micah Parsons’ uncertain return timeline, makes this season feel like part of a longer build. He explains that Parsons may not be ready until later than some fans expect, which could cost Green Bay early wins and affect the NFC North race. Wilde also says Jordan Love has a major opportunity this year if the offensive line holds up and his healthy weapons help him take another step. The conversation closes with Packers roster talk around Keyshawn Nixon, Anthony Belton, Jager Burton and Zach Tom’s recovery.
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Wilde: Love's Leadership
Jason Wilde joins Molly & Jim! First he gives his best media mistake stories before lending his perspective on Jordan Love's continual snubs from offseason ranking lists, discusses his leadership style, how he motivates the offense, and much more!
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Jordan Love's Path to the NFL's Elite
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to discuss why Jordan Love continues to be viewed just outside the NFL's elite quarterbacks despite strong underlying metrics. Wilde explains what Love must accomplish in 2026 to firmly establish himself among the league's top signal callers, while debating the value of analytics versus the eye test. He also shares why the Packers' supporting cast and improved offensive production could help elevate Love's numbers this season. Plus, Wilde reacts to Edgerrin Cooper being recognized as one of the NFL's top off-ball linebackers and explains why Packers fans should be excited about Cooper's ceiling.
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Wilde: Love Can Still Force Top-10 Status
Jason Wilde joins Kyle and Brust to react to Jordan Love being left off the NFL’s top-10 quarterback list from coaches, scouts and executives. Wilde says the list matters more than a random media ranking because it comes from league evaluators, but he still views Love as part of a crowded group just outside the clear elite tier. He explains that this season is pivotal for Love because a healthy Tucker Kraft, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Matthew Golden should give him a real chance to separate himself. Wilde also agrees that the Packers’ blown playoff loss to the Bears changed the national conversation around Love, just like the Cowboys win did the year before. He says if Love wins the division, wins a playoff game and puts up bigger numbers, he will not need a tiebreaker to land in the top 10 next year.
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Wilde: Love’s Ranking and Kraft’s Future
Jason Wilde joins Sunday Karma to react to Jordan Love being ranked No. 72 in the NFL Top 100. Wilde cautions against overreacting to the list’s methodology, but says Love’s touchdown numbers do need to rise if he wants to be viewed differently around the league. He also explains why Micah Parsons defending Love matters more than the ranking itself, because it shows how quickly Parsons has bought into his quarterback. Wilde then discusses Tucker Kraft’s contract outlook, saying the Packers view him as a complete, cornerstone tight end and may be willing to take on the risk of paying him after an ACL injury. The conversation wraps with Wilde pointing to Kraft, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Josh Jacobs as the offensive pieces who could help Love push toward a much bigger season.
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Jason Wilde: Tucker Kraft Is Just Getting Started
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to explain why Tucker Kraft's No. 6 ranking among NFL tight ends won't last if the Packers star stays healthy, comparing his all-around game to George Kittle and praising his unique combination of blocking, athleticism and toughness. Jason also discusses why Kraft's versatility is more valuable than gaudy receiving numbers and why Green Bay's offense is built differently than many around the league. The conversation shifts to Josh Jacobs, including his No. 74 spot in the NFL Top 100, the latest on his unresolved legal situation and why a return to Matt LaFleur's outside-zone rushing attack could unlock another big season.
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Wilde: Hargrave and Packers Maturity Matter
Jason Wilde joins Brian Bulaga to discuss the start of Wilde’s annual ranking of the most important Packers players, beginning with Javon Hargrave at No. 20. Wilde explains why Hargrave’s age, recent team history and role in Jonathan Gannon’s defense make him both intriguing and uncertain entering the season. Bulaga adds that Hargrave’s value should extend beyond run defense, because Green Bay needs veteran voices who can calm the locker room when games start to swing. Wilde connects that to Evan Williams’ comments after the playoff loss, saying the Packers needed more maturity to handle success, adversity and late-game pressure. The conversation also highlights Zaire Franklin, Xavier McKinney, Micah Parsons and the larger question of whether Green Bay added enough experienced leadership to avoid last year’s collapses.
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Wilde: LaFleur Safe, But Not Untouchable
Jason Wilde joins Kyle and Brust to react to Evan Cohen’s “sneaky hot seat” conversation around Matt LaFleur. Wilde says LaFleur’s extension does not make him completely untouchable, but he also does not expect the Packers to have a real reason to move on from him. He explains why Green Bay may have improved mostly by getting healthier, with Tucker Kraft, Christian Watson, Jaden Reed, Zach Tom and Micah Parsons all central to the team’s ceiling. Wilde also revisits how close the Packers were to a much different narrative before injuries and late-season mistakes changed the finish. The conversation closes with Wilde identifying offensive line and cornerback as the two biggest position groups that could determine whether Green Bay is truly dangerous.
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Jason Wilde: Packers' Biggest Camp Questions
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe, and Chewy to preview the biggest storylines heading into Packers training camp. He weighs in on Anthony Belton as a potential breakout player, explains why Micah Parsons elevates everyone around him, and shares the latest on Tucker Kraft's expected contract extension. Wilde also discusses Devonte Wyatt's future, Green Bay's concerns at cornerback and offensive line, and why those position groups could determine the Packers' ceiling in 2025.
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Wilde: LaFleur, Love and Packers Expectations
Jason Wilde joins Kyle Wallace to talk through the criticism surrounding Matt LaFleur after another painful Packers playoff loss. Wilde says LaFleur deserves scrutiny, but fans should not confuse compartmentalizing a loss with not caring about it. He explains why Green Bay’s next step depends on Jordan Love elevating, the offense getting healthy, and defensive players like Edgerrin Cooper, Evan Williams and Javon Bullard becoming difference-makers. Wilde also breaks down why the Packers roster is good enough to contend for a Super Bowl, even if he still sees them as potentially a year away. The conversation ends with Wilde’s impressions of new Wisconsin athletic director Sean Eichorst and what his arrival says about the direction of Badgers athletics.
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Wilde: LaFleur Cares, But Can He Finish?
Jason Wilde joins Homer to push back on the idea that Matt LaFleur does not care enough about winning. Wilde says his recent conversation with LaFleur showed how much losses still bother him, even if players and coaches often compartmentalize pain faster than fans do. Homer argues LaFleur’s biggest issue is game management and late-game finishing, while Wilde says execution failures by players have also shaped those losses. The conversation includes Romeo Doubs’ onside kick mistake, the Bears collapse, Ben Johnson’s record against LaFleur, and whether LaFleur’s Packers have enough talent to be very good. Wilde also briefly revisits Keyshawn Nixon and agrees the Packers are asking him to do more than his ideal role.
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Jason Wilde: How Set Is the Packers Roster?
Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to look ahead to Packers training camp, including the return of his annual "20 Most Important Packers" series and position-by-position previews. He discusses how many roster spots are truly up for grabs, why Green Bay's offensive line depth remains a concern, and what the team's overall roster says heading into camp. Wilde also shares why he believes offseason workouts with Micah Parsons and the leadership shown by veterans can have a meaningful impact on the Packers' young defense before camp opens.
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Wilde: Eichorst, Fickell and Micah’s Leadership
Jason Wilde joins Ben Brust and Alex Strouf to react to Sean Eichorst’s conversation on Wilde and Tausch and what it might mean for Luke Fickell’s future at Wisconsin. Wilde says Eichorst was likely being careful not to paint himself into a corner before he truly gets to know Fickell and evaluates the football program. He explains why being from Wisconsin can help an athletic director understand the state and the university, but only matters if Eichorst can also raise and spend NIL money wisely. Wilde also discusses Micah Parsons’ leadership since joining the Packers, saying Parsons has done almost everything right so far even if the real test will come when Green Bay faces adversity. The segment closes with a lighter conversation about Evan Williams and Jayden Reed getting engaged and how Wilde handles relationships with players as a reporter.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Jason Wilde, host of ESPN Wisconsin's Wilde & Tausch, is in his 25th season covering the Green Bay Packers, having written for ESPN.com, ESPN Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Journal, and now The Athletic. Any time Jason joins any ESPN Wisconsin program, yo
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Wisconsin On Demand
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