Facing NFL business, Green Bay Packers' star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper hones his "next play" mindset, focusing solely on controllable improvements and team commitment.
A lot is going on around Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper that he simply can't control.
His former defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, is now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He's got a new defensive coordinator in former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Players will leave via free agency and the Packers will sign more. A whole new crop of talent will come to Green Bay this offseason via the 2026 NFL Draft.
That's just life in the NFL. It's a business. Now heading into his third season in the league, that's something Cooper understands. He can only control the things he can control.
"At the end of the day, you've got to trust the organization," Cooper said in a recent interview with Ian Rapaport and Mike Garafolo. "You've got to control what you can control. It's business, man. Tough things happen throughout the process, and you just have to get over it."
Cooper was specifically asked about the futures of players like Quay Walker (a soon-to-be-free agent) and Rashan Gary (a likely cut candidate). He's played alongside these guys for the last two seasons, but there's a real chance they won't be on the team next season.
Again, that's something Cooper realizes that he can't control. Elite players take a "next play" mentality on the field, and that's the same way Cooper is approaching this offseason.
"Gotta get back focused and just be there for the team," he explained. "Do what you need to do."
The Packers feel they have a superstar in Cooper. He's fast, athletic, and explosive. He can play sideline-to-sideline as a linebacker, but he also can violently shoot the gap and make plays in the backfield.
He totalled 87 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, four passes defended, and 12 stuffs as a rookie. He had a bit of a sophomore slump in 2025, but still notched 118 tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, four passes defended, 8.5 stuffs, and a half sack.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.Ultimatly, the only thing Cooper can control this offseason is his own level of play, so he's focusing on making the improvements he's able to make.
"Just try, in all phases, to get a step better -- get stronger," he said of his offseason plans. "This being my third year coming up, I feel even more comfortable than I did last year. Just knowing the game and knowing the schemes. Just having trust in myself and going out there and playing full and fast and doing what I've got to do."
PackersRoundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Packers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.