The Green Bay Packers are buyers at the deadline. They’ll be looking to potentially add someone to a roster they think is Super Bowl worthy. Here are some candidates they could chase at the deadline
The NFL trade deadline is just over a week away.
Last year, the Green Bay Packers made a move by trading cornerback Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a third-round pick. Following the deadline, the Packers went on a strong run.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has traditionally traded players away at the deadline, but has never brought anyone in. The closest exception was when edge rusher Whitney Mercilus joined the team shortly after the 2021 deadline.
This year might be different. Brian Gutekunst often mentions that his team is involved in every conversation, but he doesn’t always follow through with a trade.
Sometimes this is indeed the case; for instance, they publicly pursued players like Odell Beckham Jr. but ultimately missed out.
However, they have also successfully added talent such as Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs in recent years. This suggests that the Packers are taking a more proactive approach to player acquisition than in the past.
If the opportunity is right, the Packers are likely to make a move. Here are some players who could be viable targets for Green Bay:
CB Greg Newsome
According to Matt Miller, Newsome might have overstayed his welcome in Cleveland.
The Packers may be looking to strengthen their cornerback depth on the boundary of their defense.
Carrington Valentine has seen limited playing time recently, and Eric Stokes has faced significant struggles. Although Keisean Nixon has had a solid season, the team might consider upgrading that position.
Newsome, who the Packers showed interest in prior to the draft, is still under his rookie contract. A change of scenery, especially with Jeff Hafley coaching, could help him find his form. Plus, it’s always beneficial to have more depth at cornerback.
Carrington Valentine has seen limited action lately, while Eric Stokes has faced significant challenges. Keisean Nixon has had a solid season, but the team might consider upgrading at his position.
Newsome, who the Packers showed interest in prior to the draft, is still under his rookie contract. A change of scenery with Jeff Hafley as his coach could potentially help him find his form.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that having an abundance of cover corners is always beneficial.
As for running back Travis Etienne, this suggestion might seem unconventional, but it’s not something Brian Gutekunst has avoided in the past. Etienne has seen his role diminish in Jacksonville with Tank Bigsby taking over, and he is approaching the conclusion of his rookie contract.
The Jaguars might consider moving on from Etienne’s contract by trading him to a team in need of backfield assistance. While the Packers may not seem like a likely candidate for a running back, they did express interest in Jonathan Taylor last year before the season began. Acquiring Etienne could embody Brian Gutekunst’s commitment to being involved in every discussion and pursuing deals that offer value.
Etienne might provide a valuable upgrade over Emanuel Wilson, who has had a solid season, or he could step in for Marshawn Lloyd, a skilled rookie dealing with injuries. Given Matt LaFleur’s talent for creating diverse formations and his tendency to rearrange players in the backfield, Etienne could be an appealing target for Gutekunst, representing a potential bargain opportunity.
DL Chase Young
The New Orleans Saints appear to lack a clear strategy for their team’s future development.
The Saints are struggling with salary cap issues while postponing necessary decisions about their roster. After a promising start, they now find themselves below .500 and seem unlikely to compete for a championship. Chase Young was acquired to enhance their pass rush, but since it was a temporary arrangement, he may not fit into their long-term plans. This raises the question: could the Packers bring in the talented yet underperforming Young as a rental to strengthen their defensive line?
DL Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney could be the most fitting pass rusher for the Packers. He remains cost-effective for the remainder of this season, with a team option available for the next year, making him a rental that the Packers can easily part ways with if he doesn’t pan out. As a former top NFL Draft pick, Clowney also aligns with General Manager Brian Gutekunst’s history of valuing players with a strong draft pedigree.
Clowney possesses the size that the Packers typically seek in their edge rushers and has the versatility to contribute both inside and on the edge as a pass rusher. Currently with the Panthers, who are not contending for a playoff spot, he might welcome the chance to pursue a championship with the Packers.
