The Green Bay Packers currently hold the third seed in the NFC playoff race. They have won five straight games since losing to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. Making major strides on the defensive side of the ball, the team ranks fourth against the pass with just over 206 yards given up per game. They also rank fifth in total yards given up, with 332 surrendered on average. Once again led by star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the 37-year-old signal-caller ranks 10th in the league with 12 passing scores through six weeks.
In addition to this, Davante Adams is pacing all wideouts in receiving yards with 668 on the young season. Hit hard on the injury front; the franchise remains without their top pass rusher in Za’Darius Smith. Furthermore, they also lost their top cornerback in Jaire Alexander. The former first-round pick was placed on the injured reserve list with a shoulder ailment. With a host of other injuries across the roster, here are three potential trades for the Packers to make. As they look to gear up for another deep playoff run as fall turns to winter.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Trade Deadline Previews.
The Packers’ Current Status
Current Record: 5-1
Division Standings: First in the NFC North
In the Playoff Picture: Yes
Buyers or Sellers: Buyers
Current NFL Draft Slot: 26th Overall
Potential Trade #1: 2022 third-round Pick and a 2022 fifth-round Pick to the Houston Texans for Brandin Cooks
Cooks landed with the Texans a year ago after being dealt from the Los Angeles Rams. Off to a hot start this season, the veteran wideout has caught 40 passes for 481 yards and one touchdown. He is currently averaging a career-high 6.7 receptions for 80.2 yards per game. However, the Texans continue to trend in the wrong direction during their 2021 campaign. With just one win to show through six weeks, look for them to move off him.
Still searching for a consistent number two option across from Adams, Green Bay has struggled to get production from their other cast of receivers. The trio of Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Randall Cobb have combined to haul in just 27 passes. Still one of the better deep threats in the game, acquiring Cooks would help vault the Packers into true contender status in the NFC while giving Rodgers a capable running mate across from their All-Pro.
Potential Trade #2: 2022 fourth-round Pick to the Denver Broncos for Kyle Fuller
A target of Green Bay during the 2018 offseason, the franchise signed Fuller to an offer sheet while he was a member of the Chicago Bears. After inking a one-year 5.9 million dollar deal in Denver in the offseason, he has struggled with the Broncos early on. Starting in five games, he has a grade of 44.9, according to Pro Football Focus. With a loaded cornerback room in the Mile High City, featuring rookie Patrick Surtain II, Bryce Callahan, and Ronald Darby, expect the team to move him if the return is worth doing so.
Thin at the defensive back spot after losing Alexander, Green Bay has also seen Kevin King miss time. Looking at patchwork options across from rookie first-round pick Eric Stokes, the team has played both Isaac Yiadom and veteran Rasul Douglas. However, with neither being a true option to man the position if Alexander misses extended time, acquiring Fuller would be both a good value and cost option for the cash-strapped Packers.
Potential Trade #3: 2023 fifth-round pick to the Houston Texans for Desmond King
Landing in Houston on a one-year 3.5 million dollar deal in the offseason, King remains just two years away from an All-Pro season in 2018. Starting in two games for the Texans this season, he has racked up 30 tackles, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble. King possesses the ability to play boundary cornerback and as the nickel. Not to mention his 1600 plus yards during his five-year NFL career as a return man. With the expectation of a finish in the league’s cellar, expect Nick Caserio to gut the roster and stock up the war chest.
Set to hit unrestricted free agency at the end of the year, King has just a 3.1 million dollar cap hit. The Packers are still searching for help at the cornerback spot with both Alexander and King banged up. Acquiring him would give the team another option to play at slot corner when at full strength. While also having the ability to produce on the outside as well.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Chris Gallagher on Twitter @ChrisGally06
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
One Response