The Green Bay Packers are in an interesting spot at this point in the season. They’re 9-4 through their first 13 games and are almost guaranteed a playoff spot (pending an all out collapse). However, they have no shot of winning the NFC North or gaining much advantage seeding wise.
Green Bay still in contention for the playoffs despite losing their chance to win the NFC North:
In fact, the Packers have roughly a 98% chance of making the NFL Playoffs for the second year in a row.
That does not mean, though, that the team does not have concerning weaknesses. The loss against Detroit was just another example of the Packers’ lack of quality depth at both linebacker and cornerback.
Of course, the Packers’ secondary would have played much better had two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander had been healthy. As it was, the two-time Second Team All-Pro missed his third consecutive game as he is working his way back from a torn PCL.
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch
In a recent article posted by Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Matt Holder suggests that Green Bay could look to Patrick Peterson, an eight-time Pro Bowl free agent cornerback, to help add some quality depth to the position.
“It couldn’t hurt to at least bring in Peterson for a workout and see what he has left in the tank, especially with the playoffs coming up. While the 34-year-old isn’t the player he used to be, he does have seven interceptions and 26 passes defended over the last two seasons combined. At this stage, that might be the club’s best option heading into the postseason.”
Peterson has not made the Pro Bowl since 2018, but he did have a strong season last year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He allowed just a 59.4% completion percentage (though a 91.5 passer rating) and intercepted two passes.