The Packers don’t need to make a move.
The NFL trade deadline is less than two weeks away, undoubtedly the biggest happenings around the country on Tuesday, November 5. All jokes aside, the deadline is fast approaching, and many in the football world are already speculating potential moves that their teams could/should make.
There are even some Madden-esque (and fake) rumors floating around, such as the Minnesota Vikings looking to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams. That one was later debunked. Green Bay Packers fans should buckle up and be patient, as the team should not make any big moves at the trade deadline.
First and foremost, the NFL trade deadline is often incredibly lackluster. Fans expect MLB and NBA-style blockbusters to occur at the NFL deadline and are disappointed when it doesn’t happen.
Some big-name receivers have already been moved this year: Davante Adams to the Jets, Amari Cooper to the Bills, and now DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs. Still, I wouldn’t expect too many more deals of this magnitude to be made. Of course, there will be some trades that are yet to occur, but it likely won’t be anything too exciting.
Packers can make a move at NFL trade deadline, but they don’t need to
As for the Packers, the team has roughly $13.9 million in cap space. There is room for a potential move, but the Packers are not in great or desperate need at any one position that requires immediate help.
Offensively, the Packers are set at quarterback and the backup position. Josh Jacobs has been finding his grove with the offense, Emanuel Wilson is a great No. 2, and Chris Brooks has filled in admirably for MarShawn Lloyd’s absence, who could return soon. The Packers have great receiving depth, and the offensive line has taken shape phenomenally.
Defensively, the situation is similar. The guys up front are playing incredibly well, even if the sack numbers may not be there yet. The linebacker group has played admirably, with the emergence of Eric Wilson and Edgerrin Cooper being major factors. As for the secondary, it is one of the best in the league, led by Jaire Alexander, Xavier McKinney, and the two rookie safeties in Javon Bullard and Evan Williams.
This unit now has a true blessing: depth. Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine have been able to rotate based on matchups, and Keisean Nixon is able to play downhill as a nickel/linebacker hybrid.
With the addition of Brandon McManus solving the kicking woes, the Packers may have their most complete roster in years.
Regarding selling, there are no pending free agents the Packers would be “forced” to sell on. Preston Smith’s name has been floated around a bit, who Green Bay may be able to get a late-round pick for.
The Packers are 5-2 in the deepest division in football. They are playing some of their best football and only getting better as the season marches on. Green Bay should stand pat on its current roster, full of youth and talent, and not feel a need to mortgage the future for the 2024 season.
This team is capable of winning in the playoffs as is.