Five potential trade targets for the Packers ahead of the NFL deadline

The Green Bay Packers are not exactly a constant presence in trade deadline moves, but general manager Brian Gutekunst has certainly been much more active than his predecessor Ted Thompson.

During his tenure as the GM, Gutekunst has traded some pieces away — Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Ty Montgomery, Rasul Douglas — and tried to acquire some pieces — Will Fuller and Chase Claypool immediately come to mind —, even though nothing has materialized.

Now, the Packers are 5-2 and are competing for a playoff spot. There are no clear holes on the roster, but there are some opportunities on the market that could intrigue the Packers, especially at cornerback and edge defender.

Edge doesn’t seem like a particular need, because the Packers have a strong rotation with Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, and Kingsley Enagbare. But Smith has been mentioned in trade rumors, and Van Ness hasn’t lived up to his draft stock, so it can’t be ruled out.

At cornerback, it’s a short- and long-term proposition. Eric Stokes has recently been benched and is in the last year of his deal, and Green Bay has used Keisean Nixon as a boundary corner.

Throughout last week, the A to Z Sports team wrote articles about teams that are potential sellers and who they could trade. From that group, we found five players who would make sense for the Packers, since the deadline is a week from now.

EDGE Chase Young, New Orleans Saints

Why he could be traded: Young has been one of the best defensive lineman for the Saints this season. While the sacks have not piled up, his pressure numbers are among the best in the NFC. He is top ten in that category.

Young is only on a one-year deal, so a team acquiring him would not have to worry about a long-term deal accompanying him. He is a rental that could help a contender’s pass rush unit immediately. Adam Holt

Why the Packers could trade for him: As the Saints usually do, most of Young’s salary is a signing bonus, so the Packers would only absorb $ 595k in this deal. Young is a former second overall pick and the start of his career was impressive. He hasn’t lived up to that hype, but he is still an impactful rusher, with 27 pressures this season — more than anyone on the Packers roster. Young is 25, so they could turn this move into a long-term option, especially if Preston Smith won’t be around for much longer.

CB Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints

Why he could be traded: Lattimore is playing some of the best ball of his career. As he approaches thirty years old, you would never know it. Teams are simply not throwing to his covered receiver. Instead, they’re choosing to attack underneath or downfield against Adebo.

Lattimore has had his disagreements with Dennis Allen over the years and moving on from one or both by the trade deadline would surprise nobody in New Orleans. He’s still one of the top cornerbacks in football, and plenty of teams will have interest in him. Lattimore is under contract through 2026. Adam Holt.

Why the Packers could trade for him: Same thing as Young, Lattimore would have a low salary in 2024, $640k if acquired right at the trade deadline. He’s slated to make $16 million in 2025 and $16.5 million in 2026, but none of it is guaranteed — he has roster bonuses on the fifth day of each league year to force a team decision sooner.

He is 28, a dangerous age for cornerbacks, but he would certainly be an upgrade over what the Packers have for the short term. This year, Lattimore has allowed a 74.3 passer rating when targeted, for example.

EDGE Dennis Gardeck, Arizona Cardinals

Why he could be traded: Gardeck is the exact type of player that tends to be moved near the trade deadline. He’s older at 30, the acquiring team would absorb a reasonable $1.7 million salary, and he’s a relatively productive rotational edge — but not so good to a point where the Cardinals must keep him.

Why the Packers could trade for him: This would be a lower-impact move, with Gardeck being a possible rotational edge rusher. For the Packers to really consider it, the Cardinals would probably have to keep a part of his salary.

CB Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Why he could be traded: The Rams would have something around $2.8 million in dead money now and $2.32 million next season by trading Williams, so it’s financially feasible. He’s a starter and an important piece with two years left on his deal after this season. However, Williams is 32 and is not exactly a building block. It would take real draft compensation, but it doesn’t seem impossible to take him out of the Rams.

Why the Packers could trade for him: As aforementioned, Williams is 32 and the acquiring team would absorb $1.85 million in salary, so it’s not an easy decision. But he has no guarantees left in his deal, making it a short-term option, even though he’s under contract through 2026. Darious Williams has allowed an 81.9 passer rating when targeted.

EDGE Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants

Why he could be traded: A former second-round draft pick, Ojulari will be hitting free agency in 2025. He’s played in 42.9% of the team’s defensive snaps and with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the team, it seems like he won’t be getting a promotion anytime soon.

Ojulari’s career has been impacted by injuries, missing significant playing time in 2022 and 2023 but he did set the Giants’ rookie sack record with eight back in 2021. The upside is still there. Mauricio Rodriguez.

Why the Packers could trade for him: Ojulari is only 24 years old, so the Packers could consider him as a short-term fix but also with some long-term potential. He’s had four sacks with 15 pressures this year, plus nine stops. He’s a solid run defender, too, which would help Jeff Hafley’s scheme. Green Bay would absorb $838k in salary.