3 Packers trade targets after Week 2 The Green Bay Packers have had seven good quarters two weeks into the NFL season.
After defeating the Bruins in the season opener, they took a 12-point lead into the fourth quarter of their game against the Falcons.
While it’s disappointing to lose any game by one point, especially against a team that could also be in contention for an NFC wild-card spot, there were plenty of positives.
First, the Packers offense has been relatively efficient despite missing top quarterback Aaron Jones and top quarterback Christian Watson.
Jordan Love looked to dominate the offense for the second time in as many starts, and the defense played well for most of the game. However, the Packers feel like a team with little to no guarantee of making the playoffs this season.
They’re leaning on a lot of young talent, which is great for the franchise’s prospects, but they could use a few more additions.
The trade market is pretty great right now, but it will pick up again as the trade deadline approaches. Here’s a look at three players the Packers should keep an eye on.
WR Marquise Brown Norm Hall The Packers were very happy to let their young guys develop. It’s an understandable strategy, and it pays dividends in the long run. However, after two weeks, there’s no reason to think the team can’t compete in the NFC North.
While it’s good to have Romeo Doub, Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed and Christian Watson do the heavy lifting, it wouldn’t hurt to bring in a veteran as well.
With Watson out for the past two weeks, Green Bay lacks a deep threat who can make plays down the field. Wicks is a fifth-round pick who has exceeded expectations through the first two weeks.
The Packers could continue their relative youth movement at receiver, but still add talent to the cap space by making a move for Marquise Brown. The speedster is five years into his career, but he is still only 26 years old.
The 2019 first-round pick is in the final year of his contract with the Cardinals, and they have little reason to be in win-now mode in the desert. Jonathan Gannon just took over as head coach and Kyler Murray is still recovering from a torn ACL.
Trying Brown at a draft pick to see how he would fit into this receiving corps would be a worthwhile endeavor. Edge Brian Burns Kevin C. Cox/ It would be a huge swing, but not one the Packers should underestimate.
Brian Burns will sign a new contract in 2024 and figures to be the focus of trade speculation before the deadline as an extension has yet to be determined.
However, the 25-year-old would be an expensive addition. Spotrac projects his market value to be five-year, $117 million, and the Packers have yet to deal Rashan Gary, who has a projected four-year, $104 million contract.
Being able to afford two young wingers would be difficult, but could be offset by Preston Smith’s contract, which would free up $10.6 million next season.
Burns recorded two sacks in the Panthers’ season opener, while Gary will remain on the field as he returns from a torn ACL last season. He has half a sack, but has completed just 22 percent of his snaps so far.
In the short term, Burns would give the Packers one of the deepest pass groups in the league. That would give them several options for 2024 and beyond, including signing Burns and trading Smith.
DT Marlon Tuipulotu AP Photo/Terrance Williams The loss to the Atlanta Falcons exposed a major problem in the roster of the Packers: They do not have much depth within the defensive line.
The trio of Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden was one of the worst performers as the Falcons piled up 211 yards on the ground at 4.7 yards per carry.
Honestly, they are one of the best rushing teams in the NFL and have a unique ability to bully teams. But it was a need that could be diagnosed on paper. Wyatt is in his second season, while Brooks and Wooden are both rookies.
This is a big responsibility for young players. The Packers could add at least one defensive tackle with a little more experience, and the Eagles are a good team to call.
They have one of the deepest defensive lines and are counting on Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis to be the future of their defensive line.
Marlon Tuipulotu has played well when given the opportunity, but has just 13 passes defensed for the Eagles this season.
The Packers could give the 24-year-old a bigger chance, giving Philly an option for a player who doesn’t appear to crack their rotation anyway.
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