Green Bay Packers GM Hints at Potential Blockbuster Trade, Identifies 3 Possible Targets
Following their playoff appearance in the 2023 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers are gearing up for an aggressive offseason with the goal of becoming Super Bowl contenders in 2024. Despite financial constraints due to existing contracts with David Bakhtiari and Aaron Jones, the Packers possess a valuable asset in their draft picks, including five in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst hinted at the team’s willingness to explore a blockbuster trade during a recent press conference. He emphasized the flexibility that the draft capital provides, expressing openness to moving around in the draft order or potentially acquiring a veteran player this offseason.
With needs on both offense and defense, the Packers have the option to use their draft picks in the traditional sense or explore trades to bolster their roster immediately. Gutekunst mentioned, “Whether it’s staying and picking, trading, moving around…maybe trading those picks for veteran players, who knows.”
While the possibility of moving up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft exists, the focus on acquiring win-now players who bring immediate impact and veteran leadership widens the scope of potential trade targets for the Packers. Realistically, certain top players may be unavailable, like Patrick Surtain II or Justin Simmons of the Denver Broncos.
Here are three more practical trade targets for the Packers:
- Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals: Baker, a Pro Bowl safety, has expressed a desire to compete for a championship, which aligns with the Packers’ aspirations. With Green Bay’s need for a safety and Baker’s excellence in the position, he could seamlessly fit into the team’s young core, elevating their defense.
- Tyrann Mathieu, S, New Orleans Saints: Adding veteran leadership is a priority for the Packers, and Mathieu’s on-field prowess and experience could significantly enhance the secondary. Known for his outstanding performance last season in New Orleans, Mathieu could contribute to the deep safety position in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s system.
- 8th Overall Pick: Gutekunst also hinted at the possibility of moving up in the draft. By packaging their 25th overall pick and a second-round selection, the Packers could secure a top-10 talent from the 2024 NFL Draft. This move could address specific needs, such as cornerback or offensive tackle, ensuring a valuable addition to the lineup for the next several years.
Ultimately, the Packers’ strategic decisions in the trade market will play a crucial role in shaping their roster for the 2024 season and beyond.
