The Green Bay Packers showed the world what it looks like when they get out of their own way on Sunday, destroying the New England Patriots on their own turf and giving the strongest indicator this season of what they might be capable of.
With that performance fresh in the mind and the trade deadline approaching on Tuesday afternoon, will Brian Gutekunst be convinced to make a move or two to boost Green Bay’s chances of going on a run?
The Jacksonville Jaguars, for example, have already made multiple trades on Monday as they look to capitalize on what looks like a potential Super Bowl window. Competing in the toughest decision in football, the Packers could use some help at multiple positions to fortify the roster.
We essentially know the ceiling
of this team now, but given the landscape of the NFC and specifically the NFC North, there is no guarantee they even make the playoffs. Every game is massive from here on out, including upcoming matchups with the Vikings and Rams.
Assuming they do get in, the Packers will be capable of beating anyone, but a move or two could help ensure they get in the dance to begin with and secure more favorable seeding.
There are really four positions a trade could make sense, two of which (running back and offensive line) fall under the umbrella of looking to improve the starting lineup, and two which would be insurance in case of injuries (defensive tackle and wide receiver).
Green Bay has been linked with a move for a running back, and while the noise coming out of Tennessee is that Tony Pollard is not available, that seems a bit ridiculous for a 29-year-old running back on an expiring deal playing for a 1-7 team.
Outside of Pollard, the most obvious option would be Jonathan Taylor, but whether Gutekunst wants to make that kind of long term investment rather than look for a short-term fix remains to be seen. It would be a risky but exciting move.
Trade candidates on the offensive line are limited, especially as Green Bay realistically needs someone who has played right guard before. The two best options could be Isaac Seumalo from the Cardinals or Dylan Parham from the Jets.
As things stand, the Packers are getting fantastic play from their wide receivers, mostly via Matthew Golden and Christian Watson, but with Jayden Reed already out for the year, they are one injury to one of those top wideouts from the ceiling of this explosive offense being lowered.
This is a tricky one, as it is hard to find receivers whom Green Bay could be confident are ready to play a significant part if needed, but would also be happy to have a smaller role if Golden and Watson stay healthy.
The most logical choice could be someone like Treylon Burks, who is having a good season for the Commanders. He has been effective as a downfield receiver and has experience in more of a manufactured touch role as well.
Savion Williams is basically a slot receiver right now. Do the Packers want to be in a position where Bo Melton or J. Michael Sturdivant is starting on the outside if one of their top guys goes down?
At defensive tackle it feels like Green Bay is in a precarious position where one more injury could be pretty disastrous. Could they swing a trade for Moro Ojomo from the Eagles, Teair Tart from the Chargers or Zach Sieler from the Dolphins?
A week or two ago it felt like the Packers should stand pat at the trade deadline, as it was not clear how much of a contender they really were. After their performance on Sunday, it might be wise for Gutekunst to show his belief in this group and try to equip them for a postseason run.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Could Packers win vs. Patriots change trade deadline plans?
