With a little more than two weeks until the NFL trade deadline (Tues., Nov. 4, 4pm ET) there’s been plenty of predictable speculation about the Packers plans. Somewhat surprisingly, though, people have speculated about the Packers as both buyers and sellers.
One might logically think, especially following the blockbuster Parsons trade, that the Packers are in clear “win now” mode and would be potential buyers. Perhaps Gutekunst will seek to add another weapon and/or address a perceived gap or weakness on the roster. That could very well be the case.
However, that logic hasn’t kept the rumor mill away from Green Bay on the seller front. Maybe it’s a function of #EntitledTown, and fans wanting to have their cake (a ring) and eat it too (more draft picks). Maybe it’s a function of the Packers strong depth at certain positions, or maybe there’s a genuine desire within the front office to add some draft capital having shipped two valuable first round picks to Dallas in the Parsons swap.
According to my always reliable, never ever wrong Twitter feed, some of the Packers' most talked-about trade targets include Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Kingsley Enagbare, and even Rashan Gary.
While the Lombardi Avenue phones might ring with inquiries for some (or all) of these players, I highly doubt Gutekunst and company would consider moving any of them. Even if a desperate team came with a shocking Don Corleone offer they couldn’t refuse – let’s say a first round pick for Doubs or Gary – I still don’t think the Packers would jump.
Some might say that’s crazy, particularly with Doubs set to be an unrestricted free agent after the season, but what’s the point of draft picks except to build a great team, and ultimately win a Super Bowl? Currently sitting atop the NFC North at 3-1-1, the Packers are clearly among the top contenders for this year’s Lombardi Trophy.
Doubs, with 4 TDs and numerous big catches through 5 games, has been a huge part of the Packers’ early success. The same goes for Gary and his 4.5 sacks. Injuries to Jayden Reed and Lukas Van Ness have only increased these players’ respective value.
If Doubs and Gary are off the table, what about Wicks and Enagbare? Yes, the Packers have an emerging Matthew Golden on their hands and Barryn Sorrell has looked effective in limited snaps. Still, I think the Packers would be reluctant to move Wicks or Enagbare because they know the system and they contribute.
The NFL season is long, and having reliable backups is essential. Whatever the Packers could get for these players in future draft capital wouldn’t be worth the risk of losing that critical depth for this year’s Super Bowl chase. Remember, a big reason the Packers lost in last year’s Wild Card round was a depleted receiver group missing Watson, Doubs, and Reed.
Draft picks are important, and though Gutekunst has shown a willingness to move key pieces in the past (Rasul Douglas to the Bills or Ha-Ha Clinton Dix to the Commanders, as examples), I think this year he keeps all his assets.
If Gutekunst and the Packers are concerned about draft capital, the team can likely net some compensatory picks should they lose players like Doubs or Rasheed Walker in free agency.
But that’s all for the future. Right now, the focus in Green Bay is right where it needs to be.