The Green Bay Packers traded for linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, but it sounds like general manager Brian Gutekunst is still searching the trade market to bolster the team's defense.
According to Easton Butler of Packer Report, the Packers have called the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants regarding the availability of their star defensive tackles, Jalen Carter for the Eagles and Dexter Lawrence for the Giants.
"The Packers have been making calls around the league for Defensive Tackles, per source. Two of the DTs they've called about: Eagles DT Jalen Carter, and Giants DT Dexter Lawrence. The Giants are "uber high on Lawrence" and are unlikely to move the star, while the Eagles have been fielding trade offers for the young DT. Carter is on the last year of his rookie contract," Butler said.
Trading for Lawrence is highly unrealistic for the Packers, as the 28-year-old is one of the best defensive tackles in the sport and a cornerstone piece in New York. It's hard to imagine a world where the Giants trade Lawrence under any circumstances.
However, Carter is a possible trade target for Green Bay. Philadelphia has already received calls on the two-time Pro Bowler, and with the Eagles signing Jordan Davis to a three-year extension, Carter could be expendable now.
In 11 games in 2025, Carter tallied three sacks and 41 quarterback pressures with 17 defensive stops. At his best, Carter is a dynamic pass rusher from the interior who is also solid against the run, but he did take a step back this past season.
Defensive tackle is a dire need for the Packers, especially after the franchise traded Colby Wooden in the deal to acquire Franklin.
Carter would be a difference-maker on Green Bay's defensive line and add some much-needed pass rush from the interior. A defensive tackle duo of Carter and Devonte Wyatt would be stout.
We'll see if the Eagles even consider trading Carter, but he would be a fantastic addition to the Packers' defense, and a trade for the 24-year-old would be much more feasible than discussing a deal for Lawrence with the Giants.
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