Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) after the game at SoFi Stadium.
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The Green Bay Packers are entering a crucial stretch of their season with renewed confidence after defeating the Dallas Cowboys 23-13 on Sunday Night Football. Cornerback Keisean Nixon has expressed excitement about the anticipated return of Josh Jacobs, who is eligible to rejoin the team after being removed from the commissioner’s exempt list. Additionally, the potential return of Micah Parsons from his knee injury could provide a significant boost.
With this victory, the Packers improved to 4-2, marking their third consecutive win. The offense showed promising signs against Dallas, with Matthew Golden catching six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. He has been developing chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love, encouraging him to continue trusting him as a target. This performance suggests that the passing game is becoming more formidable as the season progresses.
Packers have enough talent to compete for the NFC North, although three potential trade targets could help address weaknesses that may become more consequential during the second half of the season.
Daron Payne could reinforce Green Bay's depleted defensive interior
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs the ball past Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs the ball past Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The loss of Javon Hargrave has raised immediate concerns for the defensive line, which is already struggling with injuries and inconsistent performance against the run. Hargrave sustained an Achilles injury during Green Bay's victory over Chicago and has been placed on injured reserve, leaving a gap in Jonathan Gannon's rotation for an experienced interior defender. Additionally, the Packers have faced injuries elsewhere along the defensive front, increasing the workload for the remaining linemen.
Devonte Wyatt continues to provide disruption from the interior, while rookie Chris McClellan has stepped up to contribute in his first NFL season. Both players show promise for the future, but the current situation may warrant the pursuit of an established veteran who can handle demanding assignments right away. One potential target is Washington defensive tackle, Daron Payne. The Commanders entered Week 6 with a disappointing 1-3-1 record, leading to speculation about potential changes involving expensive veterans, and Payne has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate, although Washington has not officially announced any plans to move him.
At 29 years old, he has built a career combining solid run defense with the ability to generate pressure from the interior. His experience would be particularly valuable for a Packers defense that has struggled to maintain consistent control at the line of scrimmage. Green Bay has often relied on additional defenders to support its run defense, which creates opportunities for opposing quarterbacks when offenses successfully disguise their plays, and a strong interior presence like Payne could help the defensive front take on more responsibilities independently, allowing Gannon greater flexibility in coverage.
Khalil Mack could strengthen the pass rush while Micah Parsons recovers
Why Chargers must trade Khalil Mack after 0-4 start to 2026 season
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The possibility of Micah Parsons returning later this season gives Green Bay reason for optimism, but the defensive front still faces uncertainty in the coming weeks. Parsons has yet to make his 2026 debut after suffering a serious knee injury, which has required other defenders to step up in his absence. Lukas Van Ness has become increasingly important to the rotation, while rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton has emerged as another developing option.
These players have helped Green Bay remain competitive, but the lack of an established veteran who can consistently win individual matchups may become more problematic against stronger offenses. Khalil Mack presents one of the more intriguing possibilities ahead of the trade deadline.
The Chargers entered Week 6 at 0-5, placing several veterans approaching free agency under increased scrutiny. Mack signed a one-year, $18 million contract during the offseason and has already recorded three sacks through five games, demonstrating that he remains productive despite entering the later stages of his career. His experience would provide Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon with another option capable of generating pressure without relying solely on aggressive blitz packages.
Recently, Green Bay has produced encouraging defensive performances, including forcing two interceptions against Dallas, but the ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks will be crucial as the schedule becomes more demanding. Mack could contribute immediately in passing situations, allowing the coaching staff to manage the workloads of younger defenders more carefully. His familiarity with various defensive alignments would also facilitate his incorporation into a rotation that has had to adjust throughout the opening month.
The potential pairing with Parsons later in the season adds another dimension. Having multiple established edge rushers would create difficult protection decisions for opposing offenses, especially when the defensive interior can collapse the pocket. Additionally, Green Bay could keep personnel fresh for late-game situations, where experienced pass rushers often have the most significant impact, and while Los Angeles has not officially placed Mack on the trade block, the veteran has publicly expressed his commitment to the franchise despite its disappointing start.
Dylan Cook could provide valuable insurance for Green Bay's offensive line
Green Bay's offensive improvement has coincided with a significant reduction in the pressure faced by quarterback Jordan Love. After struggling during the first three weeks of the season, the Packers made several adjustments along the offensive line, including the additions of Laken Tomlinson and Kevin Zeitler. These changes have enhanced protection, allowing head coach Matt LaFleur to incorporate more aggressive passing concepts into the offense.
The results have been promising, particularly with Love producing 276 passing yards against Dallas while continuing to build chemistry with his receiving targets. Maintaining this improvement will require dependable depth, especially after injuries forced Green Bay to experiment with various line combinations. Pittsburgh offensive tackle Dylan Cook could represent a potential solution, and the 28-year-old began the season as the Steelers' starting right tackle but lost his position to rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor. Cook performed reasonably well in his opportunities, allowing only five pressures on 94 pass-blocking snaps. His prior experience at left tackle adds to his versatility.
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This background could be appealing to a Packers team that has needed flexibility along its offensive line. Jordan Morgan has taken on substantial responsibilities on the left side, while Zach Tom remains an important part of the protection scheme. Adding Cook would provide another experienced tackle option capable of competing for snaps and serving as insurance against further injuries.
However, Pittsburgh may be reluctant to part with valuable offensive-line depth during its competitive season, especially after making changes at tackle in the offseason. Any potential agreement would depend on the Steelers' confidence in their current rotation and the compensation Green Bay is willing to offer.
Green Bay has an opportunity to strengthen its playoff position
The Packers have made a strong recovery after a rocky start to the season, with consecutive victories boosting confidence in an offense that initially struggled to find consistency.
The anticipated return of Jacobs should enhance a rushing attack that has been among the least effective in the league. Meanwhile, the development of younger receivers has given Love more options. These improvements could enable LaFleur to create a more balanced offense as Green Bay gears up for crucial divisional matchups, but defensive injuries continue to be a concern, particularly with several key players unavailable and the upcoming schedule becoming increasingly challenging.
The next game against Detroit will provide another opportunity to assess Green Bay's progress, as the Lions possess enough offensive power to test the Packers in ways that recent opponents have failed to do. Gutekunst has shown a willingness to address weaknesses through personnel changes, and the approaching trade deadline presents another chance to strengthen the roster without hindering its growth.