The Green Bay Packers defense is going to look very different in 2024 than it has for the last couple of decades. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is planning on implementing a 4-3 scheme in Green Bay for the first time since before Dom Capers first took the job back in 2009.
Most importantly, though, Hafley believes in putting his players in positions where they can be successful instead of forcing them to fit into a scheme that doesn’t mesh with their skillset. This means that cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine, who thrive in press man defense, will be allowed to defend the way they want to.
It also means that the Packers need to figure out their defensive line. Obviously, Kenny Clark will be one of the interior defensive linemen. Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, and TJ Slaton will all also compete for a starting spot on the line.
But what about edge rushers Rashan Gary and Preston Smith? Gary was just extended, but Smith is entering the final year of his contract and could end up being a salary cap casualty. Kingsley Enagbare tore his ACL last season, which will effect how much he can play in 2024. One NFL analyst suggests that these questions make the Packers the best trade partner for Khalil Mack, an eight-time Pro Bowler.
The Green Bay Packers Were Named the Best Trade Partner for Los Angeles Chargers Pass Rusher Khalil Mack
Matt LeVine, who covers the Los Angeles Chargers for Sports Illustrated, recently wrote an article listing the top three trade destinations for Khalil Mack. The Chargers simply cannot afford to keep both him and Joey Bosa, so they are looking to trade one of them before making the decision to cut one.
With 17 sacks last season (including six in one game against the Las Vegas Raiders), Mack may be the most attractive trade asset due to the fact that he is not under contract past the 2024 season.
When discussing why Green Bay would be the best trade partner with the Chargers, LeVine wrote:
“The Packers shocked a lot of people last season, reaching the divisional round of the playoffs. Quarterback Jordan Love looked like the real deal, and they will be looking to improve this next season.
“Adding someone like Mack could go a long way in helping them really take that next step, possibly into Super Bowl contention. Green Bay has some quality defenders as well, but they are armed with multiple second-round draft picks that could be attractive to the Chargers.
“Mack suiting up for the historic team could be special, while the Chargers get extra draft assets.”
While trading for Mack is a fun idea for Green Bay, and while he would make the defense exceptionally better, there are some other things to consider that LeVine does not take into account.
Is Khalil Mack Really a Good Trade Target for the Green Bay Packers?
Earlier this offseason, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst did say that the number of draft picks the team has will allow him to be creative with additions, adding a player with a $38 million cap hit in 2024 does not seem like something he would do.
Furthermore, Mack is going to be 33 next season. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, the Packers are pretty committed to their youth movement. If anything, the Packers would add another pass rusher through the draft, or a cheaper one in free agency, than add Mack via trade.
While it is fun to think about, it is probably not a realistic scenario.
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