The Green Bay Packers have been struggling as of late offensively and the lack of a sufficient running game has been one of the reasons why. With the NFL Trade Deadline approaching on Tuesday, they are going to have to make a decision on what the second half of the 2023 season will look like. Sitting in third place in the NFC North with a 2-5 record and a 1-2 record in the division, they are in a tough spot right now.
However, adding a running back may be on the docket for general manager Brian Gutekunst as Jay Glazer is reporting they are one of the most active in acquiring a player in the backfield. One team they have discussed with is the team they traded Aaron Rodgers to earlier this year as they have called the New York Jets looking at running back Michael Carter.
The #Jets have received more RB trade calls on Michael Carter over Dalvin Cook ahead of the #NFL trade deadline, per @JayGlazer.
He mentioned 3 teams that are in the RB market: #Ravens, #Browns, & the #Packers. #RavensFlock #DawgPound #GoPackGo
🎥 @NFLonFOX #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/fqtnD3Shgo
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) October 30, 2023
Michael Carter has not been on the field often for the New York Jets as he has recorded eight carries for 38 yards (4.8 yards per attempt) as well as nine receptions for 44 yards (4.9 yards per catch). The two-year NFL running back also has 1.5 years of control and is scheduled to make $1.055 million in 2024.
What has the Green Bay Packers running game done this season?
The Packers are not doing too well in terms of running the football as Green Bay is 24th in the league with 88.4 rushing yards per game. Aaron Jones has not been on the field often as he has been available for only three games due to a hamstring injury. AJ Dillion is the team’s leading rusher with 79 rushing attempts and 255 yards.
The big issue is the fact they have four rushing touchdowns, with two of them coming from Jordan Love. With the duo of Jones and Dillon expected to be a strength after the Aaron Rodgers trade for Love to continue growing, it has been a bit of a hinderance.
If the Packers want to improve, Michael Carter could be a third running back for the season. However, this move could be more for 2024 as well.
The future of the Packers running attack
While 2023 could be considered a building year with Jordan Love, it could potentially be the final year in the green and yellow for some. AJ Dillon is an unresticted free agent after this year and Carter could slot in for a year to replace him for about the same money as Dillon is receiving in 2023.
Next season is also when the majority of Aaron Jones’ money hits the book as he is slated for a $17.7 million cap hit. While the front office could always move the money around, that could hamper some decisions in the future. Carter might be worth a look for a 2024 sixth-round pick or something similar to this.
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