NFL: The Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals are both heading into intriguing 2023 seasons. The Bengals now have Super Bowl aspirations every year that Joe Burrow is under center, and the Packers are waiting to see if he can be their third franchise quarterback in a row.
The two teams played each other in this season’s first pre-season game of the year. Jordan Love had a strong debut that finished off with a beautiful touchdown throw. However, the two teams could be far from over when it comes to dealing with each other this year.
Green Bay Packers Named In Massive Trade With The Cincinnati Bengals That Sends Zach Tom To Cincy
Glenn Adams of Stripe Hype highlighted a trade scenario where the Packers would send their young, versatile guard to Cincinnati:
The Green Bay Packers have an excellent offensive line. It must be if they can’t find a starting spot for Zach Tom anywhere along it.
Green Bay drafted Tom with the 140th overall pick in 2022. Despite his versatility and excellent play versus the likes of Chase Young in college, he lasted late into the fourth round.
Last year, Tom played in nine games with five starts. In limited action last season, the former Deacon Demon proved he belonged. Pro Football Focus notes the Packers rookie allowed one sack in 489 snaps. Furthermore, those snaps were taken all over the line of scrimmage. He would be even better if he could settle in at one spot as a pro.
Tom proved he was a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions along the offensive line at a high level. He also showed excellent pass-blocking skills that translated nicely from college to the NFL.
However, as a Packer, Tom has yet to crack the lineup as a full-time starter and it does not appear it will happen this year either. Freddie Boston of Lombardi Ave has the lineman as a backup in his post-draft depth chart.
The Packers love Tom, but not enough to hand him a starting job. If he is not going to be a starter, perhaps Green Bay would be willing to try to get a return on their investment for a reserve lineman.
Tom would improve their depth at every spot on the offensive line for the Bengals, including center. Also, he could jump right into the right tackle “competition” and be a viable option. Furthermore, he would be added insurance against La’el Collins’ injury.
Moreover, with this season expected to be Jonah Williams’ last one in stripes, acquiring a player who could be seen as an eventual replacement this year rather than next year would give the coaching staff a head start on that process. There is a reason that the team signed Collins in free agency last year and is attempting to play Williams at right tackle this season.
The price to trade for Tom would be higher than for the other players on this list. However, Cincinnati has drafted a plethora of offensive linemen recently. They have signed some free agents to varying but mostly disappointing results. Now they should consider a trade to acquire depth for this season and a possible future starter on the offensive line.
The Green Bay Packers Would Likely Never Do This Trade (NFL)
First of all, Zach Tom is a starter. The big battle on the offensive line is at right tackle. With 11 starts last year, Yosh Nijman is the incumbent. However, it’s Zach Tom who’s listed as the starter on the initial depth chart. Now, we know that the initial depth chart means next to nothing, however, Tom may deserve that spot. That was the case at Monday’s practice, when Tom took all but a couple of the first-team reps.
Zach Tom is a 2022 fourth-round pick with elite athleticism. He is coming off an excellent rookie season in which he played four of the five offensive line positions and proved highly capable as a pass-blocker. So, how does the extra weight help him along the offensive line?
While he knows his versatility, Tom’s focus is at right tackle, where he’s battling Yosh Nijman for the starting job. As is the case with so many second-year players, Tom arrived at training camp feeling so much more confident and comfortable with everything around him, including the playbook.
Curious about more trades and updates? Dive deeper into the latest Green Bay Packers Rumors for exclusive insights and discussions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the Bengals vs Packers?
To watch the Bengals vs Packers game, consider subscribing to NFL+. With prices starting at 40 per year or 7 per month, NFL+ provides access to NFL Network and all preseason games. Stream the game online and enjoy all the action, even for out-of-market games.
Have the Bengals ever beaten the Packers?
Yes, the Cincinnati Bengals have beaten the Green Bay Packers in their rivalry. So far, they have played 14 games, with each team winning 7 games.
