With the NFL trade deadline coming up this Tuesday (Nov. 2nd), the Green Bay Packers need help on defense with the accumulating injuries. Star Cornerback Jaire Alexander is still sidelined with a shoulder injury. Could Green Bay trade for a veteran Pro Bowler like Texans cornerback Desmond King?
Through seven games in the 2021 season, King has totaled 36 combined tackles, with one for loss. He also has one pass defended, and one forced fumble. He was named first team all-pro back in 2018 when he was a defensive back for the Los Angeles Chargers. King has been on four teams in the last five seasons, but has only missed two games since being drafted in 2017.
King has played 60% of snaps out wide in 2021. However, in 2020 he played 72% of snaps in the slot corner position when he was a part of both Los Angeles and Tennessee. He has the versatile talent to play any defensive back position, as he’s also played snaps in the free safety position. His highest pro football focus grade was an 88.6 back in 2018. Through four seasons, King defended nineteen passes, forced two fumbles, averaged a 78.1 PFF grade, and totaled 8.5 sacks with 193 combined tackles.
Why The Packers Should Pursue Desmond King
The Packers are thin in the secondary position with Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander sidelined with a shoulder injury. His return status is still questionable, as the team’s deciding between him having season ending shoulder surgery. In addition, Kevin King has been out dealing with a shoulder injury as well. Rookie corner Eric Stokes has stepped up these last few games, but he’ll need a veteran presence on the other side of the field come playoff time.
King’s been nothing short of spectacular since being drafted in 2017, and could provide that veteran presence. He has experience playing left out wide (62% of snaps this season) and could fill in for Alexander. Also, because Kylin Hill suffered a season ending knee injury, King can return kickoffs with his speed.
He was a surprise inactive in week 8 when the Texans faced the Los Angeles Rams. After starting last week, King’s a healthy scratch for disciplinary actions after an un excused absence from a team meeting. With that, Houston might be willing to listen to trade offers for him before the trade deadline.
Desmond King reportedly had an unexcused absence from a team activity 😬
Tough blow for the Texans' secondary pic.twitter.com/g1UhDK2G9f
— Texans Nation (@TexansNationCP) October 31, 2021
Along with that, King is on a one year, $3M deal with Houston, and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2022. Instead of waiting for him to become a free agent, the Packers could make a move now. With their limited cap space, Green Bay could pick up his contract, and give a 6th round pick for him. Bringing in a versatile and proven talent like King can be what Green Bay needs to further strengthen that defense.
For it being possibly Aaron Rodgers’ last year in Green Bay, the front office needs to keep this all-in mentality. Getting a dynamic playmaker like Desmond King could be what Green Bay needs to make a long playoff run.
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