BREAKING: The Green Bay Packers are struggling and falling short of their lofty expectations.
Now that we’ve stated the obvious, there are only a few years left of Aaron Rodgers‘ career and Green Bay needs to send its legendary quarterback off to retirement — whenever that will be — with a second ring. The seemingly most glaring issue for the Packers has been its wide receiver corps, led by an IR’d 32-year-old Randall Cobb and a pair of rookies. There has been no shortage of discussion around this, tabbing names like Kadarius Toney and Chase Claypool, but what about the defensive side of the ball?
After starting off as the betting favorite to win the division on betting sites without Gamstop, Green Bay has faltered and needs to make some changes.
Defensive Line Trade Deadline Targets for Green Bay
Daron Payne
The least likely in terms of being dealt from a potentially contending team, Daron Payne was recently mentioned in trade rumors. Washington just beat this Packers team and could turn it around, but Payne is currently in the final year of his contract and the Commanders may look to get any and all compensation.
Payne is a solid defensive tackle with 24 tackles and 3.5 sacks thus far this year. Where green bay would love to utilize him is inside against the run. Through their seven games, Green Bay has allowed nearly five yards per carry and seven touchdowns. They need an upgrade at defensive tackle and Payne could be the one.
Matt Ioannidis
If the Commanders are not keen on letting Payne go, Green Bay could go after a team who has already committed to a rebuild. Carolina already shipped off its star running back and has fielded calls for other playmakers. An underrated name would be Matt Ioannidis.
While Ioannidis would not be considered the caliber of player that Payne is, however he would be an upgrade nonetheless. He’s registered a sack and 15 total tackles with 1.5 for loss. He was a popular trade candidate before the Commanders released him last off-season and it would be wise of the Panthers to send off a one-year rental.
Bradley Chubb
Bradley Chubb, Nathaniel Hackett Address Rampant #Broncos Trade Rumors
READ: https://t.co/30r2XfVvqU pic.twitter.com/QchMcH1A19
— Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) October 25, 2022
Now to really make a splash. The Denver Broncos season is teetering on the verge of being lost and Bradley Chubb has been mentioned as a possible deadline casualty. For the Broncos, Chubb has been a great pass -rushing weapon opposite long-time stud, Von Miller. Green Bay’s 3-4 defense could really use a spark off the edge.
On the year, the Packers are about as middle-of-the-pack as it can get when it comes to sacks but has the fourth-highest pressure rate in the NFL. By adding Chubb, it can convert more of those pressures into sacks. 15 sacks off of a 27.1% pressure rate is not ideal. They’re the team within the top 11 pressure rates with the lowest number of sacks. Adding to the pass rush would give the Packers the kick they need on an underperforming defense.
Brian Burns
Now for the least likely but by far the biggest splash, Brian Burns. Burns has been a playmaker for the Carolina Panthers ever since he was drafted. While he has been considered off-limits, Carolina is in full-rebuild mode. In 55 career games in Carolina, Burns has accounted for 162 tackles, 34 for loss, and 30.5 sacks. He’s coming off of a Pro Bowl appearance and has amassed 9.0 sacks each of the past two years and is already at 5.0.
As is the case for Chubb, Burns would be a massive upgrade and defensive weapon. The issue, however, would be the cost. How committed to winning another Super Bowl are the Packers? It was reported that Carolina turned down a trade package with a pair of first-round picks earlier in the week, can Green Bay beat that? The Packers have had some struggles in the draft, so shipping off a pick that may be destined for another back-up quarterback may be best.
