The Green Bay Packers are known for failing to add players to their roster at the NFL trade deadline, something Aaron Rodgers acknowledged earlier this week. This year, the team fell short once more.
In fact, the Packers not only did not buy at the deadline on Tuesday, but they also sold tiny quantities. For the second consecutive season, the Packers trad a veteran defender to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Overall, Smith’s snap count is declining and his contract hit is increasing dramatically over the next two years, so the move makes sense, even if Brian Gutekunst received little in return.
Here’s the problem, though. This change appears to have happened weeks ago, since Smith dropped a bombshell in his first words to the Pittsburgh media on Wednesday.
“A few weeks ago, I requested a trade,” Smith told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I didn’t feel valuable in the system. It didn’t cater to my playing style. Moving forward, I was not surprised when I received the call.”
“I received what I asked for, and I’m in a tremendous position with some fantastic teammates. I’m excited about the fresh beginning.
Wait, what? So, not only did Smith want out of Green Bay, which is surprising, but he also asked to be traded weeks ago? Well, that only makes matters worse.
The Packers seem considerably worse following Preston Smith’s bombshell.
It’s no secret that most trades take time to complete because so many variables must be considered.
But, c’mon. The Packers reportedly had weeks to move Smith. Even doing this one week ago would have given Gutekunst plenty of time to consider alternative options before Tuesday’s deadline.
And make no mistake: Green Bay needed some upgrades, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The Packers certainly need a cornerback. And, while they were never going to go out and get a guy like Marshon Lattimore, who eventually went to the Washington Commanders, they sat back and watched the Baltimore Ravens sign veteran Tre’Davious White for almost nothing.
Green Bay likely required assistance with the pass rush as well. Look no farther than Devonte Wyatt’s 3.0 sacks, which lead the team. And the Packers had a multitude of alternatives on that front, including Azeez Olujari, but they evidently did nothing.
Look, this is still a solid football team. And with a 6-3 record, the Packers are in a good position in the NFL postseason picture as they enter their bye week. But knowing they had weeks to make things better and still refused to do so must be infuriating for Green Bay fans.
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