Brian Gutekunst’s Green Bay Packers aren’t quite as inactive as Ted Thompson’s team during the trade deadline, but they’re not far off. The Packers rarely make transactions on deadline day, but this may change.
Other teams in the league, including the NFC North, are making moves, with the Detroit Lions apparently negotiating a deal for Za’Darius Smith.
Despite a heartbreaking loss at home to the Lions in Week 9, the Packers go into their bye week with a 6-3 record and the makings of a championship season. There are areas for improvement inside, but they might also seek outside assistance.
The positions that spring to mind are cornerback and edge rusher. Jeff Hafley’s unit continues to impress despite a lack of consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while life has been difficult for every outside cornerback other than Jaire Alexander.
Help could be on its way before the NFL trade deadline on November 5.
ESPN insider mentions Greg Newsome as a likely Packers target at the NFL trade deadline.
Packers insider Rob Demovsky came on ESPN Milwaukee and discussed the potential of the team acquiring help before Tuesday’s trade deadline. While many are focusing on the pass rush, Demovsky believes the cornerback position is more important and has designated Cleveland’s Greg Newsome II a guy to “keep an eye on.”
“There is a trade in a position that could address some of the issues. “I don’t think it’s a pass rusher; I think it’s a corner,” Demovsky explained. “I believe they need a corner badly. I’d keep an eye on Greg Newsome in Cleveland. I wouldn’t be surprised if they made or attempted to make a move there.
Interesting. This season, Newsome’s name has been spoken frequently in connection with the Packers, which is understandable. Green Bay visited with Newsome prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, but he dropped off the board a few picks before the team selected Eric Stokes.
While Newsome isn’t having his best season (few Browns players are?), he has a track record of outstanding cornerback play. Last year, he intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown, while defending 14 others.
Newsome hasn’t performed well this season, but a change of scenery and a switch to Jeff Hafley’s defence should help him find his best form. So why not? He is under contract until the 2025 season, since the Browns took up his fifth-year option, but with a 2-7 record, Cleveland may need to consider its long-term prospects.
The Browns could soon send Za’Darius Smith back to the NFC North, but the Packers could also gain from the fire sale. Demovsky describes Newsome as a player to “keep an eye on.”
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