3 players Packers should explore trading before Week 1

Corey Linsley

Corey Linsley is one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the NFL, so trading him away would be a huge risk for the Packers, and it would take a lot for it to make sense.

However, like Williams, Linsley is entering the final year on his current contract. And with David Bakhtiari, Kenny Clark, Aaron Jones, and Kevin King also becoming free agents, it’s difficult to see a scenario in which the Packers are also able to re-sign Linsley.

If Linsley becomes a free agent, there will undoubtedly be interest from other teams. As a result, the Packers could receive a compensatory draft pick in 2022. But that’s complicated and could be wiped out if Green Bay is active in free agency next offseason. By trading Linsley, the Packers would be able to bring back draft picks in the 2021 draft.

In terms of cap savings, the Packers would be able to free up $8.5 million, which could be vital when it comes to re-signing other key players with expiring contracts.

Of course, there’s a huge risk to trading away Linsley. He’s an excellent player and replacing him would be difficult. One option would be to move Elgton Jenkins to center and start Lane Taylor and Billy Turner at the two guard spots. It could work, but would the Packers’ offensive line improve in such a scenario? That’s doubtful.

However, considering the Packers drafted three interior offensive linemen this year, it certainly appears they are preparing to move on from Linsley next offseason. One option would be to trade him before the start of the 2020 season, freeing up cap room and adding draft picks in the process.