3 Packers that could be traded before the start of the 2021 season
Kurt Benkert
Kurt Benkert hasn’t just become a fan favorite with the Packers, but he’s also done enough on the field to potentially interest other teams.
Green Bay is in a tricky situation with Benkert. The way he’s played is deserving of a roster spot, but he’d be the third-string quarterback for the Packers and it’s possible they won’t have the room on the 53-man roster.
One option is to find that room and lose some depth at another position. Another option would be to cut Benkert with the hope he clears waivers and can be re-signed to the practice squad. But that would be a roll of the dice and the Packers have been burned by going that route before when they lost Taysom Hill to the New Orleans Saints.
If the Packers decide they can’t make room for three QBs but also accept they’ll likely lose him on waivers, one option would be to consider trade offers.
GM Brian Gutekunst said he's not sure whether there will be any calls to trade for QB Kurt Benkert. He said he started receiving calls last week about potential deals and that discussions will go right up to the final cuts. Benkert is a clear No. 3 for GB.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) August 22, 2021
Brian Gutekunst didn’t say one way or another whether it was a possibility, while also adding that he wasn’t sure whether teams would be interested in trading for him.
Why not? There are plenty of teams who need a better backup QB. Benkert has been impressive, completing 26 of 37 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions in preseason. They may not be Aaron Rodgers numbers, but he’s made some Rodgers-level plays including a beautiful throw down the sideline on the run, and a perfect TD pass into the corner of the end zone.
Maybe Benkert could draw some interest elsewhere for a late-round pick.