3 players Packers should make trade offer for before deadline

Melvin Ingram

The Packers could still do with some pass-rush help. They are without Za’Darius Smith — potentially for the season — while Preston Smith is also dealing with an injury that kept him out in Week 7.

Rashan Gary has come alive in recent weeks — he had two sacks, four QB hits, and a forced fumble on Sunday. The Packers also signed free-agent Whitney Mercilus, who played on 43 percent of the team’s defensive snaps on debut, according to Pro Football Reference.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Melvin Ingram could potentially be available via a trade before the deadline. Rapoport noted that the Pittsburgh Steelers have “listened and engaged” to calls from other teams. As Rapoport also noted, Ingram’s base salary is $1.075 million this season, so a deal could be possible for the Packers from a salary-cap perspective.

The 32-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler. While he hasn’t been a starter each week for the Steelers this season, he would give the Packers some added pass-rush depth next to Gary, Smith, and Mercilus. Ingram has one sack and six QB hits so far this season.

Ingram still has plenty to offer. For the Packers, he could be a home-run addition. And it wouldn’t be too difficult for the Packers to make a trade work on the salary cap side of things.