Packers rumors: Trade for tight end possible before deadline

Just hours away from the NFL’s trade deadline, don’t be surprised if the Green Bay Packers make a move at tight end.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, many teams “believe the Packers are doing homework on tight ends”. Among the names Fowler notes could be available are the New York Giants’ Evan Engram and the Atlanta Falcons’ Hayden Hurst.

Tight end is a position the Packers should look to strengthen before the deadline with starter Robert Tonyan out for the rest of the season after tearing his ACL in Week 8.

There has been some trade activity around the league from a couple of Super Bowl contenders, and two teams on the Packers’ schedule in the next few weeks. The Kansas City Chiefs have trade for Melvin Ingram, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, while the Los Angeles Rams have traded for Von Miller.

Green Bay doesn’t often make in-season trades right before the deadline, although general manager Brian Gutekunst does do plenty of homework for a good deal. If there’s an opportunity to add a tight end in the coming hours, it would make sense.

Without Tonyan, the Packers have lost a great pass-catcher at the position. Marcedes Lewis has been more involved in the passing game this season but is primarily a blocker. Josiah Deguara’s role as a receiver has been limited to this point.

A player like Evan Engram could change things. Since 2017, Engram has 239 catches for 2,606 yards and 14 touchdowns. Now imagine what he could do in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Green Bay would need to take on Engram’s cap number this year, but he’s a free agent in the offseason so it would be a short-term addition to help the team go all-in this season.

Do you think the Packers should make a trade before the deadline later today?