Packers three-round mock draft: F them picks trade edition

Packers trade with Falcons

After successfully strengthening the wide receiver position, how about helping Green Bay’s defense take another huge step forward?

This defense showed its potential late in the 2021 season. If all goes well, this unit could knock on the door of finishing inside the top five next year. Green Bay’s defensive line could dominate with two-time Pro Bowler and former second-team All-Pro Grady Jarrett.

Let’s first break down the trade.

From the Atlanta Falcons’ perspective, they have hit the reset button after trading MVP quarterback Matt Ryan. Atlanta is tight against the salary cap. Ryan still has the team’s highest cap hit despite no longer being on the team. Jarrett turns 29 this month and has a cap hit of $23.83 million in 2022, the final year on his contact, per Spotrac.

Of course, the Packers would need to do something about that contract to not take on a huge cap hit in 2022, one they can’t afford. To make this deal work, they would need to agree to a long-term extension with Jarrett when the trade is made, helping lower his 2022 cap hit.

But for an all-in Packers team, it would be well worth it. Jarrett is one of the best interior pass rushers in the league. Put him on the same defensive line as Kenny Clark and Jarran Reed, and look out.