Packers make a huge mistake at the NFL trade deadline
The NFL is about to reach its trade deadline this afternoon, leading to a flurry of moves across the league. For now, the Green Bay Packers have remained silent.
Unfortunately, they have missed out on a potentially great piece of business.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the division-rival Chicago Bears have traded for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool, sending a 2023 second-round pick in return.
It could’ve been a different story, however.
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, there was belief that the Packers would’ve made the best offer before the Bears agreed to a deal with the Steelers.
As of 8am this morning I'm told "it was looking like Green Bay was potentially going to offer the best deal for Chase (Claypool)," per league source. Obviously the #Bears have swooped in and nabbed the #Steelers WR.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 1, 2022
That’s a tough one to take for the Packers.
Yes, an argument can absolutely be made for Green Bay sticking with its current roster for the remainder of the season, but Claypool is a player who can help both this year and in the long term.
Claypool is a talented young player with WR1 potential, and he is only 24 years old. A wide receiver room featuring Claypool, Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson would’ve set the Packers up in a far better position for the remainder of the 2022 season and into future years.
For a second-round pick, it would’ve been a risk worth taking. It could prove to be a great deal for the Bears.
With great size and athleticism, Claypool checks plenty of the boxes Packers GM Brian Gutekunst looks for at wide receiver.
In his first two seasons, Claypool caught 121 passes for 1,733 yards and 11 touchdowns. This year, he has caught 32 passes for 311 yards and a touchdown, but has been competing with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens for snaps.
It remains to be seen whether Green Bay will make a move before the trade deadline, but time is running out.
Claypool would’ve helped solve a problem this season but also given the Packers a long-term answer at wide receiver.
An opportunity missed.