Week 5 is about to start and due to an incredibly early bye week for Green Bay, the tie against Dallas continues to linger for Packers fans everywhere. The Packers were firmly in the drivers seat after a pair of early scores led to a commanding 13-0 advantage. The ensuing blocked extra point put the Cowboys on the board, and seemingly swung momentum to Dallas.
While there has been plenty of blame to throw around, conservative play calling down the stretch and a patchwork offensive line among some of the complaints, there was one bigger issue. The dominant defense that turned heads across the NFL in the first 3 weeks of the season disappeared. Green Bay only got to Dak Prescott once, though it was at a huge point in the game, holding the Cowboys to a field goal attempt in overtime.
Kudos to the Cowboys coaching staff, they managed to negate the Packers pass rush with quick strike passes that left Prescott's hand before Parsons, Gary, Van Ness, and Co., could get him under too much pressure. In doing so, Dallas exposed what may be Green Bay's biggest weakness.
This was a sketchy cornerback group before releasing Jaire Alexander, and the Packers haven't done much to beef up the position. After dealing their next two first round picks to Dallas (and Kenny Clark), the Packers don't have a lot of capital to make a massive move, so that must be kept in mind when looking at any additions. Still, there are a couple guys Green Bay should target.
1. Asante Samuel Jr., Free Agent
This would probably be the biggest splash possible. Samuel missed most of last season with an injury that has lingered into the start of the 2025 season. Per an ESPN report from Jeremy Fowler, Samuel is set to get a CT scan on his spinal fusion at some point in October, at which point if all is well, he could look to join a team for the back half of the season.
Green Bay has reportedly been checking in on the young corner, who would be a significant upgrade to its corner group. Better yet, the deal he would sign likely would be incredibly team friendly, given that he would be a mid/late season addition. The team has roughly $11 million in cap space, which would put them in prime position to make a move.
2. James Bradberry, Free Agent
Another veteran player coming off an injury, James Bradberry missed all of 2024 after tearing his Achilles tendon and soleus muscle. Still, it isn't all that long ago that Bradberry was playing at a high level for the Eagles on a team that went to the Super Bowl.
Bradberry was a 2nd team All Pro in 2022, and followed that up with a solid 2023. He did reportedly visit with teams this spring, indicating he is at least nearing a return to action. This would likely involve a ramp up period to get him in "game shape", but would be a solid addition for the latter part of the season on a prove it deal.
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3. Joshua Williams, Kansas City Chiefs
Our first trade option, Joshua Williams currently playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. Williams has primarily played as an outside corner through his career, and has played a large number of special teams snaps as well. While he hasn't been counted on for a lot of reps with the Chiefs, he is solid when he sees the field. As a defender through 3 seasons, he has only allowed a 51.8% completion rate, and just a 77.4 passer rating last season.
Williams remains as an incredibly affordable option, with just a cap hit of $3.5 million to start the season, and part of that now prorated. Should the Packers pull the trigger on another trade, this could be one of the more cheaper options, potentially costing a late round pick.
4. Stephon Gilmore, Free Agent
This may be more fan service at this point, but until he signs somewhere or retires, Stephon Gilmore will remain an option in this conversation. While he is several years removed from the Defensive Player of the Year award that he won in 2019, the now 35 year old corner still has provided value at the position.
Last year with the Vikings, "Gilly Lock" was certainly serviceable, with an interception and 9 passes defended. He would likely also be on the cheaper end. When he signed with the Vikings, it was for $7 million, though that was prior to the start of the season and on the heels of a pretty good season with Dallas. Now, that number likely comes down.
5. Riq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks
Tariq "Riq" Woolen will likely be one of the hottest commodities on the trade block prior to this year's deadline. Playing in the final year of his rookie deal, Woolen has been a Pro Bowler, and was a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022.
While he hasn't matched the interception numbers that he did in his rookie campaign, Woolen has been good since then, hauling in 3 interceptions in 2024, defending 14 passes, and forcing a fumble.
Woolen would also provide some much needed size at the position, standing at 6'4", which would have 4 or 5 inches on nearly everyone else at the position. He has struggled a bit to start the 2025 campaign, though his track record would prove that a bounce back is far more likely.
A report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, shows that Woolen's playing time has been down, and considering that he is in a contract year, teams are believing that he would be available.
He is owed a $5.43 million contract this season, which would take up a good chunk of the Packers available space. Still, this would be another one that dealing a late round pick could prove immensely valuable for a Green Bay team that is teeter tottering between concerning and a legitimate contender.