3 dream targets for Packers at NFL trade deadline to boost Super Bowl hopes

The Green Bay Packers find themselves in a favorable but rare position. They don't have any desperate needs. Their victory over the Houston Texans provides hope that they may have solved two of their biggest issues: kicking and rushing the passer.

Brandon McManus booted through a game-winning kick on debut, suggesting the Packers have finally found their Mason Crosby replacement, while the pass rush made life miserable for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.

However, it's fair to still question whether the Packers need to consider trading for another pass-rusher, while cornerback remains an uncertain position. They are an injury or two away from real problems in the backend of the defense, as we saw in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings when Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine missed the game.

Green Bay could stand pat at the trade deadline and save its draft capital, but if general manager Brian Gutekunst decides to make a move, he should consider making an offer for one of these three dream targets.

Dream trade targets Packers should make a move for before the deadline

3. Azeez Ojulari, Edge, New York Giants

The Packers' pass rush showed significant improvements against the Texans in Week 7, but there could still be room for more help on the edge, especially if they trade Preston Smith.

Azeez Ojulari could be the perfect trade target. The New York Giants are quickly falling out of playoff contention, which could make them sellers at the trade deadline. Ojulari is a former second-round pick but is a backup behind Kayvon Thibodeaux (when healthy) and Brian Burns. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Ojulari will draw interest before the trade deadline.

The Packers should make a move. Ojulari is only 24 years old and has been a productive pass rusher for the Giants. He has four sacks and five quarterback hits this season, including three sacks in his previous two games.

With Smith facing an uncertain future, the Packers could find a long-term partner for Rashan Gary on the edge. A pass rush of Gary, Ojulari, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, and Smith (if he isn't traded) would set the Packers up nicely for a deep playoff run.

2. Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are in free fall. They are 1-6, just lost their starting quarterback for the year, and have already started the fire sale by trading Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. Cornerback Greg Newsome II is a realistic target the Packers must consider.

Cleveland has good cornerback depth, which limits Newsome to playing most of his snaps in the slot. While he can play there at a high level, his best work in Jeff Hafley's defense would come on the outside. It would allow Keisean Nixon to move back to the slot (or to the bench if the Packers prefer Javon Bullard there), with Newsome starting opposite Jaire Alexander to create a dream cornerback pairing.

While Newsome hasn't made a great start to the season, he has proven throughout his career that he is a quality starting corner. Last year, he defended 14 passes, intercepted two, and returned one for a touchdown. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed a passer rating of only 74.8 in his coverage.

Only 24 years old, the former first-round pick still has many years ahead of him. The Browns picked up his fifth-year option, ensuring Newsome is under contract through 2025. He could help Green Bay's defense in both the short- and long-term.

1. Maxx Crosby, Edge, Las Vegas Raiders

Hey, we said dream targets for a reason. The chances of the Packers trading for Maxx Crosby are close to zero, but not impossible. The Las Vegas Raiders likely won't entertain offers, and even if they did, the Packers almost certainly won't meet their demands.

However, as fans, we can make a case for why Green Bay should attempt to make the blockbuster of all blockbuster trades before the November 5 deadline.

The Packers have a team talented enough to compete for a Super Bowl. Jordan Love can make plays only a handful of quarterbacks in the league can, and Hafley's defense is playing at a championship level. As noted earlier, the pass rush improved against Houston, but there are still concerns.

Crosby would change that. He would transform the Packers' defense.

Since the start of the 2022 season, Crosby has made 33.5 sacks, 78 quarterback hits, and a league-best 55 tackles for loss. He rarely leaves the field, gives incredible effort on every snap, and makes game-changing plays against the pass and run.

Opponents would have no choice but to double-team Crosby, creating favorable one-on-one matchups for Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark. Add in the blitzing ability of Edgerrin Cooper and the defensive backs, and Hafley would have an all-star lineup to work with.

More Packers news and analysis