The Green Bay Packers addressed their biggest needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, but one pressing concern remains at running back.
Who is the RB2 behind Josh Jacobs? MarShawn Lloyd has the talent but can't stay healthy. He has featured in just one game since the Packers drafted him in the third round two years ago. Chris Brooks? While a solid blocker, it's a big ask for him to step into the No. 2 duties behind Jacobs.
So, where do the Packers turn? The free-agent options are underwhelming, and the draft is gone. ESPN's Mike Clay floated a perfect solution: Trade for Trey Benson.
"James Conner, Alvin Kamara and Trey Benson need new homes," Clay writes. "I could see fits with the following teams: Commanders, Colts, Cowboys, Bengals, Packers, Chiefs, Browns."
A Packers-Cardinals trade for Trey Benson would be a win for both sides
Clay also mentions Conner and Kamara, but Benson is the clear winner here. While the third-year pro is the less established name, he is just 23 years old with untapped potential.
Benson stood out as an ideal target for the Packers before the 2024 NFL Draft. The Arizona Cardinals selected him at the top of the third round at No. 66 overall, just 22 picks before the Packers took MarShawn Lloyd.
Opportunities in the Cardinals' backfield have been tough to come by, but Benson has produced encouraging results. He has turned 92 carries into 451 yards and one touchdown at a healthy 4.9 yards per attempt, while catching 19 passes for 123 yards.
Benson is an elite athlete with game-changing breakaway speed. His 9.76 Relative Athletic Score was among the best in his draft class, helped by an electric 4.39-second 40-yard dash. But Benson doesn't just offer speed. He has ideal size at 6-foot, 220 pounds, and broke tackles for fun at Florida State. He even drew comparisons, coincidentally, to Josh Jacobs.
So, why would the Cardinals entertain an offer, given Benson's potential?
Arizona signed Tyler Allgeier in free agency before selecting Jeremiyah Love with the third overall pick in last month's draft. Love has All-Pro potential, while Allgeier has proven he can lead a backfield when called upon. That leaves Benson with even fewer opportunities than before.
The Cardinals, now led by Matt LaFleur's brother, Mike, would benefit from adding 2027 draft capital to continue their rebuild. Maybe the LaFleur brothers can help each other out and convince their GMs to negotiate.
Green Bay lacks an RB2 after surprisingly moving on from Emanuel Wilson. With options running out, Benson could be the missing piece they need.
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