Everything Packers fans need to know about the NFL trade deadline

NFL trade deadline day is like Christmas morning. Well, Christmas morning if you never receive any gifts. That's how it typically feels from a Green Bay Packers perspective.

Mike McCarthy once joked that he didn't even know when the deadline was. While the Packers aren't quite as opposed to making big moves as they were under Ted Thompson, they still seem reluctant to get deals over the line.

Maybe it will be different this time. The Packers are 6-3 but far from perfect, as their loss to the Detroit Lions proved. Other teams have shown how valuable a deadline-day deal can be when you get it right—Christian McCaffrey and Minkah Fitzpatrick became game-changers from the moment they arrived with their new teams.

What can Packers fans expect from deadline day? Probably nothing, but here's everything you need to know.

When is the NFL trade deadline?

The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, November 5, at 3 p.m. CT. Beyond that time, teams will no longer be able to make trades until the start of the new league year next spring.

Which positions do the Packers need the most help at?

Cornerback
Edge-rusher

Outside of Jaire Alexander, life hasn't been easy for the Packers' cornerbacks this season. Eric Stokes has been a liability, allowing a passer rating of 109.4 in his coverage, per PFF. The Packers benched him for slot corner Keisean Nixon until injuries forced Stokes back into the lineup.

Making the problem worse is that Alexander can't stay healthy. After missing 10 games last season, the All-Pro has only been on the field for six of the team's nine contests this fall.

The Packers' overconfidence in their cornerback room has led to predictably poor results, but the underwhelming pass-rush performances caught everyone by surprise.

Jeff Hafley's scheme was supposed to unlock the edge-rushers' potential, but despite the defense's overall success, the pass rush has regressed. Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark have fallen short of expectations, combining for just three sacks and 36 pressures in the first half of the season.

Potential Packers trade deadline targets

Greg Newsome II, CB, Browns
Marshon Lattimore, CB, Saints
Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Giants
Calais Campbell, DL, Dolphins
Chase Young, Edge, Saints

The Packers could go in plenty of directions to address the secondary or pass rush.

ESPN's Rob Demovsky noted that Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II is a player to "keep an eye on." However, he's hardly the only cornerback who could be moved on deadline day. With the Saints falling out of contention after a tough loss to the division-rival Panthers, perhaps the Packers could make a move for Marshon Lattimore.

At edge-rusher, while we can forget about any blockbuster deals for Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett, more realistic targets could include Chase Young or Azeez Ojulari. If the Packers want to add an experienced, versatile defensive lineman, they should consider calling the Dolphins for Calais Campbell, who is having an excellent season.

Which players could the Packers trade away?

Preston Smith, Edge
Andre Dillard, T

Last month, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that two Packers players had generated interest from other teams: Preston Smith and Andre Dillard. While the Dillard rumors have cooled somewhat, Smith's name keeps coming up.

There's no smoke without fire.

On Sunday, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that teams had called the Packers about a potential trade for Smith. The veteran pass-rusher played fewer snaps than Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare in Week 9—it could mean nothing, but it's notable nonetheless.

More Packers news and analysis

feed

Home/Green Bay Packers News