Jets' win on TNF may have screwed Packers out of dream trade deadline target

As Aaron Rodgers connected with Davante Adams for a season-saving 37-yard touchdown against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football, it brought a wave of nostalgia to Green Bay Packers fans. How could anybody not enjoy this reunion tour?

In reality, it may have hurt the Packers.

Green Bay's cornerback need is becoming more apparent every week, especially when the full starting secondary isn't available. In Matt LaFleur's own words, Evan Williams' injury set off a "chain reaction" against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It forced Javon Bullard to move back to safety with Keisean Nixon taking his spot in the slot. Eric Stokes came in at cornerback to similarly disappointing results as we've seen all year.

The Packers need cornerback help, and Jaire Alexander's injury makes it even more apparent.

So, how does this come back to the Jets finally winning a game? Well, it may have shut down an opportunity for the Packers to land the perfect trade deadline target.

Packers no longer get an opportunity to target D.J. Reed at the NFL trade deadline

Early in the first quarter of Thursday Night Football, Jets insider Zack Rosenblatt, who covers the team for The Athletic, created some buzz on social media. He predicted that should the Jets lose to the Texans, they may trade cornerback D.J. Reed.

Reed is indeed great, and he reminded everyone why in this game, making five tackles, one pass defense, and one sack. His PFF grade ranked seventh among all cornerbacks entering Week 9, and he was ninth in coverage grade.

READ MORE: Emergency trades the Packers should make before the deadline

According to Pro Football Reference, he entered Week 8 with seven pass defenses in just six games while allowing only 10 completions on 25 targets (40 percent) for 66 yards and no touchdowns. Quarterbacks were averaging 2.6 yards per target with a passer rating of only 47.9 when throwing his way.

How could the Packers not have had interest in the former fifth-round pick had the Jets made him available for trade? While his elite performances this season would seemingly make him untouchable, Reed is in the final year of his contract, potentially driving down the Jets' asking price. Had they slipped to 2-7 on the year with their playoff dreams effectively over, hitting the reset button and acquiring draft capital would've been a smart tactic.

We can forget about it. While New York still has a mountain to climb at 3-6, you don't go all-in to this degree only to quit now. Rodgers will probably make a comment about relaxing or running the table, and the Jets will fight on for a few more weeks, still fail to make the playoffs, and then lose Reed in free agency.

Nobody wins in the long run. The Jets still won't make the playoffs, but their victory over the Texans may have cost the Packers the perfect opportunity to land cornerback help before the deadline.

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