The Green Bay Packers' loss to the Detroit Lions highlighted a significant gap between the two teams.
Detroit embarrassed Green Bay at Lambeau Field for the second year in a row. It's far from over for Matt LaFleur's team, which they proved last season by returning the favor with a big win against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
Even more help is on the way for the Lions, as they are expected to trade for former Packers pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith before Tuesday's deadline. Green Bay also has a pass-rush problem and should consider picking up the phone to make a last-minute deal.
While general manager Brian Gutekunst rarely makes any deadline-day moves, outside of a Rasul Douglas trade that is still haunting the Packers, a few targets would make sense if he considers buying.
Trade deadline moves Packers need to make after losing to Lions
Giants edge-rusher Azeez Ojulari should be Packers' top priority
If the Packers are open to making a big splash before the trade deadline, look no further than New York Giants pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Ojulari has been the "subject of several calls," and it makes sense. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns lead the Giants' pass rush, and they may be unable to pay Ojulari when his contract expires in the offseason.
Ojulari has proven himself in recent weeks with Thibodeaux on injured reserve. He has started the Giants' past four games, making five sacks, seven quarterback hits, and six tackles for loss. Ojulari would be a game-changing addition to the Packers' defense.
He's only 24 years old, so Green Bay could hand him a new deal and land a long-term starter alongside Rashan Gary.
Packers could make a win-now move for Calais Campbell
The Miami Dolphins are going nowhere after falling to 2-6. Trading veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell would be a win-win scenario for everyone involved. It makes little sense for Miami to keep Campbell, who is 38 years old and playing on a one-year, $2 million contract.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, teams have called the Dolphins about a potential move for Campbell. It would make sense for the Packers to get involved.
Campbell is still playing at a high level and proving that age is just a number. The six-time Pro Bowler can play across the defensive line and has made two sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 18 pressures for Miami this year.
It's hard to believe Campbell is still making such a significant impact. If the Dolphins are open to dealing him, it's hard to imagine it would cost more than a late-Day 3 pick, which is well worth it for the Packers to boost their pass rush for the remainder of the season.
Chase Young could provide a short-term fix to pass-rush woes
Chase Young may have never lived up to expectations after being selected second overall four years ago, but the 25-year-old could give the Packers' pass rush a spark. Along with three sacks this season, PFF credits Young with 30 pressures, which is tied for the 14th-most in the NFL. It's comfortably more than any Packers edge defender.
Young is in a contract year so would only be a short-term fix unless the Packers offered him a new deal. The New Orleans Saints fell to 2-7 after losing to the Carolina Panthers, so it won't be surprising if they look to sell before the deadline.
He's not an All-Pro, but Young is quietly having a good season. He was excellent in 2023, too, making 11 sacks and 74 pressures with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers.