Add a game-changing edge-rusher, and the Green Bay Packers would have one of the most balanced and championship-ready starting lineups in the NFL.
Depth is crucial, of course, but when focused on the projected starters, there's a lot to love about the Packers' squad. Cornerback is also a concern, but defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has a more-than-capable starting three to work with. The worry at corner is the paper-thin depth behind the starters.
Finding a pass-rusher should remain a priority, and one trade could help the Packers level up.
Kayvon Thibodeaux's name has come up regularly this offseason. The former No. 5 overall pick hasn't yet lived up to those lofty expectations and may now lose snaps to Brian Burns and this year's No. 2 selection Abdul Carter.
John Buhler of FanSided put together a trade idea that could bring Thibodeaux to Green Bay.
Buhler's proposal would see the Packers giving up a 2026 second-round pick as well as a third and fourth in 2027. That works.
"While it might take two top-100 picks and some change to make this deal work, it serves Green Bay to at least try," writes Buhler. "Thibodeaux was a menace at Oregon in college and already has a double-digit sack season under his belt with New York. Of course, it came two years ago when he played all 17 games in 2023. Thibodeaux has missed seven games so far in his career, but has averaged 8.3 sacks annually."
Buhler is 100 percent correct. While Thibodeaux only managed 5.5 sacks last season, he also missed five games. In 2023, he played all 17 and made an impressive 11.5 sacks.
How could adding Thibodeaux impact the starting lineup?
Kayvon Thibodeaux would be the missing piece in the Packers' starting lineup
Offense
Position | Player |
|---|---|
QB | Jordan Love |
RB | Josh Jacobs |
WR | Matthew Golden |
WR | Jayden Reed |
WR | Romeo Doubs |
TE | Tucker Kraft |
LT | Rasheed Walker |
LG | Aaron Banks |
C | Elgton Jenkins |
RG | Jordan Morgan |
RT | Zach Tom |
The Packers will rely on Jordan Love putting it all together in Year 3 as the starter, one of their young wide receivers breaking out, and the group staying healthy, but the potential is sky-high.
There's no real weak link. Love is poised for a breakout season despite being overlooked by many analysts. Josh Jacobs proved why he's still one of the league's best running backs last season, and the Packers have a deep receiving group.
The only question is whether Romeo Doubs gets traded or sticks around for the final year of his rookie contract, but for now, he's in the lineup.
And the scary part for defenses? Christian Watson will return at some point.
There are questions along the offensive line. Can Jordan Morgan win the left tackle job, or will he play at right guard? Can second-round rookie Anthony Belton earn a starting spot?
Defense
Position | Player |
|---|---|
DE | Kayvon Thibodeaux |
DT | Kenny Clark |
DT | Devonte Wyatt |
DE | Rashan Gary |
LB | Edgerrin Cooper |
LB | Quay Walker |
CB | Carrington Valentine |
NB | Nate Hobbs |
CB | Keisean Nixon |
SS | Evan Williams |
FS | Xavier McKinney |
Here it is.
Thibodeaux is a game-changing addition to this lineup. Rather than relying on Lukas Van Ness, who hasn't played anywhere near his first-round potential through two seasons, they add a potential difference-maker in Thibodeaux.
The Packers would have a formidable pass-rushing core up front, with Thibodeaux joining Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, and Devonte Wyatt.
Edgerrin Cooper has All-Pro potential at linebacker, while Xavier McKinney is coming off an All-Pro season of his own as the Packers' leader in the defensive backfield.
While questions remain regarding cornerback depth, Green Bay has a solid starting three.
The pass rush is the biggest concern. Adding a player like Thibodeaux could transform the defensive line.