As Micah Parsons hit his 12-sack milestone for the fifth year in a row, Green Bay Packers fans celebrated the blockbuster trade that occurred just 10 days before Week 1 kickoff. However, there was another trade in the lead-up to the season that has also proved incredibly worthwhile.
Four days before the Micah trade, the Packers acquired offensive lineman Darian Kinnard from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick. The decision has paid off, with Kinnard providing solid play as the Green Bay O-line has struggled with injuries.
Kinnard has not only put time in as the sixth lineman in jumbo formations, but he's also been a reliable backup for Zach Tom.
Packers' under-the-radar trade for Darian Kinnard is looking like a genius move
In last week's game against the Denver Broncos, Kinnard joined the primary lineup after Tom exited with a knee injury. The former Eagle ended up playing about 60 percent of snaps in Denver, his most since Week 4, when he was also filling in for an injured Tom.
Kinnard has the Packers' second-best Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade this season, an excellent 83.5. Only running back Chris Brooks ranks higher. He has also held up fine in pass protection, allowing eight pressures and just one sack.
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With Tom listed as questionable for Saturday's game following three days of no practice, it seems likely that Kinnard will start in his place. After witnessing so much inconsistency along the O-line this season, Packers fans should feel thankful that the last-second addition has paid off as well as it has.
While not one of the league's elite blockers, trading for Kinnard has turned out to be a steal. For some extra protection around Jordan Love, giving up a future sixth-round pick is nothing to worry about.
And just like the Malik Willis trade (where the Packers gave up a single seventh-round pick), this move has been another example of GM Brian Gutekunst turning late-draft capital into players who can help push Green Bay back into position to control the NFC North.