Brian Gutekunst's Green Bay Packers aren't quite at the level of Ted Thompson's trade deadline inactivity, but they aren't a million miles away. The Packers rarely make moves on deadline day, but could that change?
Other teams around the league, and potentially the NFC North, are making moves, with the Detroit Lions reportedly working on a deal for Za'Darius Smith.
Despite a crushing loss at home to the Lions in Week 9, the Packers enter their bye with a 6-3 record and have laid the foundations of a championship season. There are areas to improve from within, but they could also consider searching for outside help.
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The two positions that come to mind are cornerback and edge rusher. Jeff Hafley's unit continues to impress despite not producing consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while life has been difficult for every outside cornerback not named Jaire Alexander.
Help could be on the way before the NFL trade deadline on November 5.
ESPN insider names Greg Newsome as a possible Packers target at NFL trade deadline
Packers insider Rob Demovsky appeared on ESPN Milwaukee and spoke about the possibility of the team getting help before Tuesday's trade deadline. While many are focused on the pass rush, Demovsky believes cornerback is the greater concern and named Cleveland's Greg Newsome II a player to "keep an eye on."
"There is a trade in a position that could solve some of the problems. I don't think it's pass rusher, I think it's corner," said Demovsky. "I think they need a corner bad. I would keep an eye on Greg Newsome in Cleveland. I would not be surprised if they made or tried to at least make a move there."
Interesting. Newsome's name has come up a lot in connection to the Packers this season, and understandably so. Green Bay met with Newsome before the 2021 NFL Draft, only to see him come off the board a few picks before the team selected Eric Stokes.
While Newsome isn't having his best season (which Browns players are?), he has a history of excellent cornerback play. Last year, the former first-rounder defended 14 passes and intercepted two, returning one for a touchdown.
It hasn't gone as well for Newsome this season, but a change of scenery and a switch to Jeff Hafley's defense could help him rediscover his best form. And why not? He is under contract through the 2025 season, as the Browns picked up his fifth-year option, but with a 2-7 record, Cleveland may need to start thinking about its long-term future.
The Browns could soon send Za'Darius Smith back to the NFC North, but the Packers could benefit from their fire sale, too. In Demovsky's words, Newsome is a player to "keep an eye on."