The Green Bay Packers' need for a running back at the trade deadline is widely known. After the team's 45-27 win over the New England Patriots, a new need might have jumped to the top of the list ahead of this week's deadline.
Linebacker.
The Packers were already thin at linebacker entering Week 9. Star Edgerrin Cooper is out for the year with a torn Achilles, and Zaire Franklin is still nursing a shin injury that has kept him out for several games.
That left just four linebackers, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann, and Kristian Welch, on the roster and available to play in games. During Sunday's game, that number dwindled even further.
Hopper left the game early with a chest injury and was quickly ruled out. Late in the game, McDuffie joined the injured linebacker group. While the team managed without Hopper, the lack of depth began to show.
Nick Niemann, who typically plays a special teams-only role, had to step in, and it went about as you'd expect. While he played well enough, Niemann was quickly targeted by the Patriots and gave up two catches, including a 30-yard touchdown to running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
Packers' linebacker room is suddenly very thin and in need of help
Thankfully for the Packers, Niemann's performance (which actually earned him a game ball for having to come in on such short notice) is something the team can laugh off in the moment. It also seems likely that both Hopper and McDuffie should be okay.
However, Sunday's game showed us exactly what can happen when injuries pile up, and how quickly it could spiral if the team isn't already winning 17-0 when it happens. The Packers' defense managed to come out on top, but going forward, that might not always be the case.
That's why, alongside running back, the Packers need to consider their options at linebacker.
While Zaire Franklin is likely to return soon, the Packers showed on Sunday why they could desperately use some depth, and perhaps even a boost in talent, in the linebacker room. Of course, the main question then becomes who to target, which throws a wrench into many plans.
Packers should explore the linebacker market before NFL trade deadline
Several moves could happen around the league before Tuesday's trade deadline, and with more teams looking to potentially sell, the Packers could get in on a deal.
The linebacker market seems to be one of the thinnest, and even with someone like Zack Baun potentially being talked about as on the move, would the Packers move enough to get him?
There's also the discussion about where the Packers are in terms of the season, and whether the team is better off not moving draft assets right now for a trade. They've dealt with an unlucky number of injuries to key players and play in what has quickly become the most competitive division in football. Even though they're 6-3, does the Packers sitting in last place in the NFC North mean they should probably just wait until next year to make all the "all-in" moves?
For me, I think the obvious answer is no. Although the team is missing some key players, games like Sunday prove the Packers are capable of playing with the best in the NFL when they play a complete game.
Adding to the roster, especially for players who might be under contract for future years, wouldn't hurt the team at all, and when it comes to a position like linebacker, it would be a huge boost in a big position of need.
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