Almost exactly one year ago, the Green Bay Packers recognized the need to find a backup quarterback and surprisingly traded for Malik Willis.
It was a stroke of genius for general manager Brian Gutekunst, as the Packers needed Willis to start as early as Week 2 after Jordan Love suffered a sprained MCL. Willis went 2-0 in games he started before coming off the bench to save the Packers against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Trading a seventh-rounder for Willis became arguably the best trade of the season. A year on, Gutekunst has made another smart last-minute move to address an area of need by trading for offensive lineman Darian Kinnard.
Green Bay has reportedly sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, making it a low-risk move that solves a problem along the offensive line.
Packers make another smart last-minute trade that fixes a major concern before Week 1
The Packers learned the hard way, ironically against the Eagles in January's playoff exit, how a lack of offensive line depth can derail their offense. They were fully aware that they needed to find help before Week 1 after a disappointing preseason.
Second-year Jacob Monk struggled in the opening two exhibition games and is now sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Packers lost Travis Glover to injured reserve, while rookie John Williams has spent all of training camp on the PUP list. Free-agent addition Aaron Banks has been in and out of practice all summer due to a back issue.
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Kinnard likely wouldn't have made the Eagles' roster, but he offers some experience at multiple spots. He has played tackle and guard during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, and he also brings some good luck with him, having been on the winning roster of the past three Super Bowl champions.
It brings flashbacks to a year ago when the Packers desperately needed an upgrade at the backup quarterback position.
Neither Sean Clifford nor Michael Pratt had performed well enough in the preseason, prompting Gutekunst to search for a veteran addition. Many questioned the call to trade for Willis, who had struggled with the Tennessee Titans, especially when Ryan Tannehill remained available in free agency.
But Willis saved the Packers' season. That's not to say Kinnard will make that kind of game-changing impact, but he might just provide the depth this team desperately needs when injuries inevitably hit the offensive line.
It's a low-risk move that gives the Packers insurance at tackle and guard. With Week 1 fast approaching, they have solved one of their most pressing concerns.