We all assumed if the Green Bay Packers were to make a last-minute trade before Tuesday's deadline, they'd target cornerback or defensive line help. Tucker Kraft's injury has changed the calculus.
According to Easton Butler of Packer Report, Green Bay has made calls about a potential deal for Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer and Cleveland Browns veteran David Njoku. It's important to stress that a call doesn't mean a deal is imminent, but it shows the Packers have interest.
With Kraft done for the year, Green Bay is suddenly thin at tight end, with Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick leading the charge. Beyond that, they seriously lack depth.
Packers reportedly eyeing a potential last-minute trade for tight end help
Mayer is an interesting one. The Packers had interest before the 2023 NFL Draft, but the Raiders ultimately selected him right before they landed Luke Musgrave. He is a solid receiving option, but, importantly, could replace some of the blocking prowess the Packers lose without Kraft.
He has stepped up admirably for the Raiders during Brock Bowers' absence, but with the Raiders' superstar tight end back from injury, perhaps they'd entertain an offer. It helps that Las Vegas just traded wide receiver Jakoki Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars, a sign they could be open for business.
Njoku would be more of a short-term rental. His contract expires in the offseason, so the Packers would presumably be bringing him in to help fill the void for the remainder of the year, and that's it.
The veteran is as experienced as they come, catching 378 passes for 4,029 yards and 32 touchdowns in 113 games for the Browns.
Nobody can replace Kraft, who was soaring to stardom, but the Packers are trying to win it all, so swapping a Day 3 pick for a veteran tight end could help the offense find a way without their superstar.