The Green Bay Packers telegraphed it by admitting their offensive line depth needed work.
Now, general manager Brian Gutekunst has done something about it. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Packers have sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for versatile offensive lineman Darian Kinnard. The move could signal the end of Jacob Monk's time in Green Bay.
It seemed likely the Packers would search for outside help along the offensive line before finalizing their 53-man roster, and Kinnard achieves exactly that. The 25-year-old is a former fifth-round pick with experience at tackle and guard, and he will immediately provide solid depth along the offensive line.
Packers all but sealed Jacob Monk's fate with last-minute trade for Darian Kinnard
Trading for offensive line depth doesn't bode well for second-year Monk, whose future with the Packers is in jeopardy after a disastrous preseason.
Monk lost the backup center job to Sean Rhyan, instead playing at right guard in the preseason. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing five pressures and one sack, as well as giving away three penalties, in two games. He then missed the preseason finale due to a hamstring injury.
With starting right guard Rhyan also becoming Elgton Jenkins' backup at center, the Packers needed to add some versatility to the offensive line. That's where Kinnard can come in. He can come off the bench to help out at multiple positions.
The Packers previously had seven roster locks: Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Jenkins, Rhyan, Zach Tom, Jordan Morgan, and Anthony Belton. Second-year Donovan Jennings took a big step toward clinching a spot with a bounce-back performance in the preseason finale — he can also play multiple positions.
Kinnard will take another spot, taking the Packers to nine linemen.
It's hard to imagine Monk, who is at best the Packers' third center and likely won't play another position, taking a spot ahead of a backup like Kadeem Telfort, who offers cover at tackle and guard.
Green Bay drafted Monk in the fifth round a year ago, but his poor preseason performance may have ended his chances of making the 53. His injury only further complicates things.
Kinnard is a smart addition to the room, and he gives the Packers the additional depth they desperately needed.