The Green Bay Packers have risen from the ashes of a 1-2 start and now find themselves within shouting distance of the Minnesota Vikings at the top of the NFC North. Instead of wondering how quickly head coach Matt LaFleur will be fired, fans now have their sights set on a playoff push.
But that push won't come without some reinforcements. A couple of upgrades are already built in, as Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs near their respective returns. Still, the Packers could use some outside help at a few of their weakest positions.
With the November 10th trade deadline rapidly approaching, Green Bay has plenty of options available to improve its roster.
We've narrowed the list to six.
6. Cody Barton, LB, Titans
The Packers aren't replacing Edgerrin Cooper, at least not directly. The young defender is set to miss the season with a torn Achilles tendon, leaving the linebacker room alarmingly thin. Ty'Ron Hopper's breakout was well-timed, but he, Isaiah McDuffie, and Zaire Franklin can't hold the middle of the field down on their own.
There won't be any high-profile linebackers available via trade this year. Tennessee Titans veteran Cody Barton can add some depth for the Packers, though. He's currently starting for Robert Saleh's defense, but with solid young players behind him, the Titans could be willing to part ways with Barton at a low cost.
If Green Bay leaves its linebacker room as-is, it's one injury away from derailing the season. Barton may not be a Pro Bowler, but he could at least give the unit a solid floor.
He's still under contract through 2027, so consider this a 1.5-year rental for the Packers.
5. Donte Jackson, CB, Chargers
While we're on the subject of defensive depth pieces, why not take advantage of the Los Angeles Chargers' collapse by trading for cornerback Donte Jackson?
Jackson is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and is considered week-to-week. He's nearing his 31st birthday, but he's been effective when healthy in recent years.
The cornerback led the Chargers with four interceptions last season. He thrives in zone coverage, where he can read the opposing quarterback's eyes and drive down on routes. Jonathan Gannon is currently running zone at a 78.1 percent clip and two-high shells at a top-five rate, making Jackson an obvious fit.
31-year-old injured cornerbacks typically aren't premier trade targets, but Jackson has been a capable starter in the NFL for years with multiple teams. He's worth looking into for the Packers, considering their thin cornerback rotation.
4. Daron Payne, DT, Commanders
Now we get into the big-ticket items. Daron Payne may not fill the stat sheet on a weekly basis, but he's a starting-caliber defensive tackle who can eat up space in the run game and free up rushing lanes for his teammates.
The closest thing that the Packers currently have to a gap-plugging defensive tackle is rookie Chris McClellan, who has struggled when he's been on the field this year. Adding Payne would take the pressure off McClellan while giving Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks more favorable opportunities.
The veteran defensive tackle would likely cost something around a fourth-round pick, which the Packers should be willing to pay for stability on the interior.
3. Landon Dickerson, LG, Eagles
The Packers are currently starting Laken Tomlinson, whom they signed off the street a few weeks ago, at left guard. Yes, Aaron Banks is set to return from injury soon, but he doesn't inspire much confidence either.
Green Bay needs a real, proven, long-term fix at guard. If the Philadelphia Eagles decide to sell off some of their veterans amid their collapse, Landon Dickerson is an obvious target for the Packers.
He's been banged up this year, spending time on the injured reserve for a bone bruise in his right knee, but the Eagles already opened up his 21-day practice window, so he'll be healthy soon.
A Dickerson trade won't come cheap, even if Philadelphia is holding a fire sale. The veteran guard may cost a second-round pick — that's what the Baltimore Ravens paid for his former teammate, Cam Jurgens — but that shouldn't turn the Packers away.
2. DeForest Buckner, DT, Colts
If any team looks ready to sell some of its veterans, it's the Indianapolis Colts. They're likely to receive plenty of calls ahead of the deadline after firing general manager Chris Ballard. Even at 32 years old, DeForest Buckner will be one of the most valuable players the Colts have to offer.
Buckner is a true disruptor on the interior defensive line. He has already produced 19 pressures, four sacks, and 11 run stops this year. Late in his career, he's still playing at a high level.
The Packers can get a seniors' discount on this one. Buckner won't be in the Colts' long-term plans, so he could be available for a Day 3 draft pick.
1. Quenton Nelson, LG, Colts
There's only one perennial All-Pro who could realistically be available at the deadline, and the Packers should be at the front of the line to make an offer for him.
Quenton Nelson is a future Hall of Famer at left guard. He's made the Pro Bowl in each of his eight seasons so far and is both an elite run blocker and an elite pass protector. He would immediately become the best offensive lineman and potentially the best offensive player on the Packers' roster.
The cost of this deal goes beyond draft compensation. Nelson is in the final year of his contract and would cost around $24 million on his next deal, not to mention the second-round pick it would likely take to get him.
If the Packers are looking to make a Super Bowl run in a relatively wide-open NFC, that cost shouldn't stop them.
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