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Packers trade deadline big board: Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, and 3 offensive linemen

ByFreddie Boston
Tennessee Titans v Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans v Indianapolis Colts | Justin Casterline/GettyImages

Let the chaos begin. The NFL trade deadline is less than a week away, and the Green Bay Packers have multiple options.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur admitted the run game is "not good enough," which is an understatement, and fixing it should be the priority. That could mean adding a running back or offensive lineman before the November 10 deadline.

There could also be opportunities at defensive tackle and wide receiver, although they are lower priorities.

It's time to update our trade big board. Here are seven potential targets for the Packers.

Potential Packers targets before the trade deadline
Potential Packers targets before the trade deadline | Freddie Boston, FanSided

7. Zach Sieler, DT, Dolphins

The Packers don't desperately need interior defensive line help, but after losing Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Ford, and Warren Brinson, adding another is not out of the question.

The Dolphins are beginning a rebuild under Jeff Hafley, and it's fair to wonder if 31-year-old Zach Sieler is part of their long-term plans. Sieler hasn't made the best start to the season, but he's been a star in Miami for multiple years. Perhaps Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was Brian Gutekunst's right-hand man in Green Bay, would be willing to make a deal.

Sieler hit 10 sacks in consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024, and he posted 5.5 sacks last year. It's hard to believe he hasn't earned Pro Bowl honors.

The Packers would have to absorb cap hits north of $13 million for the next three years, but if Russ Ball can work his magic, the team would land a true difference-maker.

Add Sieler and Micah Parsons to this defense? Look out.

6. Josh Downs, WR, Colts

The Packers have one of the league's best receiving duos in Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, but Josh Downs could solve a problem in the slot. Green Bay doesn't exactly boast the best depth behind Watson and Golden, either, with Jayden Reed out for the remainder of the season.

Downs is likely on his way out of Indianapolis, either before the trade deadline or when his contract expires in March.

There's a lot to like about his game. Downs is a smooth route-runner, has good hands (the Packers have had issues with drops this season), and would perfectly complement Watson and Golden. The fourth-year wide receiver has caught 30 passes for 330 yards and a touchdown this season.

Wide receiver isn't a major need, but if Downs is available for a Day 3 pick, the Packers should consider it.

5. Grover Stewart, DT, Colts

Another defensive tackle to keep an eye on is Grover Stewart, who could be the next casualty of the Colts' fire sale.

The Packers have good depth at defensive tackle, but given the number of long-term injuries they've already suffered there, they could become thin if another player misses time. It'd be a low-risk move, too, likely costing only a Day 3 pick.

Stewart wouldn't be a big-time addition like Zach Sieler, but he'd be a much cheaper option, which is why he's higher on the list. Stewart would replace some of the experience the Packers lost after Hargrave's season-ending injury. He doesn't add much as a pass rusher (just one sack in his past 25 games), but he is a strong run defender with a ton of NFL experience.

This would be smart business for the Packers.

4. Landon Dickerson, OL, Eagles

The Packers need to be in the market for another offensive lineman, especially as they seem reluctant to give Kevin Zeitler snaps. Landon Dickerson could provide a short-term fix at center or guard.

Dickerson is a three-time Pro Bowler and would likely be the Packers' best offensive lineman from the moment he arrives.

Last season, the veteran received a solid 67.1 PFF grade, ranking 31st among all guards. More importantly for the Packers, he ranked 25th in run blocking.

However, there are concerns, which is why Dickerson doesn't land higher on this list. The first is his injury history. He's dealt with a knee injury this season that cost him five games, and he suffered two ACL tears in college. It's also fair to question Dickerson's performances and whether he's still an elite guard – his PFF pass-blocking grade ranks 71st among 75 guards this season, and he's 40th in run blocking.

It's a small sample size, though, as he's only played three games.

Another question is where he would fit in Green Bay's line. Dickerson has played almost exclusively at left guard in his NFL career, but he'd presumably need to step in at right guard or center for the Packers.

Dickerson is undoubtedly an option, and if he's healthy and at his best, he would give Green Bay's offensive line a jolt of life. But there are risks.

3. Sam Cosmi, OL, Commanders

This is probably the least likely candidate on the list, but the Washington Commanders are 2-4-1, so perhaps they would listen to an offer. Maybe Matt LaFleur can call his former head coach, Dan Quinn.

Sam Cosmi would be a game-changer for the Packers' offensive line. We're not talking about the kind of impact Laken Tomlinson has made – solid but not transformational. Cosmi could change the calculus for the Packers' offensive line.

Sam Cosmi's impressive PFF grades
Sam Cosmi's impressive PFF grades | Source: PFF | Graphic: Freddie Boston, FanSided

If you want to see for yourself, just watch Cosmi shut down Jalen Carter in the Commanders' win over the Eagles last week. He was one of the standout performers.

According to PFF, Cosmi has allowed just five sacks across 2,075 pass-block snaps since the start of 2022. He has also consistently been a top-tier run-blocker.

Cosmi played tackle early in his Commanders career, but he's found a permanent home at right guard in recent years. That's where he would best suit the Packers' offensive line. They seemingly have no plans to give Kevin Zeitler snaps, so why not trade for a true difference-maker at the position?

2. Tyler Steen, OL, Eagles

Landon Dickerson is one option from the Eagles' offensive line, but the Packers should call about Tyler Steen first. Philadelphia might be more reluctant to give up on the 26-year-old guard, whom the team drafted in the third round three years ago. However, his rookie contract expires in March.

Steen has consistently performed at a high level at right guard in Philadelphia. Last season, his PFF run-blocking grade ranked 17th among 81 guards, and he was 11th in pass blocking.

He's never been a star piece of a dominant Eagles offensive line, but he's a reliable, experienced starter who would instantly become the Packers' best lineman. Steen would offer much-needed stability, and Green Bay could make him a long-term starter by offering him a new contract.

The Eagles look set to rebuild their offensive line, potentially making Steen available. He'd be a great fit for the Packers.

1. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts

Jonathan Taylor would be the ultimate statement move for the Packers. It's certainly fair to question how successful he'd be behind this offensive line, but if any running back can make it work, it's Taylor.

While blame for Green Bay's embarrassing rushing performances mostly falls on the offensive line, the running backs haven't performed well either. MarShawn Lloyd hasn't looked like an NFL running back, while Kaleb Johnson fumbled his way to the bench.

Josh Jacobs' future remains uncertain. The NFL's investigation is still ongoing, and he could face a suspension.

Add Taylor to this offense with even competent offensive line play? Game-changing. It could be a championship-winning addition.

The major stumbling block is compensation. According to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, the Colts have already been offered packages including a second-round pick, which they "immediately rejected."

Can the Packers, with no first-round pick, justify offering multiple premium selections? Perhaps not. But for a running back with 2,195 yards and 26 touchdowns since the start of last season, the argument isn't hard to make.

Taylor is an elite running back and could transform the Packers' struggling ground game (though the offensive line would need to play a part).

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