New blockbuster trade proposal would end in disaster for Packers

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst hinted at being more aggressive this offseason, but it's important to rein back expectations somewhat.

A repeat of the 2019 offseason, when the Packers signed four players in the opening week of free agency, is unlikely. Green Bay is in a different position than five years ago. The Packers were trying to win a championship with Aaron Rodgers before it was too late. This team is building slowly and affordably with the youngest roster in the league.

Gutekunst said an option is to trade for "veteran players" this offseason, but that doesn't mean going all-in for a player on a massive contract.

Bleacher Report's David Kenyon put together five trade proposals that could "create the next great defenses" in the NFL. One saw the Packers trade for star defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, sending picks in the second and fifth rounds to the Washington Commanders.

The draft compensation isn't the problem. Green Bay picks twice in the second round. The issue is the financial impact.

Why trading for Jonathan Allen would be a disaster for Packers

There are several reasons why trading for Allen would spell disaster for the Packers.

It starts with his contract. Allen has two years remaining on a four-year, $72 million deal. According to Over The Cap, the Packers would take on a cap hit of $15.5 million in 2024 and $17 million in 2025 by trading for Allen.

Before any other moves, the trade would put the Packers almost $20 million over the salary cap. Releasing David Bakhtiari would barely get them back under the cap, leaving little room to re-sign players, sign outside free agents, or cover the upcoming draft class.

Without much cap flexibility, Green Bay would struggle to retain Aaron Jones and Preston Smith, two key starters and leaders. It would limit the Packers' ability to make affordable free-agent additions at safety and cornerback.

Beyond the financial impact, the Packers don't need Allen. If they upgrade the defensive line, it should be to add a dominant run defender.

Allen is an excellent interior pass rusher with 22 sacks over the past three seasons, but he offers less against the run. The veteran earned a PFF run defense grade of only 37.9 in 2023.

The Packers already have defensive linemen who can rush the passer. Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Karl Brooks combined for 17 sacks and 32 quarterback hits this past season.

The final factor is age. Allen recently turned 29 and would become one of the Packers' oldest players. Green Bay has focused on getting younger.

Gutekunst is unlikely to spend big money on a 29-year-old at a position they don't need help at while taking on a massive contract that could cost them Aaron Jones, Preston Smith, or any free-agent additions.

Trading for Allen would be a disaster for the Packers.

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