3 blockbuster tag-and-trade deals Packers could make before free agency

Brian Gutekunst keeps hinting at the Green Bay Packers trading draft picks for veteran players.

The Packers are in a strong position entering the 2024 NFL Draft, holding five selections in the opening three rounds. Gutekunst said it gives Green Bay "flexibility," not just in the draft, but by potentially using picks to acquire veteran players.

Tag-and-trade, anyone?

It wouldn't be the first time Gutekunst has made a deal for a player on the franchise tag. In 2022, the Packers used the tag on Davante Adams before trading him to the Las Vegas Raiders.

In this scenario, Green Bay would be the team adding a star player. And the Packers could have options.

3. Packers could trade for Brian Burns

Every decision the Carolina Panthers make goes wrong. Before they gave up a boatload of picks and D.J. Moore to trade up for Bryce Young—costing them Caleb Williams this year—the Panthers reportedly turned down a blockbuster deal for Brian Burns.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Rams offered two first-round picks and a second for Burns in 2022. The Panthers declined.

Less than two years later, Carolina had to use the franchise tag to prevent Burns from hitting free agency. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports a tag-and-trade "remains on the table," as a long-term deal is "not currently in scope." If the Panthers trade Burns, they will have to accept an offer for significantly less than what the Rams were willing to give up.

The Packers have a total of four picks in the second and third rounds. They could use that to their advantage by trading for one of the league's best young pass rushers. Burns is a two-time Pro Bowler and has 46 sacks, 95 QB hits, and 59 tackles for loss in five seasons.

Green Bay would have Burns, Rashan Gary, and Lukas Van Ness as its long-term future on the edge. That's a Super Bowl-level pass rush.