Wow. The Green Bay Packers are officially sellers at the trade deadline.
At 2-5, the Packers understand they need to build for the future. And that future won't include cornerback Rasul Douglas.
Douglas, who has been one of the Packers' best defensive players this season, is being traded to the Buffalo Bills, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
NFL trade deadline: Packers make last-minute shocker with Rasul Douglas trade
Well, this is a bold move by the Packers. Douglas has been Green Bay's best cornerback this season. More importantly, he is a leader who gives his all every time he steps on the field.
Source: #Packers DB Rasul Douglas to the #Bills.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2023
According to Rapoport, the Packers are sending Douglas and a fifth-round pick to the Bills in exchange for a third-round pick. It's not bad business for Green Bay, taking the short-term pain for a solid draft pick.
Douglas likely wasn't part of the team's long-term vision, so they are cashing in now.
However, if the Packers wanted to make one move to deflate the locker room, this is probably it. Douglas is a leader. He lifts the players around him and demands a high level of play from his teammates.
Green Bay's cornerback depth also takes a hit. Jaire Alexander has struggled with a back injury and is playing arguably the worst football of his career. Eric Stokes is on injured reserve. Douglas has been a steady presence in the secondary, making six pass defenses and an interception in the opening seven games.
This a huge admission by the Packers' front office that this season isn't going anywhere. They recognize this team isn't ready to compete. That's not something we've seen from the Packers in recent years.
Still, are we sure Douglas is the right player to trade away? It's hard to find quality starting cornerbacks, especially with his great attitude and leadership. The Packers will struggle to replace him.