Packers named surprise landing spot in blockbuster trade
The Green Bay Packers have already made one blockbuster trade this offseason, sending Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. Could they now trade for a star player?
Green Bay's defense has the potential to take a significant step forward this season. The Packers added edge rushers Lukas Van Ness and Brenton Cox, defensive linemen Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks, and cornerback Carrington Valentine.
Second-year players Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt are expected to make a jump this season.
With an improved pass rush and one of the league's best cornerback rooms, the Packers' defense has huge upside, and this unit could carry the team when its young offense hits inevitable roadblocks.
However, there's always room to find an upgrade.
One player to watch is Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who could miss the season opener against the Detroit Lions on Thursday as he holds out for an improved contract.
The Packers have been named a surprise landing spot for Jones.
Packers Rumors: Could Green Bay trade for All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones?
Imagine a defense featuring Chris Jones, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, De'Vondre Campbell, and Jaire Alexander.
The defense alone would lead the Packers to several victories. If Jordan Love and the offense could have at least a solid season, Green Bay would compete in the NFC.
With Jones's future in Kansas City uncertain, perhaps Green Bay should pick up the phone. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon listed the Packers as a potential landing spot for the All-Pro.
Gagnon wrote: "This team still has the talent to contend if the Jordan Love project succeeds, and there's plenty of experience on defense. The problem is that's not the case up front on defense, where key cogs Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and De'Vondre Campbell all play off the line."
Jones would help any defense. The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league. He made an incredible 15.5 sacks, 29 quarterback hits, and 17 tackles for loss last season. Put him in Green Bay's defense, and you're looking at the NFC North favorites.
The problem for the Packers is that trading for Jones won't be easy. Kansas City would want premium draft picks in return, and then Green Bay would need to hand Jones a huge new contract. Not easy.
And for a team that has prioritized getting younger across the roster, the Packers would be going against that to pay big money to a 29-year-old defensive lineman.
It's the type of move a Super Bowl contender makes to take the next step, not a team building for its long-term future. But it's sure fun to imagine the potential of the Packers' defense if they found a way to make it happen.