Green Bay Packers Head Coach Has In a car accidents
Talking is not Brian Gutekunst’s only pastime. The general manager of the Green Bay Packers often follows through on his statements, particularly when it comes to the NFL draft.
When questioned in 2020 about the prospect of choosing a quarterback, Gutekunst replied that he would pick the player if he liked him. He picked up Jordan Love by moving up a few positions.
When questioned about offensive lineman the previous season, Gutekunst stated that the team already had 13 players on its roster and that he wasn’t really that interested. The Packers did not choose an offensive lineman three days and thirteen choices later.
Therefore, it is understandable that the general manager has stated on many occasions this season that he may utilize some of his 11 total picks—five of which came in the first three rounds—to acquire a veteran. Raising more than a brow is appropriate. It’s conceivable that the Packers will trade. Heck, one may already exist and be waiting for the start of the league season.
You can probably guess who the Packers are trying to get in a potential deal. Here are some of mine, then:
Budda Baker, S, Cardinals of Arizona
The lone safety on the Packers’ roster right now is Anthony Johnson Jr., a seventh-round pick in 2023. The team’s largest need would be filled by Baker, who has been the focus of trade speculations for the previous two offseasons. The 27-year-old, who has appeared in six Pro Bowls in the past seven years, is nearing the end of his contract, so the Cards may be open to making a trade before he becomes a free agency. The Packers could need to select a veteran in this draft since the crop of safeties available is below average.
Haason Reddick, LB, Eagles of Philadelphia
Reddick, 29, and his representative have been granted permission by the Eagles to pursue a trade, since it seems likely that the 240-pound, 6-1 linebacker will not fit in well with their new 3-4 Vic Fangio system. Still, he was a really good fit in their previous 4-3. He got 27 1/2 sacks in his two seasons with the Eagles. In the last four seasons—two with Arizona and one with Carolina—he had 13 forced fumbles and 50 1/2 sacks. In his seven-year career, he has also never missed a game. It may be frightening to see Reddick rush from a stand-up position behind Rashan Gary on defense.
L’Jarius Sneed, Chiefs cornerback
Even if Sneed has a franchise tag, the Chiefs may still decide to trade him. The 6-1,192-pound cornerback just had a season in which he forced quarterbacks to settle for a rating of just 56.2 and did not allow a score on 100 targets. The 27-year-old cornerback has 10 interceptions, 40 pressured catches, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in just four years. The Packers would have the greatest CB tandem in the NFL in Sneed and Jaire Alexander.
Atlanta’s Tyler Algeier, RB
The Packers are in need of a backup quarterback in case Aaron Jones needs to be replaced, and 23-year-old 5-11, 220-pound Algeier may be that player. Running backs are not a strong fit for this draft class. It was described as “the worst it’s been in years” by one scout. Recall that a year prior, Gutekunst attempted to speak with Jonathan Taylor, but the Colts demanded an outrageous amount. Algeier shouldn’t cost as much. Algeier may be available since the Falcons want to use 2023 first-round selection Bijan Robinson as their starting quarterback. Before Robinson came in 2022, he accumulated 1,035 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per rush.
