The Packers Sat Out The Trade Deadline. Will That Come Back To Haunt Them?
The Packers could have been either sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. They were neither. Will that come back to haunt them?
By rex.sheild
Tuesday was a big ole party in the National Football League as there were ten trades executed, the most in NFL history. Unfortunately, the Green Pay Packers were party poopers in that regard and failed to trade for another player, or trade one of their own for future assets like the team did in 2018 when they traded safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to Washington.
The Miami Dolphins were the biggest movers on Tuesday, acquiring pass rusher Bradley Chubb and a 2025 5th round pick from the Denver Broncos in exchange for running back Chase Edmonds, a 2023 1st round pick, and a 2024 4th round selection. The Dolphins, who are now clearly in win-now mode, also went out and got a running back to offset the loss of Edmonds as they traded away their 5th round pick to the 49ers for Jeff Wilson Jr.
The Minnesota Vikings had a talent void at the tight end position due to Irv Smith’s injury, so did they sit on their hands? Of course not; they were aggressive and received TJ Hockenson, who is on the last year of his rookie deal, from the Lions in exchange for a 2023 2nd round selection and a 2024 3rd pick, while also receiving back a 2023 4th round pick and a 2024 conditional 4th round pick.
The Buffalo Bills reached a deal with the Atlanta Falcons for safety Dean Marlowe in exchange for a 2023 7th round selection and also acquired running back Nyheim Hines from the Indianapolis Colts, shipping out fellow running back Zack Moss and a 2023 conditional fifth-round draft pick.
The NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons, in desperate need of help on the defensive side of the ball, traded for cornerback Rashad Fenton. The Ravens believed that their defense needed an upgrade at the linebacker position, so they traded for then-disgruntled linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears and handed over fellow linebacker AJ Klein, a 2023 2nd round pick, and a 2023 5th round pick.
Prior to Week 8, the San Francisco 49ers made the biggest splash of the trade deadline extravaganza as they put all of their chips in the middle and traded for running back Christian McCaffrey but the price was not cheap: a 2023 2nd round pick, a 2023 third round pick, a 2023 4th round pick, and a 2024 5th round selection. The return, although it is early, has paid dividends: the Stanford product had three total touchdowns last week against the Rams — 1 passing, 1 rushing, and 1 receiving — and added 94 yards on the ground (18 carries) and 55 yards through the air (8 receptions).
The Kansas City Chiefs also made a move prior to Tuesday that could potentially bolster their offense by acquiring wide receiver Kadarius Toney from the Giants and traded away a 2023 3rd round compensatory selection and a 2023 6th round pick. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles solidified their pass rush prior to Tuesday as they traded for former Chicago Bear linebacker Robert Quinn in exchange for a 2023 4th round pick.
After running back Breece Hall suffered a torn ACL, the Jets, prior to their Week 8 matchup against the Patriots, acquired running back James Robinson from the Jaguars in exchange for a 2023 conditional sixth round selection.
Finally, in order to shore up the weakest spot of their defense, the Dallas Cowboys traded for defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins from the Las Vegas Raiders and gave up minimal in return (a 2023 6th round pick and a 2024 7th round selection).
Mind you, the aforementioned moves are only ones that were made by “contenders.” I did not even mention the moves made by the “we’ll try again next year” teams, like the Pittsburgh Steelers (acquired cornerback William Jackson III), the Jaguars (acquired Calvin Ridley from the Falcons, who could be the true WR1 that Jacksonville is looking for to aid in the development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence), and the Bears (traded for wide receiver Chase Claypool and relinquished its second round pick in the process).
Should the Packers have been buyers or sellers at the deadline? Valid arguments exist on both sides, but they do not matter because the Packers did not make a single move. Not one. It’s like when the popular kids in high school, looking to make the most out of their homecoming experience, are all on the dance floor while the Packers are the shy guy off to the side standing pat and simply assessing the situation.
It was widely reported that they offered the exact same compensation as the Bears did for Claypool. Further, Rob Demovsky, the team beat reporter for ESPN, reported that general manager Brian Gutekunst sought out an upgrade at the tight end position, but nothing materialized. On that note, one of the staples of Gutekunst’s tenure has been his willingness, or at least reported willingness, to be in a lot of conversations for players. Take the recent examples of the Packers being a finalist for Odell Beckham Jr’s services last year during the season or being a finalist for Julio Jones’ services prior to the start of the season. And of course, they were right in the thick of the discussion for Claypool. Beyond those three wide receivers, I am sure there are other players that the Packers were “close” to acquiring too.
But at some point, it is much better to be standing in the winner’s circle than it is to be standing on the second place podium because being in a lot of conversations does not necessarily mean squat in the National Football League. Sure, it appeases the fan base and creates the impression that the team is being somewhat aggressive. Not to mention, it beats not being in the conversation at all. The reality, though, is that it seems like a facade from time to time.
Regardless, here we are. Green Bay, losers of four-straight contests and sitting 3.5 games out of the division lead, evidently believes that they have enough playmakers on the roster, particularly at the wide receiver position, to make a push toward the postseason. Alternatively, maybe Gutekunst thought that an upgrade at wide receiver would not make that big of an impact in the home stretch. Similarly, he could have thought that an upgrade at safety, given that Darnell Savage’s production has dropped off the face of the earth, or depth at edge rusher, would also not make that big of an impact in the home stretch either. Or maybe he realized that this year’s team might not have enough juice to even make it to the postseason but still felt it was not in the team’s best interest to start ditching a current player (or more) in exchange for future assets. At the end of the day, nobody outside of 1265 Lombardi Avenue has any idea what Gutekunst’s thought process was, if nothing else because he did not speak to the media on the day of the trade deadline or any days thereafter.
The lack of aggressiveness in either direction (i.e. buying or selling) reminds me of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Packers were in dire need of help at wide receiver and the 2020 class was, at the time, chalk full of them. In all, 37 wide receivers were drafted. The Packers and the Patriots were the only two teams in the league to not select one. Gutekunst sat on his hands, just like he did at the deadline.
So, with the season potentially on the brink of sinking faster than the Titanic, Gutenkust did not bother actually going on the dance floor nor did he put the team in the winner’s circle, either for the betterment of the current team or future teams. Time will tell whether that was the right decision.
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Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild).
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Comments (42)
Coldworld
November 04, 2022 at 11:33 am
I believe we weren’t sellers for 2 reasons. Firstly we have structured most contracts for key players with a lot of dead cap that makes it difficult to trade them, removing some of the candidates.
Secondly, and more critically, we have not accepted that this season is the product of a disastrous miscalculation of our coaching ability and offensive roster. The FO is still in denial or determined not to concede that. Thus we aren’t going to trade a value piece like the Lions did. Just look at how that was immediately interpreted.
This team is blaming execution, the little things. It’s not accepted that it’s a flawed team. Whatever the reason for that stance (and I think it’s mixed) they aren’t ready to concede that they’ve really screwed the franchise.
Look at LaFleur’s comments on Barry. If LaFleur accepts it’s a disaster he’s really just saying he has no solution. If it’s just execution then he’s blaming the players effectively. He’s not going with the former willingly because that’s pointing the arrow right at him. He’d have to make a move if he really understood that. But, the corollary is he’s stoking the fires of resentment in the locker room and more if the same in the field.
CheesedDeadHead
November 04, 2022 at 02:54 pm
I don't know if I should smile because you excellently summed up the situation or if I should cry.
This FO committed the 2nd John Hadl move this offseason. Instead of overpaying for an over the hill QB by sacrificing years of draft capital they decided to SIGN the aging QB and not take an offer of years of draft capital. It really was the same thing and it could come back to be just as foolish of a move.
stockholder
November 04, 2022 at 11:34 am
I've said for years Savage was a Coward, when it came to tackling. I'll take that back. He just can't tackle.
Nobody will give you; what you might get in a compensatory pick.
Next Claypool. He was a rental. The Wrs are going to get 10 mil plus now. Expect Lazard, and Watkins to Vault. Cobb is Loyal.
The kids have the talent to replace any of our current WRs. Why buy a problem, when it will only start a controversy.
Just wait; you'll get a Te, with what you don't throw away on rentals. Because Lewis, Tonyan and Davis, are slowing down. No to Cap hit of 15 mil. Think: Arik Gilbert Georgia, Darnell Washington Georgia, Luke Musgrave O state, Kincaid Utah.
Next year. Expect Love to be traded. The Price will be right at the end of the year.
Amos- Yes you don't trade him. Especially since he was part of the fix for the secondary. Still I doubt he signs with the packers.
Coldworld
November 04, 2022 at 11:41 am
Amos is out of contract. We will have to cut cap. Keep Amos and you almost certainly lose Jones. Again, a team facing up to reality would have traded one or both if they could. This team is now in a no win death spiral in terms of experienced talent. Too much kicked forward. Too little grasp of reality. Love may stay or go, but if he goes expect a high draft pick or a cheap retread. We are where we put ourselves irredeemably in the winter.
stockholder
November 04, 2022 at 11:51 am
I think Amos will go on his own. Jones will get his contract reworked.
jannesbjornson
November 04, 2022 at 12:15 pm
Did you watch Pierce at RB for the Texans? Fourth round. I imagine they expect the CAP to move up a few clicks.
The TE issue has plagued them since Bubba left. Crabtree played with a spark. This guy Davis? Big Dog should have been moved in 2020. You get what you pay for and Savage is a slot CB they thought could go FS, following the square peg logic from Ted land. Amos is not playing especially well either. This series of misfires and malcontent on the D points to this clown Barry. He inspires no one.
PackyCheese500
November 04, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Next year, Savage should be converted to slot CB. If he does well, he stays. If he doesn't, let him go in 2024 free agency.
Amos will not be coming back. He will be 31. Tonyan, Watkins, Reed, and Lowry also will probably be gone. Lazard I could see being re-signed.
I see D-Bak and Aaron Jones being traded next year to contenders, potentially Preston Smith too. Could get some good draft capital for those guys. Jenkins either will be extended or will be franchise-tagged and traded to another team.
In next years draft, the needs of the team are, in order: TE, S, WR, OLB, RB, OL.
TE is number one because without Tonyan, we have no one at the position. Michael Mayer or Darnell Washington are two players we could target. I would like to see Lewis re-signed to a cheap 1-year deal to help mentor the young players
S is number two because we only have 2 safeties, Tariq Carpenter and Savage, under contract in 2023. I would like to see Rudy Ford and Micah Abernathy brought back, though.
WR is number 3 for obvious reasons. If Lazard is re-signed, this isn't the teams biggest need, though i expect at very least someone to be added on day 2 of the draft, Maybe round one?
OLB is number 4 because we don't have any depth and P. Smith could be traded. Enagbare has been nice, but we need another long-term player at the position.
RB is number 5. Jones is likely gone after this year, and we could see more AJ Dillon and Kylin Hill. Tyler Goodson is another player i'd like to see explored. I think RB is a sneaky need that we could potentially use a 2nd round pick on, maybe for someone like Alabama's Jahmyr Gibb
OL is number 6. Runyan, Myers, and Jenkins are likely our interior OL trio. Nijman and Zach Tom are our future at the tackle position, and if Tom builds more muscle in the off-season, he could turn into a great RT. Sean Rhyan, Rasheed Walker, and Caleb Jones are good depth players. We coul use another depth pick at OL late on day 2 or in round 4.
Packerfansupreme
November 04, 2022 at 02:41 pm
At what point do we finally let lewis go? The guy doesnt contribute that much offensively. If we want him to mentor why dont we just make him tight end coach. God knows the packers need help in the coaching department
PackyCheese500
November 04, 2022 at 03:05 pm
That would be a good idea although I think he wants to play one more year. It'd be cheap, like 2-3 mil, and he's still a very good blocker
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2022 at 02:18 am
A lot of down votes for this dose of reality. I have a feeling that this front office, particularly Murphy, will not let the team bottom out as far as you suggested on their watch. Therefore, they will keep some players rather than trade them even if trading them is the better long-term option.
PatrickGB
November 04, 2022 at 11:55 am
“It is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.” Nostradamus said that first.
Lots of speculation here and that’s ok. But it’s meaningless now.
TarynsEyes
November 04, 2022 at 12:11 pm
The team is already haunted, and restrained to a chair, by the salary cap ghosts yet to come. There were no 'ghostbusters' coming to save this team from the nightmare that is this season. This level of horror is the kind you just have to endure and hope to survive. Though, it may be best to concede to it. Perhaps it scares the FO, MLF to do what they should already be doing.
Leatherhead
November 04, 2022 at 12:25 pm
I'm not sure that anybody who was available would have made THE difference for us this year, and that's not even considering what the cost might be.
Norman Dale: "This is our team".
We're not going to lose the rest of our games, and we're not going to win the rest of our games. If we start playing better, we'll have a chance to get to .500. This is going to be a down year for us, like 2018, and 2005, and 1999. It happens.
mnbadger
November 04, 2022 at 12:39 pm
If I remember correctly, Belicheck would take huge advantage of his teams' down years by ditching $ veterans, losing games and enjoying the following year's draft haul.
He'd win a super bowl about every three years by turning over most of his roster with good drafting and signing solid but not expensive FA's.
GBPkrs don't do any of these things for some reason.
As much as I detest belicheck the man, I admire the way he runs his teams.
GPG!
PackyCheese500
November 04, 2022 at 12:42 pm
I highly respect Belicheck. He is the greatest football mind of this century and one of the greatest of all time
HarryHodag
November 04, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Enough of the trade deadline. The best they could have done(Hockenson) went elsewhere. The rest of the receivers were either headcases or one year rentals.
There are no quick fixes for what ails the Packers. Buckle up for this off season.
packer132
November 04, 2022 at 01:15 pm
Most Packer fans wanted a trade, just so the team did something. They did try for Claypool and one or two others that were reported, though he alone would not have turned the team around. It's up to the players to play like they did last year and the coaches to game plan according to the opponent and make adjustments during the game. A win against Detroit will be a big boost though very tough remaining games. I am not looking to next year and the would a could a, and who to draft. Lets take it one week at a time and hopefully its a lot rosier in December.
Lphill
November 04, 2022 at 01:18 pm
too bad you can't trade a coach.
Roadrunner23
November 04, 2022 at 02:05 pm
The Packers FO has no plan
The Eagles have rebuilt quickly and will most likely face the Bills in the SB
That being said, a trade for a WR wasn’t going to move the needle but it may have been a start
This week is pivotal, either the Packers beat the Lions gain some momentum and maybe squeak into the playoffs or they lose to the Lions, finish 7 & 10 and burn 🔥 it down
This is the week we find out how the season is going to go!
Good Luck 🍀 Pack
PackyCheese500
November 04, 2022 at 03:07 pm
If we lose to the Lions, 7-10 is being generous. Bears, Lions at Lambeau, and Rams are the only wins i see for the rest of the season. Top-10 pick here we come
Qoojo
November 04, 2022 at 02:18 pm
But they didn't sit out. They just didn't greatly overpay or get less value.
LeotisHarris
November 04, 2022 at 02:21 pm
It's all water over the dam or under the bridge anyway. Just another offering from the Department of Redundancy Department.
I think the focus here needs to be how the author could casually drop an "aforementioned" and not seal the deal with a "plethora" in an article begging for one.
Packerfansupreme
November 04, 2022 at 02:37 pm
Sticking with the current receiver group will haunt them
Teetering between all in and rebuild will haunt them
Retaining Gutey will haunt us so badly
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
November 04, 2022 at 03:02 pm
Retaining Gutey? Hes far from the problem with this team. 5 prime Jerry Rice's couldnt save this team with the giant black cloud of negativity and dissension Rodgers has fomented here over the years. This is what happens when you give a player too much power. Gutekunst and Lafleur got neutered 2 summers ago when Murphy forced them both to kneel to get 12 to come back. If you really want to blame someone, blame Murphy.
Packerpasty
November 04, 2022 at 04:02 pm
there we go!! I was wondering when the Rodgers hater would show up!! Good job...its all on him!! I for one have enjoyed watching him over his career, I think the Packers have been lucky to have him...now he's older for a QB and is getting not much support from management, I can't really figure out why they gave him such a huge contract and didn't trade him if they weren't going to support the guy....maybe they really though Lazard was a #1, and Cobb a #2...not very good thinking...
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
November 04, 2022 at 05:46 pm
Whaaaa!!!!! He said hurty words about my hero!!! Whaaaaa!!!! Packers created Rodgers just like they created Favre, Hasselbeck, Brunell, and Aaron Brooks too. 5 pro bowl qb's in a 30 year span isnt luck, its called having a plan. And they had the right plan with Love too up until the point Murphy decided to turn over the keys to the castle for the mirage of another super bowl run. I dont kneel to anyone but God and I'm not ashamed to admit it. There was a time when "God, family, and the Green Bay Packers" meant something in this town. But thats been replaced by "Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers, and Aaron Rodgers." The ideas of faith, family, and team have given way to idolatry and its absolutely disgusting.
TPCheese
November 04, 2022 at 10:19 pm
Don't act like Gute and LaFleur are helpless victims who are being bullied by the big bad Aaron Rodgers. Gute has 100% control over who makes this roster. He could have moved on with Love whenever he wanted. Rodgers didn't put a gun to his head for that $150million contract. That was Gute's decision to sign him. Just like it was Gute's decision to draft Love, have him sit the bench for two years, and then give 12 a three year extension, essentially guaranteeing Love sits the bench for five years unless Rodgers retires.
If LaFleur can't keep control of his players then maybe they need to find a new coach. But it appears that Rodgers is on good terms with both Gute and LaFleur. So there is a lot more to what is going on with this team than "Rodgers is hi-jacking the organization and there's nothing anyone can do about it."
Guam
November 05, 2022 at 10:02 am
Murphy made it pretty clear that he was the decision maker on the Rodgers extension. Blame Gute for whatever else you want to, but I don't think he was the guy who resigned Rodgers.
TPCheese
November 05, 2022 at 10:28 pm
Where is your source for Murphy being the reason Rodgers re-signed?
jannesbjornson
November 05, 2022 at 12:38 pm
Did you ever see the Used Car lot Promos with the balloons and blow up icons a' la "Better Call Saul?' The style parallel s with Packer management schemes to engage the Fans.
leche
November 05, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Gutey built the roster that we have and it's just not good enough. He thinks of himself as a "draft guru" but his draft picks tend to favor guys who are extremely athletic over better football players in hopes he can coach them up...
Everything regarding Rodgers stems from the decision to draft Love, and Gutey is responsible for at least some, if not most of that decision. Yes they doubled down on the mistake by continuing to pay him more in order to keep him happy, but not focusing on winning post-Rodgers instead of with-Rodgers was a massive miscalculation that led to the current situation.
If this team keeps trying to have our cake later and eat it now, we're going to keep ending up with no cake. If Gutey can't get over that vision for the team, then yes he needs to go. Murphy is welcome to join him tho
ImaPayne
November 04, 2022 at 02:39 pm
They didnt get a receiver because Rodgers probably convinced them he needed a lot of time to work with the guy to get the timing down and until then wouldnt feel comfortable with him in the line up.
They didnt get any O line men because the good ones want to be paid in green money not shares of the team.
They didnt get any shut down corners or cover safeties because they arent sure what they look like.
They did keep Barry and told him everything is cool bud.
PackfanNY
November 04, 2022 at 02:48 pm
I have come around and accepted reality that this team is not good enough. That’s ok as every year can’t be great. It happens.
The bigger issue is what is next. We have flubbed some recent draft picks. We can’t or won’t participate in trades. We have a QB sitting on the bench who was a 1st round pick who doesn’t seem to be special. We have a soon to be 40 year old QB with a massive contract. So what are we? Our defense is underperforming and our DC has no answers. Our offense is terrible. Very few weapons. We can run but we want to pass.
To put it mildly this off-season will be critical. We need to pick a road. Rebuild? Probably. To what? Big decisions needed.
PackyCheese500
November 04, 2022 at 03:10 pm
Rebuild, but Gutey isn't the guy to do it. Need someone who won't whiff so much. I could list very many Gutekunst's whiffs in the last couple of years
asmith1969
November 04, 2022 at 03:05 pm
I honestly believe Gute & Co have no idea what they are now; contenders or pretenders? That’s a sad predicament imo on Gute & Murphy as well as MLF not getting the best out of his players and coaching staff. Facts. Out. GPG! 👊👍🏈
PackyCheese500
November 04, 2022 at 03:10 pm
Time to clean out the FO and rebuild around Love - see what he's got
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
November 04, 2022 at 03:10 pm
So what were the Packers supposed to do? Give up a 1st round pick for a basket case receiver whos never had a 1000 yd season whom they wont even be able to afford to keep once his rookie contract is up? Were they supposed to do that just so they could stand in the "winner's circle"? No, what this team needs is for the players on the roster to play better. End of story. Take a lesson from the Rams, who went all in to get their super bowl and are now old and washed up with a maxed out salary cap, no good young players on the roster, and no high draft picks for years to come. I guarantee you Rams fans no longer care about that super bowl. Theyre wondering why their team sucks.
lecko
November 04, 2022 at 05:48 pm
we wait almost daily for news from packers, what was said, which ones played or managed good or bad, because you think thi sis a special organisation. But then you come accross article like that on packersnews about packers treating of Sam Shileds and then you got to ask yourself one question? "Are they worth of my time? They seem to treat their employees with same calculated business approach like teams with billionare owners" Sad day for being a packers fan
"Shields expressed disappointment with the Packers organization for their treatment of him once the concussions kept him off the field.
"They didn't put much effort to help me get my head together," Shields said. "'He's not playing, he's not helping us, get rid of him,' instead of helping, let's see if his mind is together first. 'No, we're just going to kick you off and go, and move on.' Damn, they didn't really put too much into like checking to see if this dude was all right."
Thegreatreynoldo
November 06, 2022 at 02:49 am
"The good advice that you just didn't take."
The Packers told Shields he should retire. Good advice but he decided to play another year in the NFL, including training camp, preseason games, and 630 more snaps in the NFL for LAR.
Roadrunner23
November 05, 2022 at 10:47 am
Surprise surprise 😂
Lare
November 05, 2022 at 12:51 pm
In life you're either moving ahead, standing still, or going backward. Packers decided to stand still.
If the Packers don't care enough to do something to improve the team, then I guess I don't care either. Got plenty of other things to do on Sundays.
Lions 21-Packers 13
leche
November 05, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Not doing anything during this trade deadline isn't going to haunt this team. This team just isn't good enough to go anywhere and we didn't have the ability to really add anything that would fix that. So being inactive is ultimately fine. The bigger question will become how we handle the offseason. Continuing to run back a similar roster focused on being good now and later is just going to extend the problem another year.
Like it or not this team/org needs a bigger shake up in its vision. And a big step backwards is probably in order to right the ship