Before the Green Bay Packers report to training camp in a matter of weeks, most of the conversation surrounding the roster has focused on which young players will earn the final spots on the 53-man roster. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst has never been afraid to make a late-summer trade if it strengthens the team or turns surplus depth into future draft capital.

Green Bay has done it before, acquiring offensive lineman Darian Kinnard and edge rusher Micah Parsons before the 2025 season and making other roster-shaping moves as injuries and depth charts around the league evolved. With another deep roster entering camp, there could once again be opportunities to move a player before final cuts. 

While the obvious trade candidates such as Luke Musgrave have been discussed throughout the offseason, three under-the-radar names stand out as players who could quietly generate interest from other teams as we move throughout the summer. 

Isaiah McDuffie

At first glance, Isaiah McDuffie doesn't seem like a logical trade candidate. He has become one of Green Bay's most reliable linebackers over the past several seasons, is well respected inside the locker room, and is a steady contributor on special teams. The problem isn't his ability—it's the depth chart.

The Packers enter training camp with Zaire Franklin and Edgerrin Cooper expected to lead the linebacker room. Former third-round pick Ty'Ron Hopper is entering an important third season and has shown flashes when his (limited) snaps have come, Nick Niemann and Kristian Welch have been brought back because of his value on special teams. That leaves McDuffie competing in a room that suddenly has much more depth than it did a year ago.

McDuffie would immediately appeal to linebacker-needy teams because he has proven he can start NFL games while also contributing heavily on special teams. He isn't a flashy player, but coaches value dependable veterans who rarely make mental mistakes.

Would Green Bay miss him?

Absolutely.

However, if the Packers believe Hopper is ready for a larger defensive role and Franklin gives them the veteran leadership they were seeking, Gutekunst could view McDuffie as a valuable asset capable of bringing back a Day 3 draft pick rather than potentially losing value later.

It might hurt the depth in the short term but if it can help Hopper develop it could be beneficial in the long run. 

Darian Kinnard

Among these three players, Darian Kinnard may be the easiest to envision being traded.

The Packers have worked on developing their offensive line depth this offseason with the drafting of Burton and several undrafted free agent singees.  Kinnard has proven to be a capable reserve who can play multiple positions and that type of versatility is hard to find in the late summer. He appeared in every game last season and even made several starts, showing enough versatility to be trusted whenever injuries struck. 

The issue for him is that Green Bay's offensive line continues to get younger.

Jager Burton has quickly impressed coaches, while Jacob Monk, Donovan Jennings, and several other young linemen are competing for backup jobs. Kinnard remains valuable, but his experience may actually make him more attractive to another team than to Green Bay's long-term plans. 

Offensive line injuries happen every August around the NFL. It only takes one contender to lose a starting tackle or swing lineman before the phone starts ringing.

Because Kinnard has starting experience and positional flexibility, he could easily become a player another organization targets late in training camp.

The Packers have consistently shown confidence in their ability to develop offensive linemen. If they believe Burton or another young blocker is ready for a bigger role, moving Kinnard for future draft compensation would fit Brian Gutekunst's roster-building philosophy.

Brenton Cox Jr.

Brenton Cox Jr. might be the most intriguing name on this list to another team.

The former undrafted free agent has flashed legitimate pass-rushing ability whenever he's been on the field. His production in limited opportunities has been encouraging, and few would question his natural talent.

The challenge has always been consistency and opportunity.

Green Bay's edge room why young and mostly unproven, has become increasingly crowded. Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton, Collin Oliver, and eventually Micah Parsons all factor into the rotation, leaving Cox fighting for defensive snaps despite possessing NFL-caliber talent. 

Pass rushers are among the league's most valuable commodities, though, and there are always teams searching for rotational edge defenders who can get after the quarterback.

Cox has already shown he can produce when given opportunities, recording five career sacks despite playing a limited number of defensive snaps. That type of efficiency could intrigue teams looking for inexpensive pass-rushing help.

The biggest question is whether Green Bay values his upside more than any potential trade return.

If the Packers believe Dennis-Sutton and Oliver are ready to assume larger roles while Parsons eventually returns to full strength, Cox could become expendable despite his talent.

On the other hand, if injuries strike during camp—as they often do at edge rusher—the Packers may decide keeping proven depth is worth more than a late-round draft selection.

None of these players are likely to headline national trade rumors over the next several weeks. In fact, there's a very good chance all three remain in Green Bay when Week 1 arrives.

Still, Brian Gutekunst has built a reputation for maximizing roster value and taking advantage of depth when opportunities present themselves. The Packers have quality players at linebacker, offensive line, and edge rusher, and those just happen to be positions where injuries frequently create trade markets during training camp.

Isaiah McDuffie offers veteran leadership and starting experience. Darian Kinnard provides versatility across the offensive line. Brenton Cox Jr. brings pass-rushing upside that many teams covet.

If another franchise suffers injuries or becomes desperate for help before final roster cuts don't be surprised if one of these three under-the-radar Packers becomes the next player involved in a late-summer trade. It may not generate blockbuster headlines, but it could be exactly the type of calculated move that helps Green Bay both now and in the future.