Leading up to the trade deadline, the Green Bay Packers name surfaced as possible buyers. The Packers had two key positions they might possibly look to upgrade. Many wondered if the Packers would add some weapons in the pass game to help quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Or possibly add help on a defensive line that has been gashed by opposing team’s run game. Instead, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst chose not to do anything at the trade deadline. The Green Bay Packers roster will have a very similar look the rest of the season.
Green Bay Packers Roster Stands Pat at NFL Trade Deadline
Brian Gutekunst has said that he always wants to be in the conversation when it comes to improving the Packers roster. That might have been the case leading up to the NFL’s trade deadline on Tuesday. But making a phone call is a lot different than actually making a move.
The asking price to bolster the Packers roster must have been too much for Gutekunst to pull the trigger. The Packers, first under Ted Thompson and now under Gutekunst, has always valued keeping their draft picks. For Gutekunst to part with those draft picks, it had to be for the right player at the right price. It appears that perfect scenario never presented itself to Gutekunst and the Packers.
No matter the reason, not bolstering the Packers roster makes a lot of fans scratch their heads. Instead of adding a piece that could add some power to either the offense or defense, the Packers are going to rely on the personnel they currently have.
Rodgers Will Have To Get More Out of What They Have
It appeared there were discussions about making a deal with the Houston Texans for wide receiver Will Fuller. But reports indicated there was a possible disagreement internally about making that deal happen. The reports that came out had the Texans asking for a second round pick in return for Fuller. It appears that was too much for Gutekunst to part with.
Fuller is an explosive wide receiver. While he isn’t considered a number one wide receiver, he still could be a solid number two option in the Packers passing game. The Packers already have Davante Adams as their number one wide receiver. With Adams in the fold, it would have allowed Fuller to come in and contribute as the number two wide receiving option.
By not trading for Fuller or any other pass catcher, the weight of the Packers passing attack will once again fall on Aaron Rodgers shoulders. This is nothing new for Rodgers. The Packers have been asking him to make more out of less throughout his career. While he still has Adams to rely on, he will need to get more production out of wide receivers like Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown, which won’t be easy.
The Packers also should be getting back Allen Lazard soon. Lazard is coming back from a core injury that forced him to the injured reserve. Lazard’s return will help, but nobody knows how healthy he will be coming back from an in-season injury.
Packers fans have been clamoring for help at wide receiver. It isn’t only fans that are wondering why more hasn’t been done to provide Rodgers with help. Experts are opening questioning the lack of moves as well.
Defensive Line Doesn’t Get Any Help at the Deadline
Wide receiver wasn’t the only position on the Packers roster that could have been helped out by a trade deadline move. The Packers defensive line could have used some help as well.
The Packers defense has been in the headlines this past week and not for the good either. They have struggled mightily stopping the run this season, which is a carry over from last season. Kenny Clark is a standout on the interior of the Packers defensive line. But excluding Clark, the interior of the defensive line is missing players who can can produce.
Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, and Montravius Adams have yet to show this season that they are capable of being good running mates with Clark. Lowry has been especially disappointing. He signed a big money contract extension prior to 2019 and has yet to live up to that deal. In fact, Lowry appears to be just another body on the Packers defensive line.
While reports had Gutekunst sniffing around possible wide receivers who could be on the market, the same can’t be said for the defensive line. Every indications are that Gutekunst is expecting defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to “coach up” the players that Gutekunst has given him prior to the start of this season. It is a very dangerous bet, since the Packers defense, under Pettine’s guidance, has been a major disappointment this season.
Gutekunst Turns His Attention To the Waiver Wire
Just because Gutekunst missed on making a deal doesn’t mean that he isn’t done making moves. Gutekunst has illustrated that he isn’t afraid to change up the Packers roster. While it might not be through a trade, picking up somebody on the waiver wire is a strong possibility.
One player that might have Gutekunst’s attention is Dante Pettis. It was reported that the San Francisco 49ers cut ties with the former second round selection. Adding Pettis, even with being a castoff, would help provide depth for the Packers wide receivers. It would also allow Gutekunst to keep his precious draft picks.
Even if the Packers add Pettis, there will be a lot of pressure facing head coach Matt LaFleur. Gutekunst could have helped out his second year head coach by adding talent at the trade deadline. Instead, it will be up to LaFleur to get the most out of his roster. The pressure facing Rodgers might be smaller than the pressure facing LaFleur.
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