Green Bay Packers: 4 Trade Targets with Deadline Looming
By Paul Bretl
The NFL trade deadline is nearly upon us as teams have until 3:00 CST on Tuesday, November 2nd, to finalize any deals. For the Green Bay Packers, this is a time of the year when they are often linked to some big-name players, but ultimately, nothing comes of it.
However, could this year be different? As I wrote recently, I think it might.
You can click here for a deeper dive into why this season could differ from years past, but in short, it’s because we’ve already seen Brian Gutekunst and Co. operate much differently than what they have previously.
We’ve seen the Green Bay Packers push roughly $51 million worth of cap charges from 2021 into future years. Along with a number of late veteran additions to help bolster the depth of this roster. So perhaps that means we see Green Bay dabble at the trade deadline as well.
Of course, there is no guarantee that happens either, but if the Packers do make a move, here are four players worth targeting. Either of these players would provide an immediate boost, won’t cost much in draft capital, and with some financial maneuvering in one instance, should fit under the salary cap.
Green Bay Packers Trade Target: Brandin Cooks, WR, Houston
If the Green Bay Packers don’t add to their receiver room, I do truly believe that they will be 100 percent fine at the position. However, with that said, adding another weapon and a bonafide No. 2 receiver to this offense wouldn’t be a bad thing either.
Brandin Cooks now finds himself in Houston after spending time in New Orleans, New England, and Los Angeles with the Rams. Yet despite the constant movement, he has been successful, posting 1,100-yard seasons in five of the last six seasons.
Even with the ups and downs at quarterback this season, Cooks is once again on pace for 1,100-yards, catching 71 percent of his 63 targets for 502 yards along with one touchdown per PFF ($$).
He has the ability to line up out wide or in the slot, and although he is only 5’10,” he has shown that he is able to win downfield. Cooks also has some familiarity with the Matt LaFleur offense after spending two years in Los Angeles with Sean McVay.
Houston is in the midst of a fire sale, and Cooks’ remaining cap hit for 2021 is only $1.46 million–making him affordable for the Green Bay Packers, who have $5.29 million in available cap space, according to Over the Cap. In 2022, Cooks is due $13 million; however, none of it is guaranteed.