Despite their devastating loss to the New York Giants, the Green Bay Packers are still very much in the running for the NFC playoffs. The Packers had an opportunity to pull away from the eight-seeded Los Angeles Rams, but they faltered in New York and are still in a very close fight.
Despite the defense’s abundance of talent, it is evident that some gaps still exist. Joe Barry, the defensive coordinator, is frequently cited by supporters as the team’s largest defensive “hole,” and their criticisms may have merit. Nevertheless, the Packers may choose to bolster a defensive position that might become available soon.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ top edge rusher, Joey Bosa, is being traded to the Green Bay Packers.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine outlined the potential outcomes of this trade:
Received by the Packers: EDGE Joey Bosa
Chargers: First-round selection in 2024
When the Packers have two excellent pass rushers coming off the edge, they are at their most formidable. Before Za’Darius was released, Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith, and Rashan Gary constituted a formidable trio for opposing offenses for a few years.
Preston Smith, who is currently 31 years old, has a contract that expires after this season. Lukas Van Ness is still a bright future, but Rashan Gary has assumed the team’s top pass-rusher role. The Packers would return to their previous level by acquiring a veteran who possesses the ability to take control of a game.
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It would be worthwhile to give the Chargers a call regarding Bosa if the Packers want to make a significant trade market swing. This season, the Chargers are 5-8, and significant changes may be on the horizon.
It is reasonable to assume that Los Angeles will make some adjustments following a dismal season. They have four players—Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Mike Williams—who are expected to earn more over $32 million in salary the following year. It might be too costly to keep them all.
Although the Packers’ salary cap room for the upcoming season is only $5.5 million, they can save an additional $21 million by releasing David Bakhtiari and an additional $3 million by trading Preston Smith.
Not to mention the money made available by extensions and reorganizations. The Packers may want to think about forgoing the draft capital required to complete the transaction if the Chargers and Bosa are seeking an escape route.
Are The Packers Going To Make A Major Play To Get A Top Defensive Player?
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With 29 sacks, the Packers defense is ranked 23rd in the NFL. With Preston Smith and Rashan Gary on the defensive front, that seems a touch lackluster. It’s possible that Lukas Van Ness is receiving the same “draft and development” approach as Gary.
The addition of a legitimate pass rusher would have a significant influence on the defense right away and help the Van Ness transition. Trade rumors involving Joey Bosa date back to before the season officially began. The Chargers should realistically give it some thought this off-season.
In 2024, the Packers will undoubtedly have the draft capital to act, but will they?
