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Could the Packers make a run at Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green? Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Examining potential Packers trades ahead of NFL trade deadline

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 10/14/20

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers head into Week 6 with a perfect 4-0 record and as one of the top Super Bowl contenders around the NFL. The Packers are averaging a ridiculous 38 points per game. Rodgers is playing at an MVP level. This has not stopped rumors form persisting that the Packers might look to pull off a trade ahead of the Nov. 3 deadline.

As with every team in the NFL at this point in the campaign, there’s some holes on this Packers roster. Remember, Green Bay is less than a calendar year removed from being blown out in the NFC Championship Game.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has proven to be proactive in free agency during his time in Wisconsin. It’s now time that he takes that MO and makes a season-changing trade. Here’s a look at four realistic Packers trade rumors.

Green Bay deals for A.J. Green

Green Bay’s success on offense this season has come with its star receiver Davante Adams missing substantial action to injury. He has not suited up since Week 1. While Adams is slated to return against the Buccaneers Week 6, fellow receiver Allen Lazard is currently on injured reserve with a core muscle issue. The Packers will almost certainly be in the market to trade for a receiver ahead of Nov. 3.

The finances as it relates to a potential Green trade with the Cincinnati Bengals are complex. Green, 32, is playing under the $18.17 million franchise tag. The Packers have just $8.3 million to spend under the cap. Given Green’s struggles this season (14 receptions) and injury issues, it wouldn’t cost Green Bay much in draft pick compensation. However, the team will have to either restructure a contract or part ways with a veteran player to make this work. Expect rumors to pick up in this regard moving forward.

Aug 15, 2019; Jaguars middle linebacker Myles Jack (44) dances to the music during warmups before the game against the Eagles at TIAA Bank Field. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers deal for Myles Jack

The recent injury to free-agent signing Christian Kirksey has the the Packers in a bind at linebacker. They are now relying on Ty Summers and undrafted rookie free agent Krys Barnes to hold down the fort inside. I am not too sure how sustainable that is.

Instead of focusing on offense ahead of the trade deadline, Green Bay could go in another direction by prying Jack away from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Still only 25, Jack played at a Pro Bowl level in each of his first four NFL seasons. In fact, Pro Football Focus has him graded out as the top linebacker in the NFL this season. It would likely take a 2021 first-round pick to entice Jacksonville in a trade. However, the Jaguars have been sending Pro Bowl defenders to pretty much any team that has called in recent months.

Sep 27, 2020; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers deal for Marvin Jones

The Packers could potentially look to go cheaper at wide receiver by trading for this veteran from the division-rival Lions. Rumors continue to persist that Jones could be dealt away. For good reason. Jones, 30, has caught only 12 passes in four games this season. Simply put, the Lions are not using him to the best of his ability.

It would not be a surprise if this rumor were to pick up steam ahead of the Nov. 3 trade deadline. Jones averaged 53 receptions for 830 yards and seven touchdowns in the four years leading up to 2020. He’d be a perfect next to Adams and Lazard. Better yet? The veteran is counting just $9.18 million against the cap. Green Bay could likely have him for a mere mid-round pick.

October 4, 2020; Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers deal for Zach Ertz

After failed extension talks, rumors continue to come out of Philadelphia that the Eagles might look to move on from this Pro Bowl tight end. They have Dallas Goedert as the future at this position. Ertz wants to be paid like one of the best tight ends in the game. That’s because he is. Here’s a dude that’s averaged 86 receptions for north of 900 yards over the past five years.

Is tight end really a need for the Packers? No. However, it would be awesome to see Ertz catch passes from Aaron Rodgers moving forward. Add in the presence of Adams at wide receiver and Aaron Jones in the backfield, and this offense would be nearly unstoppable.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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