A last-minute masterstroke? The Packers’ unexpected season-saving move is already in motion.QQ
Green Bay has spent significant draft capital this year, but Brian Gutekunst could explore more market opportunities ahead of the trade deadline.
The Green Bay Packers have invested a lot of draft capital to improve the team this year, acquiring edge defender Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys and offensive lineman Darian Kinnard from the Philadelphia Eagles. But that doesn’t mean general manager Brian Gutekunst can’t pull off more moves. If the right opportunity presents itself, the Packers can still make a trade ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline — whether it is to get another player, or maybe even to move on from someone.
In ESPN’s latest piece with trade deadline intel, insider Jeremy Fowler mentioned the Packers multiple times, and for both scenarios. Green Bay was mentioned as a fit for Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary, but also as a potential seller in the case of backup edge defender Kingsley Enagbare.
The trade target
“The buzz: Similar to [Arden] Key, McCreary is a defensive starter who doesn’t fit the long-term plans of a team in transition. His name circulated in trade buzz at roster cutdowns too. He’s a reliable corner who can play inside or outside — traits that typically elicit some type of trade interest, even if just for Day 3 pick swaps.” — ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler.
In the article, ESPN analyst Matt Bowen describes McCreary as “more of a ball disrupter than a playmaker (three career interceptions), McCreary is a physical cover corner with the ability to match in the slot and tackle in space. While McCreary lacks the impact plays on his résumé, his game meshes with any defense in search of an inside/outside corner who plays with an aggressive demeanor.”
Last week, we mentioned a potential trade scenario where the Packers would receive McCreary and send wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks to the Titans. ESPN predicts a 35% chance of him getting traded, with the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons as competitors.
Other defensive players who are mentioned in the article and could make sense for the Packers are cornerbacks Riq Woolen, Alontae Taylor, Michael Carter II, Cam Taylor-Britt, and Ja’Quan McMillian, in addition to interior defensive lineman Chauncey Golston.
Getting picks back
Because the Packers are without first- and sixth-rounders next year, acquiring some draft capital back would be smart. And the main option would be Enagbare, who’s in the final season of his rookie deal. Even though Lukas Van Ness is now hurt, it’s not a long-term issue. Green Bay has Parsons, Rashan Gary, and Van Ness ahead of him on the depth chart, and rookie Barryn Sorrell could use more snaps.
“The buzz: Enagbare started in 2024 but felt the squeeze of the Micah Parsons trade, getting relegated to a reserve role. While Green Bay typically likes to keep its draft-and-develop talent, Enagbare probably would welcome the chance to play more elsewhere in a contract year.” — ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler
Fowler pointed out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers as potential team fits, with a 25% chance of Enagbare being moved. The problem is that both teams are NFC contenders, so it has to be a trade that actually brings real value for the Packers.
