Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers came out of the gate hot in 2020. They won their first four games and have looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. That is still true, but they were humbled last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 38-10 loss.
Rodgers threw his first two interceptions of the season against Tampa Bay, but he has been playing at an MVP level this season. And he is doing it without the best weapons. Davante Adams and Allen Lazard have missed some games due to injury. When healthy, Rodgers has turned Adams and Lazard into a productive receiving duo, but they could use some more weapons.
This was the story heading into the season. It has died down a bit because the team has been winning, but why not try and add another offensive weapon at the trade deadline? Green Bay is looking to make another run to the NFC Championship Game and another weapon would go a long way in doing so.
There are plenty of receivers on the trade block as we creep closer to the deadline. If the Packers decide to make a deal, these four options could be on their radar.
4. Michael Gallup
The season is quickly getting away from the Dallas Cowboys. They have a putrid defense, Dak Prescott is out for the season with an injury, and there are players badmouthing the coaching to the media. That’s three strikes for “America’s Team.”
One interesting name to keep an eye on is Gallup. He has just one year left on his contract following the 2020 season. There is a chance that the Cowboys might want to trade Gallup while his value is still there. In 2019, Gallup finished with 66 catches for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. At 24 years old, Gallup is a talented player who could be a solid No. 2 next to Adams.
The Cowboys selected CeeDee Lamb in the first-round of April’s draft. They signed Amari Cooper to a major deal in free agency. Lamb is looking like the real deal and that is the No. 1 reason why Gallup could be on the trading block.
If the Packers want to make a splash at wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers, Gallup could be their guy.
3. A.J. Green
This is a tricky deal because of Green’s injury history. The last thing that the Packers want is another player at a skill position that cannot stay healthy. On the other hand, he could turn into an elite red zone threat in Green Bay.
Right now, there is nothing in Cincinnati for Green. He has served his time and has given a lot to that organization. The 6-foot-4 receiver could flourish with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers in an offensive system led by Matt LaFleur.
Green is a free agent at the end of the season, but that should not turn the Packers away. At his age, Green could serve as a high-ceiling rental for a contending team.
At one time, Green was one of the top receivers in the league. He has struggled with injuries and is playing for a bad team, but a change of scenery could give him a new sense of urgency.
2. Dede Westbrook
Westbrook has been glued to the bench for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season. He has just one catch for four yards in 2020. This is a deal the Packers could make to get them an explosive player for very, very cheap.
Westbrook finished with 66 catches in each of the last two seasons. Combined, he has totaled 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns. He is a big play threat, but has clearly been pushed out of the equation in Jacksonville.
Enter Green Bay. This is a low risk, high reward type of move. Worst case scenario is that Westbrook gets hurt or does not produce. If that is the case, then the Packers gave up a fifth-round pick, or lower, for his services.
There are plenty of cases where a player will resurrect his career in a new city with a better supporting cast. It does not get much better than the Packers.
1. Will Fuller
The Texans recently traded their No. 1 wide receiver in DeAndre Hopkins. Will they do it again? Fuller is off to a great start this season, but that is not the case with the team. The Texans have fired Bill O’Brien and are off to a 1-5 start. Let the rebuild begin.
Houston should be looking to stockpile draft picks. If that means they will have to deal Fuller, then so be it. Fuller’s injury history and impending free agency should have the Texans listening to offers immediately at the deadline. Also, Fuller is a player who they could get at minimum a third-round pick in return for.
Fuller would be a much welcomed addition to the Packers. If healthy, Fuller is a reliable receiver who can take the top off a defense for Aaron Rodgers. He would require attention, which pens up Adams even more. This is the No. 1 option that the Packers should be looking at.
