The Green Bay Packers have exceeded all expectations during the 2023 season. They finished the regular season on a three-game winning streak, earning the last Wild Card spot in the NFC. That positive momentum has continued in the playoffs.
The Packers went into AT&T Stadium for a Super Wild Card Weekend matchup and blew out the Dallas Cowboys, 48-32. They became the first No. 7 seed since the NFL expanded the postseason, to advance and a visit to the No. 1 seed San Francisco 49ers is on deck.
It will be a tall task for Green Bay to get past the 49ers, but they have surprised people and won’t be counted out. A team playing loose and with house money, such as the Packers, is always going to be dangerous.
NFL News & Rumors: Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers Updates
While this is a nice run the team is on, there is still some work to be done for the Packers to get back to being true contenders in the NFC. Consistency on the defensive side of the ball is needed and an upgrade at a few spots certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Along the defensive line has been considered a weakness for the team, as they could use some help in the trenches. That is exactly what Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes they will address, making a blockbuster trade to acquire Jonathan Allen from the Washington Commanders.
“Allen had openly expressed frustration with how the Commanders were faring during a trying 2023 campaign. He’s previously admitted that despite growing up as a fan of the team in Virginia, he’s given thought to playing elsewhere and wants to be part of a winning franchise. While he hasn’t officially requested a trade, it’s possible he won’t have to if the team implements a full-blown rebuild.
The Packers still have a real need in the defensive trenches after allowing a lowly 126.3 rushing yards per game and tallying a middling 45 sacks in 2023. Allen would be an ideal solution to both issues and can slide over to defensive end in Green Bay’s 3-4 front.
It would likely cost the club the better of its two Round 2 draft selections this year plus more to get a deal done, but parting with these picks would well be worth the value Allen will add to this defense,” Kay wrote.
NFL News & Rumors: Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers Updates
While the Packers are an ascending team in the NFC, the Commanders are heading into a rebuild. With a new regime going to be in place, and new ownership, the entire roster could be overhauled starting this offseason.
Washington started the process ahead of the trade deadline, moving Montez Sweat and Chase Young. They have the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and are expected to take a new franchise quarterback. If Allen doesn’t want to be a part of a rebuild, a trade to a team such as the Packers would benefit both parties.
Green Bay would get a much-needed upgrade along the defensive line, while the Commanders would get more draft capital to add young pieces to a retooled roster. Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler, has played in one playoff game in his seven-season career.
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