The Green Bay Packers haven’t had a great 2023 season. They are 2-5 heading into their Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The franchise knew this season would have some challenges and they have adjusted accordingly.
Instead of making ill-advised moves to try and sneak into a playoff spot in the NFC, the Packers opted to take advantage of a strong season from a veteran and improve their draft position. Green Bay agreed to a trade with the Buffalo Bills, and according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, they are sending Rasul Douglas and a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to Buffalo in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick.
The Bills had been in the market for defensive back help in the last few weeks. After Tre’Davious White went down with an injury, the team needed a perimeter option. They were linked to Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears and Donte Jackson of the Carolina Panthers but ultimately landed on Douglas.
Douglas has been excellent for the Packers in 2023. His 75.2 overall defensive grade was 18th among cornerbacks in the NFL, per PFF. His coverage grade of 79.6 is 10th at the position, providing the Bills with the sizable upgrade they were seeking.
Buffalo now has one of the deeper, more talented cornerback groups in the NFL. Taron Johnson is an excellent slot corner, ranking 34th out of 116 qualified players. Douglas will likely man the perimeter with Christian Benford, who is 38th, with Kaiir Elam and Dane Jackson as depth.
It was a shrewd move by the Bills, as the other options would have cost a lot more to acquire than Douglas. Embracing the harsh reality of needing to semi-rebuild, the Packers are happy to move up two rounds in the third.
On the season, Douglas has one interception and six passes defended to go along with 32 total tackles. The Packers will certainly miss him in the secondary, but this will open up the opportunity for Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine to play full-time along with Jaire Alexander.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
