The Green Bay Packers knew that the 2023 season would have its challenges. The Aaron Rodgers era officially ended as he was traded to the New York Jets during the offseason, opening the starting job up for Jordan Love.
After coming out the gates hot, Love and the entire team have cooled off considerably. The Packers are now riding a four-game losing streak and are one of four teams with only two wins on the season.
There is a real chance, based on their performance to this point and long-term projections, that the Packers finish the season with a record poor enough to land a top-five pick. This isn’t something the franchise is used to as 2006 was the last time they picked inside the top five and 2009 was the last time in the top 10.
However, embracing that harsh reality is something Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes the Packers should do. In his opinion, general manager Brian Gutekunst should be looking to trade as many veterans and acquire as much future draft capital as possible.
“The Packers are 2-5 with wins over the Bears and a 17-point comeback against the Saints after Derek Carr was knocked out of the game. They’ve also lost to a couple of sub-.500 AFC West teams in the Broncos and Raiders.
The trade deadline is steadily approaching, and while Green Bay could add a player who will make this year’s team better, one guy isn’t going to make them a playoff contender. Instead, they should look to unload their aging players on expiring contracts to get more draft capital and add youth to the roster.”
The Packers have a few clear areas of need on the roster that could be filled with extra draft picks. Trading away veterans now will help the long-term health of the franchise as younger players will get in-game reps this season while likely moving up in the draft order.
Landing a top-five pick will almost guarantee that the Packers can fill one of their two biggest needs. In Holder’s opinion, those weaknesses are offensive line depth and quarterback and it would be hard to argue against either.
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