Monday marked the end of an era for the Green Bay Packers. After weeks of posturing and speculation, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets. It was a solid deal for both sides, as Green Bay received the draft capital they were seeking and New York made a massive upgrade at the quarterback position.
With a deal completed, the Packers can now turn their focus to the 2023 NFL Draft. If they want to challenge for at least a Wild Card spot in the NFC this upcoming season, there is some work to do with the roster.
Jordan Love will be taking over as the team’s starter. His small sample size of playing time in 2022 offered up some optimism that he will be able to get the job done. But, the Packers could do more to put him in a position to succeed right off the bat. The quickest way to accomplish that would be to upgrade the weapons around him.
For years the Packers have needed some help at wide receiver. Outside of 2022 draft picks Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, there isn’t much to get excited about at the position. Green Bay is also rumored to be a landing spot for a potential tight end in the first round.
Targeting playmakers early and often would be a good idea for general manager Brian Gutekunst. Exploring the trade market for an established player wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
With the extra draft capital that the Packers acquired from the Jets, they should be aggressively seeking upgrades. One player that could pique their interest is Jerry Juedy of the Denver Broncos. While Denver brass remains consistent saying neither Jeudy nor Courtland Sutton are on the trade block, it wouldn’t be surprising to see at least one of them moved during the draft.
Coming off of a career season, Juedy has some value. He has two years remaining on his rookie contract, assuming his fifth-year option is exercised. As the only bright spot on the Broncos’ disastrous offense in 2022, the asking price is sky-high.
What could a deal between the Packers and Broncos centered around Jeudy look like? Green Bay could offer the No. 42 overall pick and their 2024 second-round pick to Denver in exchange for Jeudy.
The Broncos don’t have a first or second-round pick this year and are without a second-rounder in 2024 as well. This trade would help them replenish their draft capital, which they sorely need to help add affordable depth to their roster.
Green Bay gets Love an experienced weapon to round out their wide receiver depth chart. Jeudy, Watson and Doubs are a solid young trio that Love could grow with for years to come. Adding him also enables the Packers to address other needs on the roster with the early-round picks they still own.
Parting with a future second-round pick doesn’t hurt Green Bay either. In the 2024 NFL Draft, they will be getting a second or first-round pick from the Jets depending on how many snaps Rodgers plays during the 2023 season.
