The Green Bay Packers made the playoffs this season as the NFL’s youngest squad in 2023. The Packers’ front office appears to be proactive as the offseason begins, with the goal of becoming a Super Bowl contender in 2024.
While the Packers don’t have much cap space in 2024, they do have plenty of draft picks. With five picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, including two in Rounds 2 and 3, the Packers’ front office is poised to go proactive this offseason.
Typically, for a team whose philosophy is based on drafting and developing players, those picks would be used solely in the draft. However, Green Bay has officially opened the door to the potential of a blockbuster deal following recent statements made during a press conference.
Speaking to reporters about the team’s draft capital before of the 2024 NFL Draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst claimed that the picks would allow Green Bay to move up in the draft order or potentially sign a veteran player this offseason.
When considering potential acquisition targets for the Packers in 2024, it is critical to remain realistic. The Denver Broncos will not trade Patrick Surtain II or Justin Simmons until they move up for the No. 1 overall pick. Similarly, Super Bowl contenders are unlikely to trade away one of their top players.
With that in mind, here are some more plausible Packers trade targets who might help the team drastically improve in 2024.
Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals — Budda Baker was mentioned as a trade candidate last summer, but he remained with the Arizona Cardinals. He recently turned 28, and in addition to wanting to get paid, the Pro Bowl safety wants to play for a title, which isn’t happening in Arizona. With the addition of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Green Bay’s need at safety becomes much more pressing. Baker is one of football’s top safeties, and he fits right into the Packers’ young core. Add him to Green Bay’s secondary, and the defense might be in the top ten for the next two years.
Tyrann Mathie, S, New Orleans Saints – The NFL’s youngest team could benefit from having some veteran leadership. Tyrann Mathie would not only significantly boost the Packers’ secondary play, but the veteran defensive back would also provide on-field leadership. Mathieu was terrific in New Orleans last season, limiting opponents to a 70.7 QB rating when targeted in coverage (PFF), and Pro Football Focus ranked him as the NFL’s sixth-best coverage safety. Mathieu could play deep safety in Hafley’s defense, offering extra support when Green Bay’s corners needed it.
8th overall pick – As previously said, the Packers have another option: move up. The 25th overall pick plus a second-round selection would still leave Green Bay with one pick in Round 2 and two in Round. As a result, Gutekusnt could try to get into the top ten picks to beat out other clubs looking for a cornerback or offensive tackle. Whether it’s a top-10 talent like cornerback Cooper DeJean or offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, the Packers will add one of the best players in the 2024 NFL Draft to their roster for the next five years. Furthermore, if the Atlanta Falcons are unable to move up for a quarterback, it makes far more sense to go down and acquire assets then draft someone like J.J. McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr. at a more reasonable spot.
