November 5th could be a very important date for the Green Bay Packers. The trade market gives General Manager Brian Gutekunst a chance to further enhance an already strong roster. As currently constructed, the Packers don’t have many pressing needs but there is always room to get better. In this article I will go over 5 players that would make great gifts for both the Packers team as a whole while also jolting more excitement into an already ecstatic fanbase.
Target #1: CB Marshon Lattimore-New Orleans Saints
The first 2 weeks for the Saints looked promising with back to back blowout victories over the Panthers and Cowboys. Since then however, things have gotten rotten in the Big Easy, as they enter week 9 with a 6 game losing streak and have been battered by injuries to add salt to the wound.
With New Orleans likely out of the playoff picture for the fourth straight season, a major shakeup of the roster could very well be in play for General Manager Mickey Loomis. One of the Saints most appealing assets is stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who has been a mainstay on New Orleans’ defense since being drafted 11th overall back in 2017. Unfortunately for the 4 time Pro Bowler, the injuries have piled up the last 3 years, missing 19 games.
But with said injury history also comes a lower price tag. The 28 year definitely won’t be sold for pennies on the dollar, but he could be obtained for less than expected for a player of his caliber. Marshon is still a very good cornerback and could form a tremendous tandem with lockdown cornerback Jaire Alexander, giving new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley a hydra of a defensive backfield to pair with Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams and Javon Bullard. Now that would be one heck of a Christmas gift for Packers fans!!
Hypothetical Trade
Packers Get: CB Marshon Lattimore
Saints Get: CB Eric Stokes 2025 3rd round pick, 2025 6th round pick
Target #2 CB Denzel Ward-Cleveland Browns
Denzel Ward shares a lot of the benefits and drawbacks that Marshon Lattimore has, a very good cornerback with some injury problems on a struggling team that is leaning towards a rebuild. Cleveland is in a difficult spot with troubled quarterback Deshaun Watson’s albatross of a contract and may look to slash their payroll and get younger.
Ward isn’t old at all as he’s only 27 and his play has been consistently strong over the years, but 6 career concussions in less than 7 seasons is a major cause for concern. But as with the aforementioned Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward’s asking price could be a bit lighter than expected for a premium cornerback.
The risk with Denzel is definitely higher than that of Marshon, as Ward has recurring concussion issues, but the benefits could pay off big time for a Green Bay secondary that could use a stronger #2 option next to Jaire Alexander in the back end to form a tandem that would definitely gift the Packers one of the best all around secondaries across the NFL.
Hypothetical Trade
Packers Get: CB Denzel Ward, 2026 5th round pick
Browns get: CB Eric Stokes, 2025 3rd round pick, 2025 4th round pick
Target #3 EDGE Azeez Ojulari-New York Giants
Green Bay doesn’t have to reach for the stars if they want to improve the roster, players like Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari can make impactful contributions while having a far cheaper price tag. At only 24 years old, Azeez would fit right in on a young and surging Packers defense. The pass rush has been a weak link of the defense and hasn’t been as productive as Green Bay has hoped.
As of lately the unit has been better with Rashan Gary finally starting to find momentum but further reinforcements could help up the ante. Azeez has been stuck behind two of the better edge rushers in the NFL in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns and his production has dwindled as a result.
A change of scenery is needed and Green Bay could be a nice fit for the 24 year old and wouldn’t take an abundance of resources to acquire. Sometimes big things come in small packages and Ojulari could be a surprise gift at the deadline.
Hypothetical Trade
Packers Get: EDGE Azeez Ojulari
Giants Get: 2025 5th round pick
Target #4 EDGE Harold Landry-Tennessee Titans
As stated before, the pass rush has been inconsistent so far for Green Bay this season. The unit has kicked up some steam as of late but still isn’t where it needs to be. Sitting at a league worst 1-6 record, the Tennessee Titans already traded wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional 5th round pick. But it’s unlikely Titans general manager Ran Carthon stops there.
Harold Landry hasn’t been in many trade rumors but he’s easily a player I can see Tennessee trading away if the price is right. The 1 time pro bowler totaled 10.5 sacks a season ago and has 4 sacks through 7 games this season. He is likely going to be the top edge rusher that can reasonably be obtained. Green Bay already has a formidable front seven and Harold Landry could be the piece that can take this defense to the next level.
Hypothetical Trade
Packers Get: Harold Landry, 2026 6th round pick
Titans Get: 2025 3rd round picks 2025 6th round pick
Target #5 CB Jonathan Jones-New England Patriots
The cornerback marker definitely has some options if the aforementioned cornerbacks aren’t on the market or are overpriced. Jonathan Jones has been a solid, versatile cornerback that could give Jaire Alexander some much needed support in the secondary. The two time Super Bowl Champion won’t be a game wrecker, but he consistently has done a solid job wherever he’s been assigned to whether it’s on the outside or in the slot.
In addition to his versatility, the 31 year old isn’t going to break the bank to get as a later day 3 selection would definitely get a deal done.
Hypothetical Trade
Packers Get: CB Jonathan Jones
Patriots get: 2025 6th round pick
Thank you for reading this article and I hope I made your day a bit more festive. For more from Northern Lights Gazette click here.
