The Packers had a chance to get loud at the trade deadline, but they chose restraint instead.
That decision may frustrate anyone hoping Green Bay would chase a splashy upgrade, especially with some big names available. Jonathan Taylor was out there, but the price was steep enough to scare off plenty of teams. Green Bay never came close to paying a second-round pick and more for him, and that was the right call.
The running back room is still not where it needs to be, and Josh Jacobs dealing with a broken finger only sharpened the conversation. Even so, the Packers stayed away from the kind of move that would have meant chasing Derrick Henry or Tony Pollard. They clearly didn’t view themselves as one deadline deal away from becoming a true Super Bowl contender.
That’s the heart of it: Jordan Love has carried enough of the load to keep this team moving, and Green Bay seems willing to trust that formula. Love has played at an MVP-caliber level, and the Packers are banking on that continuing without having to sacrifice future assets.
They also have help on the way. Micah Parsons’ return is right around the corner, and he’ll be the first person to tell you that Love is an MVP candidate. With that in mind, Green Bay decided there was no need to force a move just to make noise.
The Packers have already shown they can be aggressive when they need to be. After a disastrous start to the year, they attacked the offensive line situation without making a trade at all. That same patience carried over here.
Wide receiver never really entered the equation. Love already has what looks like one of the league’s best one-two punches in Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, so trading for another pass catcher was off the table even as a few notable names changed teams.
The only position that truly invited debate was running back, and even there, Green Bay held firm. Given the asking prices, that choice could pay off later. For now, the Packers are betting that a healthy roster and Love’s play will be enough to keep their postseason push on track.
In Other News...
Keisean Nixon Adds Edge To New Packers Vikings Quarterback Drama
Kirk Cousins is back with Minnesota earlier than expected, and his return adds another layer to a rivalry that already has enough history to keep both sides interested. With the Vikings looking to get more out of their passing game and the Packers preparing for another meeting at Lambeau Field, the quarterback conversation has quickly become part of the buildup around a matchup that always seems to carry a little extra edge.
Keisean Nixon was asked about Cousins return and answered with a light touch, turning a football question into a joke before the teams meet again. The two have seen plenty of each other in previous seasons, and with another showdown on deck, the Packers cornerbacks reaction only adds to the sense that this one is simmering a bit more than usual. [Read more 🡒]
Packers Could Get A Timely Depth Boost Before Vikings Showdown
The Packers may have a little more flexibility on offense heading into a key Week 10 matchup with the Vikings, with head coach Matt LaFleur saying Chris Brooks and Skyy Moore are trending toward a return. Both players are in line for further evaluation, but the early indication is that Green Bay could have two more options available at a time when depth matters.
For a team managing injuries, even the possibility of getting those pieces back is a welcome development. LaFleur said they definitely have a chance to play, and if that holds through the final checks, the Packers would get a timely boost before facing Minnesota. [Read more 🡒]
Packers Left Jordan Love With A Stretch Run Question
The trade deadline came and went without the Packers making a move, leaving the roster intact even as the team continues to search for answers in a few spots. Green Bay had obvious areas to consider, including the running game and the offensive line, and the quiet deadline also kept the focus on players already in the building, from Kaleb Johnson and Carrington Valentine to Trey Smack and the pass-rushing group.
For Jordan Love, the bigger issue may be what the front office chose not to do. With the quarterback playing at an MVP level, the Packers still opted against adding more help around him, and that leaves a stretch run question hanging over the offense. The lack of another weapon or a midseason upgrade up front puts more pressure on the current group to carry the load when the games get tighter. [Read more 🡒]