The Green Bay Packers’ defense keeps taking hits, and that reality is starting to shape the conversation around the trade deadline.
Green Bay got a needed divisional win over the Chicago Bears this past weekend and improved to 3-2, but the victory came with another costly blow. Defensive lineman Javon Hargrave suffered a torn Achilles, following linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who went down with the same injury a week earlier.
On top of that, the Packers are still waiting on Micah Parsons, who is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season. Parsons is expected back in the coming weeks, but for now Green Bay is stretched thin.
That is why outside help is beginning to make sense.
CBS Sports NFL analyst Zachary Pereles pointed to Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne as a possible fit for the Packers. Payne has been the subject of trade chatter throughout the offseason and into the new year, and the idea of a move is not going away.
Payne is set to hit free agency after the season, and the Commanders have not been willing to commit to a major contract extension. That uncertainty has kept his name in circulation, and Green Bay could be one of the teams that takes a hard look.
A Pro Bowl defender, Payne has built a reputation as one of the league’s top interior linemen. Last season, he finished with 46 total tackles, including seven for loss, along with 3.0 sacks and one forced fumble. Through the first few games this year, he has added 11 total tackles, one for loss, and 1.0 sacks.
What makes him such an appealing target is the way he can anchor the run defense, something Green Bay may need more than ever after the recent injuries. And if Parsons does return soon, adding Payne would give the Packers even more flexibility and firepower up front.
For a team that keeps losing key defenders, Payne would offer real insurance and a proven Pro-Bowl presence.
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