Green Bay Packers Pegged To Land 3X All-Star And Super Bowl Champion For Defense

The Green Bay Packers seem to be set on offense.  A few tweaks here and there may be necessary, however, the groundwork is laid for an extremely successful future on that side of the ball.  The defense has pieces in place to be successful, however, some changes are certainly going to be needed to take them to the next level.

The team going into the 2024 season with a new defensive coordinator, defensive line coach, and new passing game coordinator.  Now they could be going in with an elite veteran in their secondary.

The Green Bay Packers May Land A Prominent Leader For Their Defense

Terrance Jordan of Fansided highlighted how the Packers could acquire another leader for their secondary:

The success of Jordan Love has turned the Green Bay Packers from “team on the rise” to “bonafide contender.” Love looked ready to continue Green Bay’s legacy of uninterrupted stellar quarterback play, especially late in the season, and he did it with Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Christian Watson–the youngest set of receivers in the league.

Many have speculated that the Packers could cut ties with Aaron Jones this offseason, but I just don’t see how that makes sense. Jones has endured injuries, but he’s not only one of the elder statesmen on the league’s youngest roster, he’s still extremely effective when he’s on the field. Instead, look for turnover to happen on the defense.

The safety position is the first place to look. Jonathan Owens and Darnell Savage are free agents, and neither are guaranteed to be brought back after so-so seasons. With Love showing that he’s ready, the Packers could look to make a win-now move to take advantage.

Even after restructuring Derek Carr’s contract, the Saints will need to shed payroll in a big way this offseason. Tyrann Mathieu is under contract for two more years, and with 33 career interceptions, he’s been one of the best ball-hawking playmakers in the league during his 11-year career.

Pairing Mathieu with Jaire Alexander in the Packers defensive backfield would be a scary sight for the rest of the NFC, and would give the Packers a better chance of holding their own against the 49ers, Lions, Eagles, and Cowboys–their main competition in the NFC.

The Saints’ need to get their finances in order could result in some great deals for discerning trade partners. Mathieu has been a difference-maker everywhere he’s been in his career, and for a fourth-round pick, Green Bay could instantly bolster their defense.

Are The Packers Interested In Trading For A Safety?

In seasons past, it may be far fetched.  However, this season there have been multiple indicators that could show the Packers are ready to make a move.  General Manger Brian Gutekunst has made it clear that he is wiling to consider using their numerous draft picks to bring in a veteran.

Additionally, new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley made it clear how important the safety position is for his defense.  Bringing in a guy with Mathieu could not only help the defense now, but offer leadership for the future of the position.

The Packers have 11 draft picks (as of now) going into the 2024 draft, including five in the first three rounds.  Plenty of ammunition to bring in a veteran.