The Packers once again failed to add players at the NFL trade deadline, but it apparently didn’t have to be that way.
The Green Bay Packers are known for their reluctance to add players at the NFL trade deadline, a fact that Aaron Rodgers publicly remarked on earlier this week. Once again, the team did not make any acquisitions this year.
In fact, the Packers not only refrained from being buyers at the deadline on Tuesday, but they also became small sellers. For the second consecutive season, Green Bay traded a veteran defender, sending Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From an overall perspective, the move makes sense given that Smith’s playing time was decreasing while his cap hit was set to rise over the next two years, even if Brian Gutekunst didn’t receive much in return.
However, it turns out this trade could have happened weeks prior, as Smith revealed in his first comments to the Pittsburgh media on Wednesday.
“A few weeks ago, I requested a trade,” Smith stated, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I didn’t feel like I was being useful in the system. It wasn’t catering to my play style. Moving forward, I wasn’t surprised when I got the call.”
“I got what I asked for, and I’m in a great place with some great teammates. I’m excited for the new start.”
This revelation raises eyebrows: not only did Smith want to leave Green Bay, but he had actually requested a trade weeks ago. This situation reflects poorly on the Packers.
It’s widely understood that trades often require time to materialize, as many factors come into play. However, the Packers apparently had weeks to address Smith’s request. Making the trade just one week earlier would have given Gutekunst enough time to explore further roster moves before Tuesday’s deadline.
The Packers clearly needed upgrades, especially on the defensive side of the ball. There’s a noticeable gap at cornerback; while they were unlikely to pursue someone like Marshon Lattimore, they missed the opportunity to see the Baltimore Ravens acquire Tre’Davious White for a bargain price.
Green Bay also needed reinforcements in the pass rush. Evidence of this is seen with Devonte Wyatt leading the team with only 3.0 sacks. There were multiple options available—like Azeez Olujari—yet the Packers took no action.
Despite this, the Packers remain a strong team, currently holding a 6-3 record, positioning them well for the NFL playoff picture as they head into their bye week. However, the knowledge that they had ample time to improve the roster but chose not to do so must be frustrating for their fans.
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