In a scheme built on dominant secondary play, the Green Bay Packers’ cornerbacks have been wildly inconsistent throughout the season.
With Nate Hobbs struggling and talk of a possible benching swirling, Jeff Hafley’s defense faces serious questions heading into Week 8 against Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, general manager Brian Gutekunst could look to make a move to bolster the secondary for a potential playoff push.
Given the lack of veteran options in free agency, a trade for a cornerback may be the most realistic path for the Packers to stabilize their defense.
Packers’ Biggest Trade Deadline Need Revealed
According to NFL Media’s Kevin Patra, cornerback remains the Packers’ most glaring need as the midseason mark approaches.
“The interior played well in Arizona,” Patra wrote of the Packers’ defense. “But the corner group was still beaten by Jacoby Brissett on Sunday. The biggest culprit was Nate Hobbs, who allowed four catches for 87 yards, per Next Gen Stats. Hobbs has particularly struggled on the outside after spending most of his career manning the slot. Adding an outside corner could significantly boost the Packers’ defense heading down the stretch.”
As Patra points out, Hobbs’ struggles on the outside have become a real concern — and Brian Gutekunst could respond by flipping a mid-round draft pick for help at corner before the deadline.
A Move That Could Define the Packers’ Season
While the Packers have few roster holes and plenty of homegrown talent, the secondary may prove to be the missing piece.
Hafley’s system relies heavily on consistent coverage and communication, and a veteran presence could steady the young defense as the playoff race heats up.
As Kevin Patra notes, Nate Hobbs’ struggles on the outside could force the Packers’ hand before the deadline. With Brian Gutekunst known for acting aggressively when opportunity strikes, a trade for a veteran cornerback could be the final piece Hafley’s defense needs.
While the Packers boast one of the league’s deepest young rosters, adding secondary help might transform them from playoff hopefuls into a legitimate Super Bowl contender heading down the stretch.
