The Green Bay Packers don’t fit the typical look of a seller at the NFL’s trade deadline, but two of their veteran players along the line of scrimmage are generating interest ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, teams have inquired or have interest in edge rusher Preston Smith and offensive tackle Andre Dillard.
Smith is on “several teams’ radar,” while Dillard is viewed as a “stop-gap option” for teams in need at offensive tackle.
Would the Packers even consider trading either player?
Smith turns 32 next month and is a valuable leader in the locker room. He’s been on the field for 59 percent of the defense’s snaps, down from 66 percent last year and 80 percent in 2022. The Packers have 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness and third-year defensive end Kingsley Enagbare behind Smith on the depth chart.
Dillard was signed post-draft and made the 53-man roster as a backup offensive tackle. He’s appeared in three games but hasn’t played a snap on offense in 2024. Dillard has 19 career starts. Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom are entrenched at offensive tackle, but having Dillard does provide valuable depth at a premier offensive line position.
What if the Packers are buyers? Rapoport began his report with the possibility of the Los Angeles Rams trading receiver Cooper Kupp, but the Packers are mostly set at receiver. Mike Williams of the New York Jets is also believed to be available. Other players generating interest include Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari and Browns defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson.
