Packers Trade Candidates

[Heyjoe4]

This is the last year of his contract. UFA next year.

Got it, thanks. Well he's certainly motivated to have a career year.

 

[Voyageur]

There's good and bad if they decided to trade Jenkins before this season starts. They could end up getting a solid pick for 2026. Possibly a first half second rounder. On the flip side, it's obvious to the smell test that Monk is a boat anchor at this point. Nowhere in discussions, or plans, does he seem to fit the mold of someone who is going to end up contributing anything of consequence during the term of his contract. He's not the forgotten player; he's kind of the "hidden player."

So, who do you slip in at center, and if you do slip that person in, who is the heir apparent for the vacated position, and where do we stand at that point for reserves? In my eyes, the only two solid reserves we have on the OL at this point are Belton & Morgan, and we'd lose one of them as a starter if either Jenkins or Rasheed Walker was traded. In my estimation, it would mean handing LT to an inexperienced Anthony Belton, and for the first half of the season at least, he'd end up facing the best defender each team had, and they'd pretty much own him as he went through the learning curve. To me, that would leave me asking the question as to why they had done so much to improve the WR room when Love was going to end up scrambling for his life for quite a while and our running game would be hobbled as well.

I don't know. I think that I'd be looking at a longer-term deal for Jenkins at this point with the idea that you could afford to eat some cap space down the road if he should have problems with his health. I've seen some offensive linemen play into their late 30s with a level of intensity that rivals any young player and beat the injury bug along the well as long. I think Jenkins is potentially one of those players, and this year could well be the only year they play him at center, and they'll move him into a position where a large contract makes sense. He's just too good to remain at center, and if he does stay there, I think he has the potential to be All-Pro at the position. He'd earn the top money for the spot over the course of time.

 

[tynimiller]

There's good and bad if they decided to trade Jenkins before this season starts. They could end up getting a solid pick for 2026. Possibly a first half second rounder. On the flip side, it's obvious to the smell test that Monk is a boat anchor at this point. Nowhere in discussions, or plans, does he seem to fit the mold of someone who is going to end up contributing anything of consequence during the term of his contract. He's not the forgotten player; he's kind of the "hidden player."

So, who do you slip in at center, and if you do slip that person in, who is the heir apparent for the vacated position, and where do we stand at that point for reserves? In my eyes, the only two solid reserves we have on the OL at this point are Belton & Morgan, and we'd lose one of them as a starter if either Jenkins or Rasheed Walker was traded. In my estimation, it would mean handing LT to an inexperienced Anthony Belton, and for the first half of the season at least, he'd end up facing the best defender each team had, and they'd pretty much own him as he went through the learning curve. To me, that would leave me asking the question as to why they had done so much to improve the WR room when Love was going to end up scrambling for his life for quite a while and our running game would be hobbled as well.

I don't know. I think that I'd be looking at a longer-term deal for Jenkins at this point with the idea that you could afford to eat some cap space down the road if he should have problems with his health. I've seen some offensive linemen play into their late 30s with a level of intensity that rivals any young player and beat the injury bug along the well as long. I think Jenkins is potentially one of those players, and this year could well be the only year they play him at center, and they'll move him into a position where a large contract makes sense. He's just too good to remain at center, and if he does stay there, I think he has the potential to be All-Pro at the position. He'd earn the top money for the spot over the course of time.

The clear center back up is Rhyan as he was essentially taking all the main reps without Jenkins. There is also Trey Hill who appears to finally be healthy after coming to us post-his Bengals run as a back up center there when healthy.

I don't say this as defense of the move, but just the fact Monk is actually getting far more action and reps at guard it seems as his primary projection by the team than center.

 

[tynimiller]

Also IF we did such a move, there is always a David Andrews type veteran center with years of starting experience you could sign likely somewhat cheap too...or if wanting a back up go grab a Mustipher type guy that is still out there.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Also IF we did such a move, there is always a David Andrews type veteran center with years of starting experience you could sign likely somewhat cheap too...or if wanting a back up go grab a Mustipher type guy that is still out there.

Yeah it isn't that hard to find a C. I really like the possibility of getting a 3rd rounder for Jenkins now, move Rhyan to C and Morgan to RG. That said, if that were going to happen, I think it would have happened already. But players get injured in camp, hell players get injured all the time, so who knows? It's a deal worthy of consideration, no matter the timing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Jenkins and don't recall another OL player with his versatility AND talent. But Gluten wisely moves on from guys who are closing in on a third contract and 30 plus y/o. Emotion must be put to the side when making personnel decisions that affect the team's future.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Why would a team contending for a Super Bowl trade one of their best lineman?

 

[tynimiller]

Why would a team contending for a Super Bowl trade one of their best lineman?

It was outlined in some comments above - it isn't an advocacy for the thought but a thought triggered from the fact that a GM's job is to constantly be weighing and constructing the teams best chance to win both in the present if evident they can and also the future. We are still an insanely young team so an eye to the future is needed and in short - Jenkins contract next year isn't happening - he knows it, his agent knows it, Gute and Ball know it....its why so much contract discussions were occurring.

This was also stressed as not something likely Gute should be pursuing but if he is a good GM and given this situation PLUS all the young contracts coming do not just at this years' end but next year's end - he should be mindful of knowing a plan for post Jenkins now or in the future and what it would take.

Elite center play is a cherry on top of an offensive line, but time and time again it is proven in the league to be arguably where you just need a great communicator and smart player - he doesn't have to be the most refined lineman once the snap happens, of course he cannot be terrible but then again no one can anywhere. But center is the easiest thing to get by with or fill most would say along the offensive front.

So with Rhyan playing starting level for us typically and already the guy called on to be the center when Jenkins isn't around, and having Monk and Hill in house...the thought of absorbing losing Jenkins for 2025 isn't some far fetched concept that should cause Gute to say - no to a team calling about a guard or a center need (Jenkins) is all.

I would also contest that yes, Jenkins is one of our more proven lineman, but at 30 and now post-injury - I would not say he is our best lineman. I believe at best you can say tied for 2nd but likely our third just overall. Tom is our best, Walker arguably our second and Jenkins/Banks level of play at this point in Jenkin's career is fairly similar IMO at least.

 

[Heyjoe4]

It was outlined in some comments above - it isn't an advocacy for the thought but a thought triggered from the fact that a GM's job is to constantly be weighing and constructing the teams best chance to win both in the present if evident they can and also the future. We are still an insanely young team so an eye to the future is needed and in short - Jenkins contract next year isn't happening - he knows it, his agent knows it, Gute and Ball know it....its why so much contract discussions were occurring.

This was also stressed as not something likely Gute should be pursuing but if he is a good GM and given this situation PLUS all the young contracts coming do not just at this years' end but next year's end - he should be mindful of knowing a plan for post Jenkins now or in the future and what it would take.

Elite center play is a cherry on top of an offensive line, but time and time again it is proven in the league to be arguably where you just need a great communicator and smart player - he doesn't have to be the most refined lineman once the snap happens, of course he cannot be terrible but then again no one can anywhere. But center is the easiest thing to get by with or fill most would say along the offensive front.

So with Rhyan playing starting level for us typically and already the guy called on to be the center when Jenkins isn't around, and having Monk and Hill in house...the thought of absorbing losing Jenkins for 2025 isn't some far fetched concept that should cause Gute to say - no to a team calling about a guard or a center need (Jenkins) is all.

I would also contest that yes, Jenkins is one of our more proven lineman, but at 30 and now post-injury - I would not say he is our best lineman. I believe at best you can say tied for 2nd but likely our third just overall. Tom is our best, Walker arguably our second and Jenkins/Banks level of play at this point in Jenkin's career is fairly similar IMO at least.

Sunshinepacker's question is a good one and you provided a good assessment of the situation. And yeah, I wouldn't expect Gluten to be actively shopping Jenkins - Gluten has much bigger things to think about right now. But injuries always happen - same category as death and taxes, invevitable.

So if a good team has a long-term injury at starting C, a 3rd round pick in exchange for Jenkins would be at least worth considering. Now if the Packers are having a great season and the OL and QB are clicking, then a trade is much less likely.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

At some point Gute needs to stop trying to be the youngest roster in the league and be content with having really good veterans. As of right now this team is full of good players with VERY few elite players. Getting rid of very good older players at positions where being 30 years old isn’t a problem (why did the. RB age cliff get applied to every position?) isn’t a path to winning a Super BowlBowl.

If anything, Gute needs to start trading some draft picks to move up and draft elite players or trade those picks for elite vets.

 

[tynimiller]

At some point Gute needs to stop trying to be the youngest roster in the league and be content with having really good veterans. As of right now this team is full of good players with VERY few elite players. Getting rid of very good older players at positions where being 30 years old isn’t a problem (why did the. RB age cliff get applied to every position?) isn’t a path to winning a Super BowlBowl.

If anything, Gute needs to start trading some draft picks to move up and draft elite players or trade those picks for elite vets.

Gute has continually brought in top flight arguably elite guys in FA as often as the money has allowed.

Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs are both crazy good and clear indications Gute is not focused on being the youngest team as you shared.

 

[tynimiller]

At some point Gute needs to stop trying to be the youngest roster in the league and be content with having really good veterans. As of right now this team is full of good players with VERY few elite players. Getting rid of very good older players at positions where being 30 years old isn’t a problem (why did the. RB age cliff get applied to every position?) isn’t a path to winning a Super BowlBowl.

If anything, Gute needs to start trading some draft picks to move up and draft elite players or trade those picks for elite vets.

I also don’t think personally at least the age cliff is a thing for GB often times. It has been however very much a GB thing to not hand out third contracts to many guys once thirty or older. It just is a trend is all - again just a trend, not said in a defense of it or against it.

 

[OldSchool101]

Why would a team contending for a Super Bowl trade one of their best lineman?

Totally agree. So if the Season was even a partial rebuild like opening day 2023? I’d say trade him and in 2 seasons you’ve got a Fix at Center.
We just had 55%-56% grade play at Center in 2024 (60% is considered average). I defended Myers but his Run Blocking was atrocious.
It’s my opinion that Jenkins will be similar to Myers who was good in Pass Block, but he’s going to offer more balance in our Running game. That means better play overall at Center.

As mentioned by several in here, this gives us better depth. We’ve got Belton and Morgan in the Shadows. What’s worst case scenarios?
1. Nobody injures?
2. A Center injures and Rhyan reduces inside and Morgan plays RG?
3. A Tackle injures and we have Morgan?
4. TWO players miss substantial time and you plug Morgan and Belton in there?

I’m telling you I’m very confident we have a legit shot to take this Division. Trading away for a future 2026 3rd? When 60% chance we get a 2027 3rd Round comp either way ?

I think we’re used to seeing Brian make these moves, but he traded Rasul and Preston because of 4-3 fit and we started below .500 and it looked like a mini rebuild. Then Love absolutely lights it up and if not for a Bum Kicker we likely go to the Conference game or beyond in 2023.

We are a 12+ Win team today. We should retain depth UNLESS It is reasonable that we get a player in return and I’m talking similar to Jenkins who’s a good Starter. Give me a good Starter at CB or a Stout IDL that can just blow things up inside and we can at least talk

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Gute has continually brought in top flight arguably elite guys in FA as often as the money has allowed.

Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs are both crazy good and clear indications Gute is not focused on being the youngest team as you shared.

Then his management style has just coincided with being the youngest team in the league. And i never mentioned FA, Gute has been one of the best in the league in free agency, just wish he could find some elite players in the draft…

 

[tynimiller]

Then his management style has just coincided with being the youngest team in the league. And i never mentioned FA, Gute has been one of the best in the league in free agency, just wish he could find some elite players in the draft…

I won't disagree to a point...when I think Elite level players I don't think there is usually more than a handful of those types each year. If that's the level you're speaking to, I don't think anyone would disagree that would be incredible. I will say though I think of late especially he has freaking had some homerun draft classes now for few years.

 

[Voyageur]

Being the youngest team in the league is essential when you're facing a lot of dead cap. The Packers are working their way through the end of that cycle now. You get young because you opt for first contracts from rookies, and the serviceable FAs you find with low salary expectations. I think Gute has done a darned good job making that happen and meanwhile being able to keep some valuable pieces on the team and bring in others through FA who are solid. Examples, McKinney and Jacobs. Add in, the nice extension for Love and still having some mobility in salary movement after dumping the Alexander contract.

Signing Banks this year may prove to be an excellent move. It was adding a working piece to the puzzle without putting out huge guarantees on a long-term contract where you sweat out every minor injury.

People seem to forget that getting young and doing it well is a sign of good judgement of horse flesh. You can't afford to foolishly spend cap money just because you've got it.

 

[Heyjoe4]

IMO both the NBA and the NFL have become mostly young players' leagues (under 30-32). The Packers will field a very competitive team this year. If, at the same time, they are the youngest team in the league, I don't much care. Where experience and depth have been needed (meaning players on their second contract, usually), Gluten has been fearless in pursuing the right guys - the Smiths, Turner, Jacobs, McKinney - and while they have yet to play a down, the acquisition of veterans Banks and Hobbs were just good moves in a relatively weak FA class, based on the Packers' needs.

Ty makes a good point that finding young, first-contract elite players in the draft is extremely difficult/rare. And a good number of later round picks do become elite - Bakhtiari comes to mind.

Again, I'm more interested in a GM's ability to field a seriously competitive team. We don't have much to complain about there. I have been amazed at the job Gluten has done transitioning from Rodgers.

And some of these FAs, who were in weak systems, have excelled in GB. Anyway, no complaints here.

 

[OldSchool101]

Signing Banks this year may prove to be an excellent move. It was adding a working piece to the puzzle without putting out huge guarantees on a long-term contract where you sweat out every minor injury.

People seem to forget that getting young and doing it well is a sign of good judgement of horse flesh. You can't afford to foolishly spend cap money just because you've got it.

Amen. that bold part reminds me of Chicago. It’s a little bit of desperate buying aggressively just to stay relevant. IMO it’s a terrible time to “achieve” relevancy in our Division. Just thinking 2-3 years outward.

 

[tynimiller]

Since foolish spending came up and because sometimes folks see me as one not to be critical of Gute...I'll be honest...the Banks signing is the first FA move that I struggled with the spending amount on him. That's me though partial to my own opinion of the level of player I see in Banks - starter but not a not Top10 pay worthy guy in the league.

 

[OldSchool101]

Then his management style has just coincided with being the youngest team in the league. And i never mentioned FA, Gute has been one of the best in the league in free agency, just wish he could find some elite players in the draft…

When I grade the draft, I factor placement. Brian has had just 3 Top 20 draft selections across 8 drafts. We’ve not drafted inside 12 overall in any season under Brian. Unlike Chicago, Detroit etc.
Average draft placement across the last 10 seasons? #22.8
If you eliminate 2015-2017 our placement gets slightly worse. Mute like 23+ average draft placement in each round. Basically within 1 pick of the worst draft order, KC Chiefs.

https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/the-most-successful-first-round-teams-in-the-nfl-draft-the-last-10-years

Now Brian was actually hired before the 2018 season (so 7 drafts that can be rated). The above rankings go back to 2015. No other team was close to KC, Buffalo, GB, Baltimore in Win rate and we were all like 26-21, 24-24, 22-25 etc. from 2015-2017, so exclude those. So from a Win record Brian sits at #4 in the league across that span. While that does include a mixture of Free Agents, it’s highly indicative of finding talent.

That means within reason, GB ranked
Win Loss records since 2018?
1. KC
2. Baltimore
3. Buffalo
4. Green Bay

Retaining Day1 players?
GB #12

2nd/3rd worst draft placement but 4th best W/L record. That doesn’t sound like a GM who doesn’t draft good.

 

[Voyageur]

IMO both the NBA and the NFL have become mostly young players' leagues (under 30-32). The Packers will field a very competitive team this year. If, at the same time, they are the youngest team in the league, I don't much care. Where experience and depth have been needed (meaning players on their second contract, usually), Gluten has been fearless in pursuing the right guys - the Smiths, Turner, Jacobs, McKinney - and while they have yet to play a down, the acquisition of veterans Banks and Hobbs were just good moves in a relatively weak FA class, based on the Packers' needs.

Ty makes a good point that finding young, first-contract elite players in the draft is extremely difficult/rare. And a good number of later round picks do become elite - Bakhtiari comes to mind.

Again, I'm more interested in a GM's ability to field a seriously competitive team. We don't have much to complain about there. I have been amazed at the job Gluten has done transitions from Rodgers.

And some of these FAs, who were in weak systems, have excelled in GB. Anyway, no complaints here.

Couldn't be said better. Maintaining the level of excellence that they have with two transitions, from Favre to Rodgers, and Rodgers to Love, and hardly having any problem along the way. Most teams take 3 to 5 years to return to any semblance of prestige when changes of that magnitude happen.

 

[Voyageur]

Since foolish spending came up and because sometimes folks see me as one not to be critical of Gute...I'll be honest...the Banks signing is the first FA move that I struggled with the spending amount on him. That's me though partial to my own opinion of the level of player I see in Banks - starter but not a not Top10 pay worthy guy in the league.

I'd agree with you under most circumstances, but I saw it as a signing that Gute figured would give them 4 years of consistency at the position. The thing that concerned me most is that over his 4-year career, Banks did suffer several injuries that has kept him from really developing to his highest level.

I think it was a move that they saw as giving them a consistently decent player who doesn't give up a lot of sacks each year and that's what they need to give Love time to make his release.

The troubling thing at this point is that already, in camps, Banks has had an injury. It could become a concern if it continues to happen.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

When I grade the draft, I factor placement. Brian has had just 3 Top 20 draft selections across 8 drafts. We’ve not drafted inside 12 overall in any season under Brian. Unlike Chicago, Detroit etc.
Average draft placement across the last 10 seasons? #22.8
If you eliminate 2015-2017 our placement gets slightly worse. Mute like 23+ average draft placement in each round. Basically within 1 pick of the worst draft order, KC Chiefs.

https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/the-most-successful-first-round-teams-in-the-nfl-draft-the-last-10-years

Now Brian was actually hired before the 2018 season (so 7 drafts that can be rated). The above rankings go back to 2015. No other team was close to KC, Buffalo, GB, Baltimore in Win rate and we were all like 26-21, 24-24, 22-25 etc. from 2015-2017, so exclude those. So from a Win record Brian sits at #4 in the league across that span. While that does include a mixture of Free Agents, it’s highly indicative of finding talent.

That means within reason, GB ranked
Win Loss records since 2018?
1. KC
2. Baltimore
3. Buffalo
4. Green Bay

Retaining Day1 players?
GB #12

GB average Draft placement?
#22.8
Only KC and Baltimore drafted behind us since 2018.

3rd worst draft placement but 4th best W/L record. That doesn’t sound like a GM who doesn’t draft good.

Other great teams manage to find impact players in the first round far more often than Gute has. Eagles are obviously the best example of this but the Chiefs have had more early round success as have the Ravens and the Bucs. Gute is a good GM but his early round picks, irrespective of when those selections come, have been underwhelming.

 

[OldSchool101]

Since foolish spending came up and because sometimes folks see me as one not to be critical of Gute...I'll be honest...the Banks signing is the first FA move that I struggled with the spending amount on him. That's me though partial to my own opinion of the level of player I see in Banks - starter but not a not Top10 pay worthy guy in the league.

The only couple things I can think of (because on paper he was absolutely overpayed) was that he was a player who they think still has growth. It’s weird because to me PFF rated him ascending and has 2024 as an average Pass Blocker, but above average Run Blocker. Then in the same breath they labeled him the 67th best FA available in 2025. I think they look at a player who started rough, but he’s still ascending and as we know we do a great job of developing OL.

Although should be noted that while Banks has an history of allowing below average QB pressure rates, he’s also only allowed 3 Sacks across nearly 1,700 Pass block snaps, which is incredible. I guess what I’m trying to say is he’s a hard one to figure out. Yet the obvious thing is the 49ers have consistently been a Top Running team from an efficiency perspective during his tenure. 1 year they led the league in attempts, 1 year they were 4th in per carry (Top 9 last 3 seasons) but always focus and consistency. I don’t think Banks sacrifices much in Pass Protection on the flip side. I believe we studied him hard (possibly a former draft crush) and we think he’s an ideal fit for where we are headed.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Since foolish spending came up and because sometimes folks see me as one not to be critical of Gute...I'll be honest...the Banks signing is the first FA move that I struggled with the spending amount on him. That's me though partial to my own opinion of the level of player I see in Banks - starter but not a not Top10 pay worthy guy in the league.

Yeah Banks was pricey, and that's the problem with FA. If more than one team needs a solid veteran (and who doesn't?) the price is going to go up. I'm not sure, but it may take more money to get a guy to a small market as well.

I still like the move, as the Packers desperately needed veteran OL depth. I thought that Hobbs at $12 mil AAV was also pricey, and for the same reasons.

I still trust Gluten's instincts and that he would walk away from a guy he didn't see as adding value close to the cost to get him. So I'm sure Banks and Hobbs will be valuable to the team's goal this year. They probably paid a few mil more in AAV. As I remember, that was true of the Smiths and even McKinney, but those worked out well. Those sound like big numbers, but not in this NFL.....

 

[Voyageur]

Yeah Banks was pricey, and that's the problem with FA. If more than one team needs a solid veteran (and who doesn't?) the price is going to go up. I'm not sure, but it may take more money to get a guy to a small market as well.

I still like the move, as the Packers desperately needed veteran OL depth. I thought that Hobbs at $12 mil AAV was also pricey, and for the same reasons.

I still trust Gluten's instincts and that he would walk away from a guy he didn't see as adding value close to the cost to get him. So I'm sure Banks and Hobbs will be valuable to the team's goal this year. They probably paid a few mil more in AAV. As I remember, that was true of the Smiths and even McKinney, but those worked out well. Those sound like big numbers, but not in this NFL.....

No doubt about it, the name of the game is "overpaying" in the NFL. There seems to always be someone out there who thinks that some guy is worth more than he actually is. I laugh when I hear how the FA market is so restrictive because the owners don't want to offer fair value.

The thing that I find amazing is the difference between a veteran player who only gets league minimum for his years of service and the guy who walks away with millions. Sometimes their skill levels aren't all that much different. It's just a matter of perception in the eyes of people calling the shots on a team.