The Green Bay Packers, in a pivotal offseason following a surprise playoff run, are being urged to make a bold move to solidify their championship aspirations. A new analysis from Bleacher Report has identified three specific trade targets who could immediately transform the team’s most glaring weaknesses, with one name generating particular excitement among analysts.
The most compelling proposal centers on Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Byron Young. With significant uncertainty surrounding the Packers’ current pass rush, acquiring Young is presented as a potential franchise-altering move. The young defender is coming off a dominant 12-sack season and has amassed 27.5 sacks in his first three professional years, showcasing a rare blend of youth and proven production.
Young’s advanced metrics further illustrate his value, boasting high Pro Football Focus grades as both a pass rusher and a run defender. The rationale for the Rams potentially moving such a talented player hinges on their roster construction; with another young star in Jared Verse also needing a future contract, Los Angeles may opt to capitalize on Young’s trade value now rather than lose him later.
The suggested cost for Green Bay would be a fourth and seventh-round draft pick, a price many argue is a bargain for a player of Young’s caliber. This move would theoretically pair Young with a healthy Micah Parsons, creating one of the most formidable edge duos in the league and rendering other current players expendable.
Addressing the secondary remains an equally critical priority. Bleacher Report’s second target is veteran Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson. The Packers’ cornerback room struggled throughout last season, and Johnson brings experience and a proven track record in the slot, though his recent injury history and substantial contract are points of concern.
Johnson missed nine games over the past two seasons but, when healthy, has been a highly productive tackler and a reliable coverage presence. The financial aspect of any deal would be complex, likely necessitating an immediate contract restructure. Analysts suggest that if Buffalo releases him to clear cap space, a signing would be more palatable for Green Bay than surrendering draft capital in a trade.
The final proposed trade involves fortifying the defensive interior with Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne. After a slight statistical dip in 2024, Payne rebounded with a strong 2025 campaign, recording 42 tackles and four sacks on a struggling Commanders defense. His ability to pressure the interior would be a welcome addition to Green Bay’s front.
However, Payne’s significant contract, averaging over $22 million per year, gives many pause. The analysis suggests that while the need on the defensive line is acute, the Packers may find better value in the free agent market, with players like John Franklin-Myers or Sheldon Rankins potentially providing similar impact without the cost of trade compensation.
These speculative scenarios arrive as General Manager Brian Gutekunst faces a challenging offseason landscape, armed with limited early-round draft capital but a clear mandate to upgrade the defense. The pursuit of a player like Byron Young represents the aggressive, win-now mentality that could define Green Bay’s approach as they look to build upon last year’s success.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the Packers’ front office views these specific players as viable targets. With the NFL draft and free agency period on the horizon, Green Bay’s strategy for addressing its pass rush, secondary, and defensive line will come into sharp focus, determining if they remain contenders or become true favorites in the NFC.
