Packers Rumors: Justin Hollins trade could free up more EDGE reps
The Green Bay Packers have depth aplenty at the linebacker positions, especially on the edge. With first-round pick Lukas Van Ness carving out a role so quickly, it would not be surprising to see the Packers shift assets around at the trade deadline.
On potential trade chip speculatively pinpointed by Logan Ulrich of NFL Trade Rumors is Justin Hollins, a 2019 fifth-round pick out of Oregon. Hollins has appeared in 59 NFL games across four years with three different teams. Splitting last season between Los Angeles and Green Bay, Hollins accrued 35 tackles, seven QB hits, and one forced fumble in 16 games (five starts).
While Hollins is no doubt a competent rotation piece, Ulrich believes a trade could benefit the Packers' rebuild.
"The Packers have a lot of depth at edge rusher and there might be younger options they want to get more snaps," he writes. "Trading Hollins would free up that role."
It's hard to argue with the clean and simple logic there. Hollins, who is 27 years old, still has gas left in the tank. That said, there are other teams more in need of veteran edge rushing support. The Packers have the depth to justify such a trade and the focus on youth to make it pragmatic.
Packers Rumors: Jonah Williams, Ben Jones could provide O-line support via trade
Offensive line has been an area of weakness for the Packers, exacerbated by the ongoing absence of franchise cornerstone David Bakhtiari. While no single player can right the ship, one has to imagine the Packers will seek upgrades at various positions.
Green Bay is involved in a patient rebuild, but the NFC North is relatively winnable and Jordan Love looks the part of a long-term NFL starter. Love would probably look even better facing less pressure in the pocket, in turn offering him more time to make his progressions and calculate his more daring pass attempts.
Bleacher Report scribe Alex Ballentine penned an article detailing three potential trade targets for Green Bay ahead of the Oct. 31 trade deadline. Speedy WR Hollywood Brown took the No. 1 spot, but the article otherwise focuses on two potential offensive line enforcers: Bengals OL Jonah Williams and former Texans C Ben Jones.
Williams switched from left to right tackle for the Bengals this season, and that positional flexibility could appeal to Green Bay. He's also a free agent in 2024 and the Bengals are quickly losing ground in the competitive AFC North, which could lead Cincinnati to consider trade overtures.
Jones, an 11-year NFL vet, spent the last seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans. A failed physical left him jobless to begin the new campaign, but he's reportedly open to a return and the Packers could use a reigning Pro Bowler to protect their young QB.
Packers Rumors: David Bakhtiari speaks honestly about NFL future
The Packers are expected to be without David Bakhtiari for the remainder of the 2023 season as he continues to deal with the fallout of a 2020 ACL tear. A three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle who has spent his entire 11-year career with the Packers, Bakhtiari's future is more uncertain than ever.
Most complicated is the financial picture, as Bakhtiari is set to wield a $40.4 million cap hit next season — the largest for any non-QB in the NFL. If the Packers waive him, the consequence is over $19 million in dead money. There isn't a great way for Green Bay to feel positive about the situation, even if there's optimism about Bakhtiari finally working his way back to full health in 2024. There's no guarantee he's still the all-world talent of yesteryear.
Bakhtiari spoke candidly about his future with Packers insider Bill Huber.
Bakhtiari claims to have "a really good relationship" with Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, but the NFL is a business. A good GM will cut ties with beloved players and even close friends to move a team in the right direction. The 32-year-old Bakhtiari wants to play again in Green Bay, but he's not comfortable providing any assurances. He, like the rest of us, doesn't know what the future holds.
The last few years have been a constant struggle for Bakhtiari, who has undergone multiple knee surgeries and endured countless hours of rehab, only to get hit with setback after setback after setback. He deserves another chance to prove his mettle in the NFL and the Packers would be justified to believe in a franchise legend, but there's a chance Bakhtiari gets shipped off elsewhere.
Former Packer Kurt Benkert has a new home in mind.
Bakhtiari spent his summer talking about Aaron Rodgers a lot and the Jets' new QB even engaged in some quiet recruiting, so it's not such a far-fetched idea. If the Packers are ready to jump ship on the Bakhtiari experience, why not let him reunite with his old running mate in New York for a simultaneous redemption tour?