The NFL trade deadline is an opportunity for all 32 teams to improve their own unique situations. The Green Bay Packers have a peculiar situation this time around.
With quarterback Jordan Love returning soon from injury, the Packers should be able to unlock the best possible version of their offense in the near future. But when Love looks out at the field, he may have too many quality receivers to get the ball to.
The Packers have Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks atop their depth chart. They also have Bo Melton, who looked like the breakout star of December and January but hasn't even gotten a target yet this season.
If the Packers can turn one of their less vital receivers (say, Wicks or Melton) into draft capital or an upgrade at another position, it makes perfect sense for them to do so. And fortunately, an ideal trade partner appears to be emerging.
ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers are seeking an upgrade at the receiver position after missing out on the San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk in the preseason.
"The Steelers were active on the wide receiver market in the offseason -- remember, they had a real chance to land Brandon Aiyuk had the 49ers not been able to extend him -- and I expect them to continue to monitor the receiver trade market as the deadline approaches," Graziano said.
At 3-0, the Steelers have been significantly better to this point than most expected from them. They own a two-game advantage atop the AFC North, and with how dominant their defense has been, it makes sense to shop for an offensive edge to take them over the top.
This type of aggressive buyer's mentality at the trade deadline could play perfectly into the Packers' hands. Melton is losing trade value by the day, and even Wicks doesn't factor into the Green Bay offense when Willis is playing quarterback.
If the Packers can secure a decent draft pick (say, fourth or fifth round) for Wicks or Melton, that feels like a proposal worth taking at this point. Having options is great, but having too many of them can stifle everyone's growth.
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