If you think about it, it's kinda sad that we're less than a week away from the NFL Trade Deadline. Starting next Wednesday, we won't be able to talk about which Pro Bowl caliber pass rushers are reasonable targets for the Green Bay Packers. Right now, Maxx Crosby could still be a Packer!
Anything's possible for the next six days, and that's nice to think about. Come Wednesday morning, the Packers are who they are.
But we'll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, let's continue daydreaming about ways in which the Packers can swing a move that wins them the NFC North. Now's the time to lean into Madden trades, which is great because Bleacher Report already beat us to it.
Bleacher Report's Big Board of Trade Candidates dropped this week, and one name they connect to the Packers sure would be interesting.
Chase Young could be the final pass rushing piece of the Packers' puzzle
"The Green Bay Packers could also be interested in adding a pressure man like Young as they look to chase Detroit in the NFC North. Green Bay has tallied 21 sacks through its first eight games, but it hasn't gotten steady production off the edge. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt leads the team with just three sacks. Starting edge defenders Rashan Gary and Preston Smith have combined for only four."
Chase Young! That's a big name. Young's been talked about as one of the league's premier pass rushers for a few years now, and while the Packers do have a fair amount of edge depth, it's not like they couldn't – in theory – use a guy like Young.
The problem, unfortunately, is that I'm not so sure Chase Young is good anymore. According to Pro Football Focus, Young is in the middle of easily the worst season of his career – his overall defensive grade (56.3) is awful, and his pass-rush grade (59.2) is under 60 for the first time ever. In 375 snaps this season, he has three sacks, eight QB hits, and is currently ranked by PFF as the 82nd best pass rusher in football.
All that being said, the Saints are a mess. Maybe the classic change of scenery move would rejuvenate Young, and the Packers could probably get him for cheap considering his contract and production. See? These are the types of mental gymnastics that we won't be able to do next week. I'll miss it.
