Packers Predicted to Target Super Bowl Champ at Trade Deadline
(Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Sebastian Joseph-Day #69 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a sack against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Packers would certainly be excused if they sat out this year’s go-round of the NFL trade deadline cycle, given the fact that they pulled off one of the biggest trades in the history of the franchise just before this season kicked off, when they added star pass-rusher Micah Parsons.
Still, at 5-1-1, the Packers are the best team in the NFL, and should be considered among the favorites–if not the favorite–to go to the Super Bowl from the NFC. And with the state of the AFC being somewhat down, the Packers probably should be among the top two or three teams to be come out with a championship this season.
And that’s despite not quite playing up to the sum of their parts yet. As good as the Packers are, record-wise, there is a sense that they have not had all units firing at the same time. Maybe, adding a piece or two at the NFL trade deadline could help solidify a team that could use another roster jolt.
Sebastian Joseph-Day to Help Replace Kenny Clark?
With that in mind, the folks at ESPN note that it would not be a surprise to see Green Bay sit on the sidelines when the deadline comes next week. Still, the Packers need some help on the defensive front, having sent Kenny Clark to Dallas in the Parsons deal and could look to Titans veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day to help solve the problem.
Joseph-Day came up with the Rams and was a starter in his first two seasons. Writes ESPN:
“Titans defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day. The Packers are thin on the defensive interior after the departure of Kenny Clark in the Parsons trade, and Wyatt’s injury has served as a stark reminder of that vulnerability. Joseph-Day is a stout run defender on a one-year deal — perfect for patching one of the few remaining holes on a Super Bowl contender.”
Packers Could Make Minor Outgoing Moves, Too
The Packers, as things stand, have a pretty good rotation of defensive linemen, when healthy. Devonte Wyatt has just returned from a knee injury, and the team’s other top linemen, Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden have been effective.
But more depth and experience would be welcome, and Joseph-Day was the No. 23-ranked defensive lineman at Pro Football Focus last season, and is No. 37 this year.
As for possible outgoing pieces, the Packers could look to move Sean Rhyan.
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky wrote, “Rhyan, a third-round pick in 2022, is in the final year of his rookie contract. He lost his starting spot to 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan (although they alternated series in the most recent game) and seems to know his time in Green Bay is running short.”
NFC scout drops Brandon Graham truth that makes Eagles' trade deadline imperative
Philadelphia Eagles fans are still excited that they got their legendary defensive end, Brandon Graham, back after coming out of retirement, but there is still a harsh reality that fans need to understand about him.
The trade deadline in the NFL is less than a week away, and the Eagles still have some work to do with general manager Howie Roseman looking to strike at least one more deal after trading with the New York Jets to acquire cornerback Michael Carter II. While people love seeing Graham back, one NFC scout told
"Getting Brandon [Graham] back [out of retirement] is a nice story, but he’s a part-time player who will only marginally help their pass rush," the NFC scout said. "They are getting no push off the edge and Howie knows they can’t win that way."
Eagles still have a glaring edge rusher problem
No one in Philly is in denial about the problems the team has had with edge rushers in 2025. From Nolan Smith Jr. and Ogbo Okoronkwo being placed on IR to Za'Darius Smith retiring, as well as Azeez Ojulari being hurt, it has been a bad year at the position.
The group currently has 4.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits through eight games. Right now, the top edge rusher has been Jalyx Hunt, who has had one sack, eight quarterback hits, and a pick-six on the season.
While Graham does significantly upgrade the position, there is a lot of truth in the scout's comments that is 100% accurate. Graham is only expected to play 15-20 snaps per game and be utilized in pass-rushing situations, as he is not the hybrid edge rusher that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prefers, who can also drop back into coverage.
There is still time for the Eagles to examine the market for a trade and could have a good option for a trade partner: the Miami Dolphins. Vacchiano shared in his same report on the Eagles that there are two names from the Dolphins to watch out for in a trade.
"Two names to keep an eye on: Dolphins edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, both of whom played for current Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio when he was with Miami in 2023."
Miami is coming off a 28-6 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens to open up Week 9 action. Now with the Dolphins sitting at 2-7 on the season, they are expected to be sellers in the trade market.
Graham is a great piece to have rather as a leader than a player, but the Eagles need to keep their foot on the pedal and get another edge rusher to round out the roster.
