Brian Gutekunst has never acquired a player via in-season trade since he took over as the Green Bay Packers general manager in 2018. But that doesn't mean he is not willing to acquire players in general.

On the contrary, the Packers have been extremely active to add in the margins, signing players from other teams' practice squads and claiming some off waivers.

So while the trade deadline has passed and the Packers didn't acquire anyone (instead, they traded Preston Smith away), it doesn't mean the current version of the roster is the final one.

There is still time to add more pieces, and director of pro personnel Richmond Williams is one of the top assistants to general manager Brian Gutekunst. Sure enough, those pieces aren’t as impactful as the ones speculated around the trade deadline period, but some of them could be useful.

So, let's discuss some options in free agency and especially in other teams' practice squads.

Practice squad options

CB Damarion Williams, Seattle Seahawks (26)

This would certainly be the most Packers-esque move. Williams is still young at 26 and he was a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. Cut by the Ravens this year, he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks to the practice squad and can still develop into a useful piece.

DI Sam Kamara, Cleveland Browns (26)

Originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Kamara has been with the Browns since 2022. Even though he hasn't been an overly productive player, his versatility to play edge or interior of the defensive line is intriguing.

EDGE Isaac Ukwu, Detroit Lions (25)

Undrafted rookie this season, Ukwu played one season for Ole Miss after playing at James Madison most of his college career. He had three sacks and a forced fumble during the preseason, but didn't make the Lions' 53-man roster anyway.

EDGE Takkarist McKinley, New York Jets (29)

This option doesn't fit the Packers' roster-building timeline as much, since McKinley is 29. But he is a former first-round draft pick and has had some kind of production throughout his career, with 20 total sacks.

LB Kristian Welch, Baltimore Ravens (26)

You might know him well, because he spent most of the 2023 season and the 2024 preseason with the Packers as an off-ball linebacker and core special teamer. The Packers released him for lack of a roster spot and he was signed by the Denver Broncos, but is now with Ravens' PS, so the Packers can sign him to the active roster again if they want to.

DI Chris Wormley, Baltimore Ravens (31)

Another veteran player, Wormley is mostly an interior guy. He was a third-round pick in 2017 and has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Carolina Panthers. This year, he's back with the Ravens. Except for his time with the Panthers, he's been a solid and fairly versatile defensive lineman.

CB Jalen Davis, Cincinnati Bengals (28)

The Packers could probably use some nickel depth, and that's what Jalen Davis has offered behind Mike Hilton for the Bengals. He's been in Cincinnati since 2020, after stints with the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals.

CB Desmond King, Houston Texans (29)

King is the guy that the internet loves, but the real NFL doesn't seem to like as much. He's a solid nickel corner and a good kick returner, but has gone from team to team without real appreciation. He's been with the Texans again since last year, and it's his second stint there.

---

Free agents

CB Joejuan Williams (26)

Williams had some promising seasons for the Patriots after being a second-round pick in 2019, but hasn't done much outside of that environment. He's been with the Vikings, Bears, and Saints over the last few seasons. The advantages here: He can play man, is still young at 26, and he is a real street free agent, so the Packers can sign him to their practice squad, and not necessarily to the active roster.

CB J. C. Jackson (28)

Jackson was a really good cornerback for the Patriots and was a Super Bowl champion in 2018. But since he signed a big free agent contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, the performance hasn't been good — he simply wasn't a good fit for Brandon Staley's scheme. Last year, he returned to the Patriots, but couldn't regain his old form. He is still 28, so in terms of age he could offer at least one or two more seasons of capable play.

Why the Packers are opting for patience over quick fixes in their roster strategy

Brian Gutekunst has a long-term vision over his team