Matt LaFleur spills the beans on what the Packers really plan to do ahead of the NFL trade deadline
Head coach doesn’t think the Packers had to add pieces to be good, but he won’t complain if that happens.
The Green Bay Packers don’t tend to be the most active team ahead of trade deadlines. Since general manager Brian Gutekunst took over in 2018, he’s never acquired a player in the week leading up to the deadline — on the other hand, he’s sold Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Ty Montgomery, Rasul Douglas, and Preston Smith.
However, Gutekunst did consider some trades — most notably, wide receiver Will Fuller back in 2020. Ultimately, the price requested by the Houston Texans wasn’t right. This is mostly how the Packers will process things ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
The roster is good enough
The Packers already made two trades right before the season, acquiring Micah Parsons and Darian Kinnard. Asked about potential moves on Monday, head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned that the team doesn’t need to add more players to be competitive, but the front office is making sure to evaluate opportunities.
“I don’t think so, not necessarily,” LaFleur said about the need to add pieces. “I know Gutey and the rest of the guys upstairs are doing a great job of looking for things that could potentially help us, and if the right decision is there, I’ve got full confidence he’ll make it.”
Gutekunst and LaFleur have a close relationship, and the big roster decisions go through both of them, even though the GM has the final call.
“We’re in constant communication about everything,” LaFleur added.
While cornerback and defensive tackle were arguably the biggest needs on the roster, the tight end room also became thin with Tucker Kraft’s season-ending knee injury. Right now, the only two TEs on the roster are Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick — Josh Whyle is on the practice squad and could be promoted or elevated.
The trade deadline is at 3 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Don’t expect big moves from the Packers, but something might happen — and as always, only if the price is right.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports Green Bay, as “Matt LaFleur spills the beans on what the Packers really plan to do ahead of the NFL trade deadline.”
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