3 trades the Packers could make before final rosters are set

Green Bay Packers should try to trade for Steelers WR Chase Claypool

This one is a bit off the wall, I will admit. With that being said, some trade rumors regarding Chase Claypool predate the NFL Draft when the Steelers landed George Pickens in the second round. Pickens has been a sensation all offseason and is stealing just about every headline from Steelers camp.

Does Pickens’ emergence make Claypool expendable in Pittsburgh? Prior to the team’s decision to re-sign Diontae Johnson, I would have said no, but things can change rather quickly in the NFL.

Claypool has two years left on his rookie contract. He had an outstanding rookie season with the Steelers followed by somewhat of a disappointing second year with the team by comparison. Although he remains an exceptional talent, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if the Steelers internally are more inclined to build around Johnson and Pickens, especially with the way Pickens has played in the preseason and training camp so far.

It can’t hurt for the Packers to call up the Steelers and find out what their asking price might be on a player like Claypool. Although I’m sure the Steelers wouldn’t mind having both Pickens and Claypool on the roster, they have been such an exceptional wide receiver factory that they might be able to be persuaded for the right price.

The Packers could use another big-bodied receiver like Claypool, someone that can stretch the field and someone that can really make a bunch of plays after the catch. Although the team has high hopes for Christian Watson and now Romeo Doubs, the Packers would be able to get multiple years of Claypool on a rookie deal and they probably wouldn’t have to give up more than a second-round pick or equivalent value.

Again, Claypool still has value to the Steelers but there’s no question about the fact that receivers have been “available” around the league for the right price. It’s up to teams like the Packers that need help in that area to bring the right offer to the table to get an impact playmaker like this.

Ultimately, again — there’s really no good reason to expect Brian Gutekunst to get this aggressive to make really any of these moves. It’s just not who he’s been as a general manager, and everyone has their brand. But Aaron Rodgers is already sensing some issues at the receiver position and while nobody’s going to be Davante Adams, the Packers could have chances to upgrade the roster before rosters are finalized next week. We’ll see if they take them.