3 NFL trade deadline deals that could push teams to contender status

NFL Trade Deadline move no. 2: Brandin Cooks, KJ Hamler to the Packers

Here’s a little two-for-one.

The Green Bay Packers need wide receiver help. I don’t think anyone can dispute that at this point. Aaron Rodgers is publicly calling for the guys that are on the bench to maybe get some playing time, and the guys who are playing to maybe spend some time riding the pine. Rodgers is fed up, face-down on the ground as his team has struggled to a 3-4 record so far this season.

General manager Brian Gutekunst has made plenty of investments — substantial ones — in his defense. It’s high time the Packers made a trade (or two) for Rodgers to get him some help in the receiver department. Hoping that Romeo Doubs or Christian Watson will develop this year is not working out for anybody. The Packers will soon have eight weeks of proof that they need experienced receivers on the roster.

Brandin Cooks has been one of the most frequently traded players in the history of the NFL. He’s also basically a lock for 1,000 receiving yards every year. Why he has gotten passed around so much? I couldn’t tell you to be certain. One thing I know for sure — it feels like he’s always available. The Texans did re-sign Cooks but they probably wouldn’t turn down great value for him. Nick Caserio is another GM who loves to tinker with his roster and collect draft picks.

If the Packers could land Cooks alone, it would be huge, but why stop there? Why not go after an upside play as well?

Cooks is a veteran, but KJ Hamler is a relative unknown at this point. He’s got a history of injuries as well as flashes of brilliance, but perhaps in a new environment outside of Denver, he could really thrive. If nothing else, Hamler brings speed and on-field toughness to the position. He’s got a high ceiling and along with Cooks could dramatically change the Packers’ passing attack.