Despite having one of the deepest wide receiver groups, the Green Bay Packers are signing Mecole Hardman which could signal a Christian Watson trade. According to the breaking news, quarterback Jordan Love is getting another versatile weapon in the receiving corps while the Packers don’t really need a new wide receiver. This could mean the team may at least trade one of the current receivers this offseason, especially after expressing interest in trading for DK Metcalf. However, the Steelers took over and got him in a trade while the Packers and Chargers were pursuing him.

Watson’s future is uncertain as he continues to be in several trade rumors this offseason after suffering a knee injury. The wide receiver might have to wait a little longer for that to happen since he would need to pass a physical but that probably won’t stop a team like the New England Patriots to pursue as they’re the latest team to be a part of the Watson rumors. Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former North Dakota State product is entering the final year of his contract and the outlook of his 2025 season doesn’t look promising. The Packers may want to attempt to trade while they could for at least a late-round draft pick and these two teams could emerge to do it.

Mecole Hardman Signing Could Signal Christian Watson Trade – Ravens, Chargers Best Fits

Help for DeAndre Hopkins

Despite signing DeAndre Hopkins, the Baltimore Ravens could use another wide receiver in their department. The team is signing Hopkins on a one-year deal and that tells you that they don’t see a future in him. Baltimore needs to start to think about the afterlife of Hopkins even though he just got there. They’re only bringing him in as depth for the postseason but trading Watson won’t earn hurt even if he’s not ready for full-time duties until the end of next season.

As of this posting, the Ravens only have Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman as the two pass catchers that are “on lock.” Nelson Agholor will probably sign elsewhere but giving Watson a chance wouldn’t change this offense around in the worst way.

Justin Herbert’s New Toy?

The Los Angeles Chargers have surprisingly been on a bargain journey this offseason despite having enough cap space to sign or trade a couple of formidable pass catchers. Justin Herbert got Mike Williams back but as he’s on a one-year deal, he might not be in the team’s long-term plans. This means head coach Jim Harbaugh will probably use the NFL Draft next month to get help for Herbert’s pass offense and if that’s true, it would be a huge blow to his career.

Herbert is in the prime of his career and the Chargers can’t let his talent go to waste. The only set of reliable hands is 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey who lacks size but has the speed to move the chains. Watson won’t be the most exciting trade for the Chargers but it gives Herbert some liberty to pass the ball around without hesitation. He won’t start week 1 but it gives the team some relief in the postseason.

The post Mecole Hardman Signing Could Signal NFL Blockbuster Trade appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Green Bay Packers have been relatively busy over the first three days of the 2025 NFL Free Agency. Many changes have been made on the Packers depth chart in many positions, including ones the Packers should look to revamp and add depth to. Let’s grade the departures of these four Packers free agents and evaluate whether Green Bay made good riddance on each player or should have hung onto them for a little longer.

Grading the Packers Free Agency Departures

RB AJ Dillon to Eagles

It has been a long time since AJ Dillon has seen the football field and the Packers felt it was time to part ways with the former Boston College back, who has seemed to regress each year. Injuries have unfortunately kept the power rusher on the sideline for the entirety of the 2024 NFL season, making it difficult for the Packers to stick with the original plans they had lined up for him role-wise.

The Packers thrived in the run game this year without Dillon and it seems like Dillon will be of more value to a team that truly needs the kinds of strength he provides in the run game. The Packers have decent depth at the position with Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson subbing in for Josh Jacobs every now and then. This is a good move by Brian Gutekunst to not try and match the Eagles’ offer.

Grade: A-

CB Eric Stokes to Raiders

Throughout Stokes’ four-year career with the Packers, it has been a lot of ups and downs. After going toe to toe with All-Pro CB Patrick Surtain II in passes defended in his rookie season, Stokes hit a wall after injuring his foot in his second season with the team. Ever since the defensive back has seen the bench more than he is accustomed to and has struggled in pass coverage.

It seemed evident that the departure of Stokes was coming with the signing of Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four-year deal. This is a massive upgrade at the position as Hobbs is one of the more young and proven defenders in the league. It would have been even tougher for Stokes to see snaps, so it makes sense the Packers did not pursue a re-signing in free agency.

Grade: A-

C Josh Myers to Jets

Myers would have been easy to bring back to the team, as the New York Jets only gave the center a one-year, 3.5 million dollar deal. However, Myers was the clear weak point of the Packers’ offensive line despite allowing just one sack in 2024. Myers’s pass blocking was decent with Green Bay, but that does not make up for his inability to run block, as he was ranked 54th out of 64 centers in 2024 in that category.

Moving guard Elgton Jenkins over to the center position, which he has played very well when put there, will not be an issue with first-round pick Jordan Morgan coming back from injury and Aaron Banks coming over from San Francisco. Depth is the only concern around the Packers’ offensive line, but they are sure to address that issue in the draft.

Grade: B+

DT T.J. Slaton to Bengals

Slaton has proven to be a solid piece for the Packers’ interior defensive line and has done well in a variety of schemes the packers have put forth over the years. However, the Packers felt that the offer the Bengals gave the 331-pound lineman was not worth it in terms of matching the deal in free agency.

Losing Slaton is a hit to the pressure the Packers can bring in both the run game and pass game and Green Bay is now in an even deeper hole in terms of finding players that will fill his role. Clark may need to move back to nose tackle if the Packers can not address that in the draft, but it is unlikely they will do so. Bringing back Slaton may have been in Gutekunst’s best interest.

Grade: C-

Main Photo: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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Four-year veteran cornerback Eric Stokes signed a new contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Stokes, a former first-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Green Bay Packers.

The Raiders are adding more on defense, as they are set to sign former Packers first-round CB Eric Stokes on a 1-year, $4M, source said.

[image or embed]

— Ian Rapoport (@rapsheet1.bsky.social) March 11, 2025 at 7:21 PM

Eric Stokes, Las Vegas Raiders, Agree to Contract

After declining the fifth-year option on his contract, Eric Stokes entered the 2024 season looking to establish his value ahead of free agency. That mission was a partial success, as the cornerback stayed on the field for all 17 games while making seven starts. During his time on the field, Stokes recorded 41 tackles and a 61.3 PFF grade, the 74th-best mark out of 116 eligible players. With his help, the Green Bay Packers made the playoffs but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round.

Eric Stokes originally entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the Packers, the Georgia product immediately became a key part of the defense. Appearing in 16 games while making 14 starts, the rookie finished his inaugural season with one interception, 14 passes defended, 55 tackles, and a 65.5 PFF grade. Aaron Rodgers won MVP in 2021, but the team still lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round.

Unfortunately, Stokes could not build on his promising season. Entering the year as a starter, the first-round pick struggled early in the year and finished as one of the lowest-graded players at his position. While an ankle injury prematurely ended his season, he still finished with no interceptions, 26 tackles, and a 53.7 PFF grade.

Stokes couldn’t overcome the injury bug, as he started the 2023 campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform list. While he gradually overcame in ankle ailment from the previous season, he suffered a hamstring injury that limited him to just three games.

Since signing his rookie contract, Eric Stokes has appeared in 45 games while making 32 starts. While on the field, the Georgia product has recorded one interception, 14 passes defended, 128 tackles, and one tackle-for-loss.

Main Photo: Wm. Glasheen – Imagn Images

The post BREAKING: First-Round Pick Signs Contract With Las Vegas Raiders appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Green Bay Packers have officially entered free agency and made some big moves to fill holes in their offensive line and secondary. Yet, the wide receiver position still remains unchanged as talented wide receivers around the league find their place for the 2025 NFL season. As free agency gets the ball rolling, the Packers must act fast if adding a veteran wide receiver to their existing core is part of their bucket list.

Packers Free Agency is Seeing Targets Thin at Wide Receiver

Who is still available for the Packers to sign?

While many of the big-name receivers in the league have already found new homes for next season, there are still a solid amount of options the Packers can pursue at the position that may not require as much spending in free agency and could be of good value to the Jordan Love led offense. With Christian Watson out for at least half of the season, Gutekunst should be looking to deepen that wide receiver room with one of the remaining pass catchers on the market. Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, and Amari Cooper are all options that Packers free agency should explore, but explore with caution in terms of injury status and how much Green Bay is willing to put on the table.

Diggs is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered midway through last season and there is no certainty that he will be the same explosive receiver. He will most likely be looking for the big bucks and Green Bay may not have the means to give Diggs what he is looking for in a contract.

Allen was not insanely productive in Chicago last year, but coaching issues as well as schematic conflict within the organization prevented him from truly making an impact production-wise. As long as he stays healthy, he remains an option to pursue.

Cooper Kupp, who most likely is pending release after the Adams signing, and DeAndre Hopkins are probably the two receivers the Packers can pay minimally and gain loads of value from if signed. Pursuing either one of these players could do wonders for the offense.

Who have the Packers missed out on?

Packers free agency missed out on a potential reunion with Davante Adams after he signed with the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year, 46-million-dollar deal. They were also too late to immerse themselves into the DK Metcalf drama as he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers to pair up with George Pickens.

While these were most likely the top picks for teams around the league who were in dire need of talent at wide receiver, missing out on these two just means the team can allocate their money towards the deepening of their team at offensive line, secondary, and edge rush.

Brian Gutekunst is hinting at the idea that value is needed in other positions and that a wide receiver may only be added to the roster in free agency if he gets the best bang for his buck.

Should the Packers just wait for the draft?

It may be in the Packers best interest to see what sort of talent is available in the second and third rounds of the draft for the position. That may be the most likely scenario as well as the Packers have only signed two free agent wide receivers in the last eight seasons.

Main Photo: Audrey Richardson – Imagn Images

The post Packers Free Agency Targets Thinning At Wide Receiver appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Four-year veteran offensive lineman Aaron Banks has signed a new contract with the Green Bay Packers. Banks, a former second-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Rap: G Aaron Banks expected to sign with the Packers.

— NFL NEWS (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) March 10, 2025 at 3:32 PM

Aaron Banks, Green Bay Packers, Agree to Contract

Even though the San Francisco 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since he entered the NFL, 2024 was the best season of Aaron Banks’ career. Starting and appearing in 13 games, the Notre Dame product finished the year with a 65.4 PFF grade, the 33rd-best mark out of 76 eligible players. Despite his reliable play, the 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season, as injuries affected just about every position on the roster.

Aaron Banks originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers, the Notre Dame product didn’t see the field too often as a rookie. When all was said and done, the rookie appeared in just nine games without making a single start. Despite his lack of involvement, the 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game but narrowly missed the Super Bowl following a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Banks earned the starting left guard job in 2022 and never looked back. Starting and appearing in all 16 games, the second-year pro finished the year with a 59.5 PFF grade, the 48th-best mark out of 77 eligible players. Protecting three separate starting quarterbacks, San Francisco made it to the NFC Championship Game before losing to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Aaron Banks retained his starting job in 2023 but couldn’t match his previous play. Despite his drop in performance, the 49ers finally made it to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, they couldn’t take down the Kansas City Chiefs and lost in overtime.

Since signing his rookie contract, Aaron Banks has appeared in 53 games while making 43 starts.

Main Photo: Darren Yamashita – USA Today Sports

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As of this posting, the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks could get in contact this offseason for a DK Metcalf trade. According to the rumor, the Packers already have an offer for the Seahawks to trade Metcalf away in exchange for a high draft pick. There’s yet to be word on what type of pick it is, but many should anticipate it could be a first-round pick. While the Seahawks will probably never trade their best wideout, especially to an NFC rival, they could do it with the right price.

However, Seattle is speaking with several teams about a potential Metcalf trade but they’re not “actively” shopping him. It’s interesting to note they are making contacts with teams about the star wideout when they probably want to trade him. It shouldn’t be surprising if the Seahawks decide to trade Metcalf away in exchange for a first-round and a young receiver like Romeo Doubs or Dontayvion Wicks. The Packers need a true No. 1 receiver for Jordan Love’s offense since none of his current wide receivers are yet to be consistent.

A Metcalf trade should be one to watch this offseason, as this won’t be the only team reaching out. Originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Ole Miss product became one of the most spectacular wideouts in the league before his value stock fell this past 2024 campaign. Two teams like the Chargers, Ravens could intervene in the potential trade talks

REPORT: Packers, Seahawks Involved in Massive DK Metcalf Trade Talks – Chargers, Ravens Likely to Intervene

Superstar in LA

Last offseason, head coach Jim Harbaugh took over the organization as the new philosopher building a new defense and run game. However, they have yet to address the wideout position and the only dependable wideout on the pass-catching depth chart is uprising second-year Ladd McConkey. Harbaugh admits the team did Herbert a disservice in the postseason but perhaps he could make up for it by cashing in a wide receiver like DK Metcalf. As much as Harbaugh wants to help the Chargers with a run game, they can’t win competitive AFC Matchups handing the ball off repetitively.

Quentin Johnston had one of the worst performances in 2024 and that haunted him in the biggest moment during the wild card matchup loss. Joshua Palmer will become a free agent and he was somewhat a useful gadget but nothing consistent. The Chargers have money to spend and the first stepping stone would be is trade for Metcalf to help alongside McConkey. The team will probably draft another receiver but they need an answer now and they could do that with a consistent veteran presence like Metcalf to help them progress further in next year’s postseason.

Jackson’s Favorite Weapon

For the Ravens, the team is just one step closer to an AFC Championship. However, they had to survive without Zay Flowers for the entire 2024 playoffs which came to a disastrous end. Tight end Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews were Lamar Jackson’s security blankets but Andrews couldn’t haul a few crucial plays to put the icing on the cake for the win. With that, wide receiver Rashod Bateman is consistent but nowhere near the level of Flowers. The Diontae Johnson experiment was a circus and Nelson Agholor is a free agent this month so this means the Ravens should be looking for a huge upgrade.

Unfortunately, the team doesn’t have the dividends to pull off a Metcalf trade. They could sign him if the Seahawks decide to release him which is unlikely. However, the Ravens should make a decent offer and see if they can bring in Metcalf to pair with Flowers in the deep attack.

The post REPORT: Packers, Seahawks Involved in Massive Trade Talks – Chargers, Ravens Likely to Intervene appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

On Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Combine, the Green Bay Packers witnessed loads of edge-rushing talent showcase their strength and athleticism. In terms of scouting, the Packers should be looking to improve their pass rush and quarterback pressure with some of the earlier picks they possess in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here are three players who impressed on the first day of action that the Packers may want to add to their list of potential picks.

Edge Rusher Prospects the Packers Should Focus on After Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Combine

Jah Joyner, ED, Minnesota

Jah Joyner impressed on the first day of the combine and drew a lot of attention purely because of his unreal speed for his size. The 262-pound senior out of Minnesota posted a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash and hit a top speed of 22.58 miles per hour, the fastest among edge rushing prospects. The Golden Gopher also posits an advantageous frame as far as his arms and wingspan are concerned, allowing him to be more dangerous in the pass rush as a pass blocker.

His versatility and size make it easy for the Packers to find a role for him on a lackluster defensive line. Jeff Hafley may choose to place him on the interior in certain scenarios because of his larger size compared to the typical edge rusher. Yet, achieving a position best for speed in the Pass Rush Drill makes it hard to not utilize that on the outside as much as you can.

Joyner is reasonably far down the list of edge rushers that will be selected in the draft, making him a sneaky pick in the later rounds if the Packers choose to focus on addressing other positions earlier on. If available, taking a chance on the kid may be in Brian Gutekunsts’ best interest.

4⃣.6⃣1⃣ OFFICIALLY @Jahjoyner2 dropped the fourth-fastest 40 time by a DE/Edge at the 2025 NFL Combine!#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/iazLGFDXgy

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) February 27, 2025

Shemar Stewart, ED, Texas A&M

Stewart is an obvious choice for the Packers if he is available in the latter half of the first round. His performance in the combine made that statement even more true.

The junior out of Texas A&M recorded the second-best vertical jump and the top broad jump on the day while scoring above the 90th percentile in the 40-yard dash. His frame and speed are similar to that of Joyner as the 267-pound edge rusher has a long wingspan that allows him to be a dual threat at the line.

Green Bay may not see the opportunity to even think about drafting Stewart unless they decide to trade up for a pick that guarantees a chance to snatch him up. There is no doubt he would make an immediate impact in the Hafley-led defense.

6'5" 267 lb DE Shemar Stewart just jumped 40" in the vert @AggieFootball @ShemarStewart14

: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4zqMpcPwqM

— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2025

Landon Jackson, ED, Arkansas

Jackson is another edge rusher who impressed at the combine, posting a 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10’9” broad jump to lead all prospects. His 6’6”, 264-pound frame is one you can put on the inside or outside of your defensive line, giving the Packers a little more leeway if they decide to go his way in the draft.

Like Stewart, the senior will likely go in the mid-to-late first round and Green Bay would be lucky to see his name still on the board by the time they are on the clock. In the case he is there, the Packers should not hesitate to select the Razorback.

Arkansas Edge Landon Jackson back at the bag drill (via @Rivals)

: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/OmqA6faDQH

— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2025

Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images

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After the Green Bay Packers fell short of winning the Lombardi trophy last season, the team will make some moves in order to be in a better position for a title in 2025. Green Bay has a history of making some major moves that ultimately helped them achieve the ultimate goal. With free agency approaching, let’s take a look at the Packers top free agency signings since the start of the 21st century.

Top 5 Packers Free Agency Pickups Of The 21st Century

5. Za’Darius Smith, 2019

Smith signed with the Packers after playing in Baltimore for his first four seasons and flourished in Green Bay. Although he played only two full seasons with the Packers, his skill set ignited an unmatched fire in the team.

Smith earned his first two Pro Bowl selections and first All-Pro selection, recording 26 total sacks across 32 games with Green Bay. After missing the playoffs in 2017 and 2018, Smith helped lead Green Bay back to the playoffs and their first top-10 team defensive ranking since their Super Bowl season.

4. Xavier McKinney, 2024

McKinney had a breakout season after coming over from the New York Giants, where he spent the first four years of his career. He recorded eight interceptions and earned his first Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro Honors with Green Bay last season. McKinney served to be the cause of the team’s ability to win without their starting quarterback at the beginning of the season, recording an interception in five straight games.

The last time the Packers signed a big-name safety in free agency, they won the Super Bowl four years later. If he stays in Green Bay, he could repeat history as a leader on this Packers defense.

3. Adrian Amos, 2019

Before joining the Packers, Amos spent his first four years in the league with the Packers all-time rival Chicago Bears, where he cemented himself as one of the rising stars at the safety position. As a Packer, he cemented himself as one of the best in the league.

Amos was an elite tackler and lockdown defender who added some much-needed depth to the defense, as Josh Jones and Kentrell Brice were Green Bay’s primary safeties heading into the 2019 offseason. As a result of the addition, Green Bay ranked 7th in coverage grade by PFF compared to their previous season’s ranking of 26th.

2. Preston Smith, 2019

2019 may have been the best free agency the Packers had since signing Reggie White from the Philadelphia Eagles. In trying to go all out in what seemed to be Aaron Rodgers last few seasons in Green Bay, Brian Gutekunst went out and got Smith from Washington.

With Clay Matthews and Nick Perry on the last legs of their careers in Green Bay, Smith came in and dominated in their place. Smith had 12 sacks in his first season and was one of the more consistent players as a pass rusher for Green Bay. Although his regression was inevitable in 2024, it is clear that the Packers defense needed to fill the hole that was created when he went to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1. Charles Woodson, 2006

No other player suits the number one spot on this list better than the sheriff. Woodson spent most of his career as an Oakland Raider, but had some of his most decorated seasons after signing with Green Bay.

In his first season as a Packer, he recorded more interceptions (8) than the previous five years combined (7). Four of the seven seasons he spent with Green Bay saw him record seven or more interceptions. Over half of his interceptions were with Green Bay despite spending four more total seasons on the Raiders.

Beyond the statistics, the all-time great led the Packer defense to a Super Bowl win and continued to dominate the next few seasons after suffering a collarbone injury late in the game.

Main Photo: Tork Mason – Imagn Images

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The Green Bay Packers have some extremely important decisions to make as far as where their priorities lie for the 2025 NFL Draft. With All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander recently entering trade talks around the league, Green Bay may be looking to fill vacancies at different positions by utilizing his trade value. With that in mind, this cornerback from Texas could be the difference maker for the Packers defense in the case Alexander finds elsewhere to showcase his talents.

Packers Look To Replace Star Cornerback In Latest Mock Draft

While Jaire Alexander is still a member of the green and gold, there is a lot of speculation as to whether he wants to remain a Packer and whether Green Bay wants something in exchange for one of the top defensive backs in the league.

In the case that the Packers part ways with the two-time Pro Bowler, the Packers looked to immediately repair the gap caused by his retreat by drafting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 23rd pick in this mock draft.

Future Packers Cornerback Jahdae Barron As A Texas Longhorn

The Texas DB spent five years with the Longhorns and developed a lot of the necessary skills it takes to become an elite NFL cornerback through experience on the collegiate level.

Barron recorded five interceptions, three of them coming in matchups against the #5 Georgia Bulldogs, which suggests he has the ability to play up to competition. He also had 11 passes defended in his last season, which was just as many as he accumulated in the previous three years combined.

Some of his more memorable moments are his two-interception performance against Georgia and 11-tackle performance in the double-OT win over Arizona State in the Cotton Bowl.

Is Jahdae Barron a Good Fit to Replace Packers Cornerback?

Both Alexander and Barron share attributes of being smaller, but hard to get open on when a one-on-one matchup is called upon. The only difference here is that Alexander guards the best receiver on NFL teams and oftentimes wins his matchup.

As a rookie experiencing a completely different set of principles when it comes to defending the top pass catchers in the league, it will be difficult. But as far as his strengths are concerned, his ability to recognize routes as they develop and his aggressiveness at the line are both characteristics of a player that can compete against the best.

Who Else Could Green Bay Have Selected In The First Round?

Several options remained on the board for the Packers at positions of need after they selected Barron. Wide receivers like Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor and Barron’s teammate Matthew Golden could be smart selections if the offense is what Gutekunst wants to focus on bolstering early in the draft.

A few edge rushers that the Packers may not want to pass up on also include Shemar Stewart out of Texas A&M and Jalon Walker from Georgia. Both would do wonders on a defense that is most definitely looking to add talent to that struggling defensive line and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.

Main Photo: [Tork Mason] – USA Today Sports

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