Trading Preston Smith was a logical move for the Green Bay Packers, yet it raised questions due to their lack of immediate action in finding a suitable replacement. With Smith gone, Green Bay seemed to have a prime opportunity to reinforce their pass rush, particularly with the New York Giants reportedly open to trading Azeez Ojulari. Unfortunately, the Packers did not pursue him, and Ojulari stayed in New York. As the season progresses, Green Bay may come to regret missing out on a chance to strengthen their defense.
After the NFL trade deadline, another potential target surfaced. The Baltimore Ravens released veteran pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, sparking interest across the league. Although Ngakoue played sparingly this season, his track record still makes him a valuable asset. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Ravens would have welcomed Ngakoue back had he gone unclaimed on waivers. However, the New England Patriots, holding third priority, swiftly put in a claim, securing Ngakoue before the Packers or any other interested teams had a chance to react.
Losing out on Ngakoue isn’t necessarily a devastating setback for Green Bay’s season, but it could have provided a low-risk, high-reward option. Ngakoue’s recent performance may not have been Pro Bowl caliber, and he would likely have served as a depth option in Green Bay. However, given the Packers’ current need for pass-rush improvement, his experience and skill could have been a timely boost, especially following Smith’s departure.
Despite limited playtime in Baltimore, Ngakoue has continued to put up competitive numbers. Since the start of 2023, his sack and quarterback hit stats are impressive relative to the Packers’ current lineup. With five-and-a-half sacks and eleven quarterback hits, his production closely mirrors that of Packers rookie Lukas Van Ness and exceeds that of other defensive players like Kingsley Enagbare. Even in a secondary role, Ngakoue’s ability to pressure the quarterback stands out, highlighting what could have been a valuable addition for the Packers.
While the Packers missed this opportunity, other options may present themselves as the season unfolds. In the meantime, Green Bay will need players like Van Ness to step up and reach their potential. With 24 teams ahead of them in waiver priority, it was always a long shot, but the Patriots’ swift action leaves Green Bay to face the consequences of passing on Ojulari and missing out on Ngakoue. The Packers now find themselves looking internally and hoping for more consistent contributions from their young defenders as they navigate the challenges ahead.
