The Packers Just Failed to Give Aaron Rodgers a Weapon He Desperately Needs
The Green Bay Packers have put forth a strong start to the 2020 season that has created firm Super Bowl aspirations. However, the Packers‘ recent struggles have generated a more significant need to put additional talent around star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The franchise had that golden opportunity to do so before Tuesday’s trade deadline and whiffed at that chance.
Aaron Rodgers hints at desire to add offensive talent
The Packers’ recent offensive struggles tilted the scale a bit toward the conversation around adding more talent.
The rumor mill reached the point where Aaron Rodgers subtly addressed the situation after the Week 8 loss to the Minnesota Vikings by stating that an inquiry about trading for a wide receiver wasn’t “a bad question.” (H/T Matt Schneidman of The Athletic)
“That’s not a bad question, but it’s not one I can answer, Rodgers said. “I’m not gonna stump for a guy because last time I stumped for a guy he ended up in Buffalo.”
These comments placed a bit more pressure on the Packers to make a move to acquire more offensive help. However, Green Bay fell short in that department as Tuesday’s trade deadline came and went.
Packers fail to trade for Will Fuller
In the days leading up to the trade deadline, the rumor mill continued to heat up around the Packers.
Much of which came about with chatter concerning the possibility of securing another wide receiver. According to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, Green Bay couldn’t come to terms on a deal to land veteran wide receiver Will Fuller from the Houston Texans before Tuesday’s deadline.
The Packers were heavily rumored to have some significant interest in acquiring the speedy veteran wideout. The two sides could not find common ground to add a much-needed playmaker to Green Bay’s offensive game plan.
Fuller has struggled to work through injuries in his career, but he’s putting forth a career-best campaign in 2020. He has 31 catches for 490 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Fuller’s numbers put him on the trajectory to post career highs with 71 receptions for 1,120 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
The inability to acquire another big-play threat in the passing game marks a failed opportunity for the Packers to take another step forward. Aaron Rodgers has found tremendous success this season, but Green Bay still has a pressing need to add a legitimate No.2 passing game option next to Pro Bowler Davante Adams.
Green Bay will move forward with their current roster
The lack of movement at the trade deadline now pushes Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to move forward with their current roster.
Rodgers has made the most of the talent around him in the passing game. Davante Adams has put up his usual elite production with 43 catches for 502 receiving yards. However, no other player on the roster has more than 23 receptions.
In the second year under head coach Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ game plan may continue to shift toward a balanced offensive attack. Aaron Jones has led the running game, but he’s dealing with a lingering calf injury that has impacted his recent play.
Jones will continue to be a considerable part of the offense behind his dual-threat ability that has helped take the pressure off Rodgers to lead the charge. Green Bay has serious Super Bowl aspirations, but there will be challenges ahead against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints.
For the time being, the Packers’ inability to add another playmaker to their offense could have a notable impact on how the rest of their season plays out.
