Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst opted not to make any trades at the NFL deadline, but this does not preclude the team from enhancing its roster ahead of an important stretch of games. Following a surprising defeat to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, compounded by the loss of promising tight end Tucker Kraft due to a torn ACL, the Packers” roster flaws were starkly highlighted.
Despite missing out on potential trades, the Packers may find an opportunity in free agency and the waiver wire to acquire a game-changing player. One name generating interest is cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.. Given the team”s pressing need to bolster their cornerback position before facing formidable NFC receivers such as Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and A.J. Brown, Samuel Jr. could be a pivotal addition.
As reported by Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, the Packers are exploring the possibility of bringing in Samuel Jr., who has recently been cleared to return to football activities after recovering from spinal fusion surgery performed in April. The 26-year-old was a second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 and has demonstrated his potential with six interceptions and 176 total tackles over his first 50 career games.
Samuel Jr.”s experience in the postseason could provide the veteran presence the Packers need in their secondary, a position where they have struggled. With coordinator Jeff Hafley looking for solutions, adding a player of Samuel Jr.”s caliber could address a critical gap in their defensive lineup.
