Tick, tick, tick. The NFL’s trade deadline on November 5th is quickly approaching. Numerous teams in the league have already been active, including the New York Jets (Davante Adams), Buffalo (Amari Cooper), Minnesota (Cam Robinson), Kansas City (DeAndre Hopkins and Josh Uche), and Baltimore (Diontae Johnson).
The Green Bay Packers, who are still the favourites to sign Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett, might use some help in the secondary and on the defensive line. These players might make sense if the Browns decide to hold onto their greatest player and the Packers are unable to acquire their white whale.
Trey Hendrickson, DE, Cincinnati
The 29-year-old Hendrickson has 66.5 sacks in his first 7½ years in the NFL and has been to three consecutive Pro Bowls. Hendrickson, who is lovingly known as “Big Play Trey” in Cincinnati, has already recorded 36 pressures and 7.0 sacks this season.
Hendrickson could significantly improve a club like the Packers, whose pass rush is in dire need of improvement.
What would make him available, then?
Hendrickson first requested a trade during the offseason. Second, among the NFL’s most disappointing teams in 2024 have been the Bengals (3-5). Cincinnati has till next week to decide whether or not to rebuild. If so, they may not have Hendrickson in their future plans. Hendrickson is a free agent after the 2025 season.
Craig Newsome, a former Packer cornerback, is the father of Newsome. He was selected by Cleveland in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft (No. 26 overall), and after finishing second on the club with nine passes defensed, he was chosen to the Professional Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie team. In 2022, Newsome made 15 starts and recorded 42 tackles, one half-sack, and six passes defensed. Then, in 2023, he matched for the team lead with a career-high 14 passes defensed, marking his greatest season to date. On November 12, 2023, at Baltimore, Newsome also recorded his first career interception and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown while also recording a half-sack.
Despite his struggles this season, Newsome, who is only 24 years old, is incredibly versatile. At six feet and 192 pounds, he possesses the kind of size that Green Bay has historically sought. He has played both in the slot and as a boundary corner. Given that the Browns (2-6) may be rebuilding, a guy like Newsome may become available.
