The Green Bay Packers, like most teams in the NFL, failed to pull the trigger on a major trade before Tuesday's deadline.
The non-activity was somewhat surprising considering the team's status as a possible contender that seems in need of a minor talent infusion — particularly at receiver — but aligns with the franchise's history of relative non-aggression when it comes to acquiring players.
As previously reported, the Packers nearly landed another target for Aaron Rodgers, as the front office considered dealing for Houston Texans wideout Will Fuller V.
Additionally, Green Bay made (unsuccessful) efforts to upgrade the defense. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Packers inquired about New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.
Tomlinson, 26, is in the final year of his rookie contract, but the 1-7 Giants refused to part with the defensive captain. Green Bay reportedly offered a mid-round pick.
#Packers made a run at #Texans WR Will Fuller this week, but that wasn’t the only standout they offered a mid-round pick for. Source said they attempted to trade for #Giants DT Dalvin Tomlinson, tho NYG resisted dealing the captain even though he’s in the final year of his deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2020
The Giants have not made a ton of progress with Tomlinson on a new contract, but head coach Joe Judge recently said the franchise didn't want to part ways with any “foundational pieces”, including Tomlinson and tight end Evan Engram.
So Giants turned down offers for Engram and Tomlinson. Jibes with Judge’s comments about not wanting to trade “foundational pieces.” Now, key is re-signing Tomlinson, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent https://t.co/Da2u7Bxqus
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) November 8, 2020
The Giants drafted Tomlinson out of Alabama in the second round of the 2017 draft, and it makes no sense to trade him off a rebuilding team for a middling draft pick unless they were absolutely convinced that re-signing him was off the table.
Rodgers could use more weapons (especially after the team used its first-round pick on QB Jordan Love), though the team's defense objectively needs more work than the offensive side of the ball. Heading into Week 9, the 6-2 Packers rank 2nd in the NFL in offensive DVOA, but 29th in defensive DVOA.
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