Cory's Corner: This Is The Time To Take Chances
Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby are the big edge rusher trade targets, but Green Bay would be better suited to go after a top edge rusher in the draft. That would open up money for a free agent corner.
Two of the most important things a football team has to do are protect a quarterback and attack the quarterback.
The Eagles showed in the NFC Wild Card Game just how important it is to be able to rush the passer, by disrupting timing and rhythm and causing pure chaos on the offensive side of the ball.
The Packers draft No. 23 in the NFL Draft which starts in Green Bay on April 24. Which means, I don’t see Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst making a big swing and going after the best edge rusher on the board in Penn State’s Abdul Carter, who’s expected to go in the top 10.
But that doesn’t mean Gutekunst doesn’t have options. Many are hoping that the Packers land Cleveland’s Myles Garrett or Las Vegas’ Maxx Crosby. In eight seasons, Garrett has racked up 102.5 sacks and in the last seven years, he hasn’t tallied less than 10 and he has racked up 60 in the last four years and the 29-year-old had 44 pressures this past season. Crosby has amassed 59.5 sacks in six seasons. He turns 28 in August and he had 35 pressures this past season.
Both of those guys are very intriguing but I would be very surprised if the Browns or Raiders are willing to let either of them go — for any price. And speaking of price, Garrett has a 2025 cap hit of $19.7 million. If he gets traded before June 1, the dead cap number is a whopping $36.1 million and it’s $14.7 after June 1. Crosby has a cap hit of $27.9 million. If he gets traded before June 1, the dead cap is $10.2 million and $5.1 million after June 1.
Even if the Packers trade with either team, and the Packers were willing to pay some of the dead cap freight, that would certainly be enticing. Especially the Browns, who will be in the penthouse of cap hell thanks to Deshaun Watson’s cap hit sitting at a ridiculous $72.9 million next season.
What the Packers have to weigh is how high they can go in the draft vs. Garrett or Crosby? Tennessee standout James Pearce, Jr. is projected to go anywhere from 14-17 in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Now is the time to find out how much Gutekunst treasures his picks. Is he willing to part with a first and second rounder to get a top of the line edge rusher? And the best part is that there would be money left to go after a top free agent corner like San Francisco’s Charvarius Ward or Buffalo’s Rasul Douglas.
Garrett and Crosby seem like great options, but the better value for an edge rusher would probably be from a rookie. It all comes down to what Gutekunst’s philosophy is. Since the Packers advanced to the playoffs the last two seasons, he needs to keep adding winning pieces.
In other words, win now. This team was the youngest team in the NFL this year.
If the Packers want to win the NFC, heck if they want to win the NFC North, they are going to have to take some chances.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (42)
Lphill
January 25, 2025 at 07:17 am
Crosby wants to go to Detroit he is from there .
Packerpasty
January 25, 2025 at 11:36 am
Crosby said he doesnt want to go anywhere but LV...Detroit is going to have a massive payroll next few years cant see how they would swing that deal.
Packerpasty
January 25, 2025 at 11:39 am
SI says.."Las Vegas has shown absolutely no indication that it wants to move on from the star pass rusher in the coming months, nor has Crosby given an inkling that he wants to be dealt. The chances of the Raiders moving Crosby are slim, especially if they aren't able to extract a first-round draft pick in return.""
jannesbjornson
January 25, 2025 at 11:50 am
The Deal should be directed to Myles Garrett, the best DE in the NFL. Just ask Reggie...
SicSemperTyrannis
January 25, 2025 at 08:45 pm
I thought he said he wanted to go to GB?
stockholder
January 25, 2025 at 07:56 am
If you want to take chances.
The biggest gamble might not be a gamble.
And thats Alexander. Slayton and Myers.
Depth and injuries were this teams downfall.
We don't need to Fix anything.
The next step is the draft.
And a depth chart, must be more than support.
PeteK
January 25, 2025 at 09:36 am
I think a player with Alexander's ability still has some value especially if we surround him with a FA and rookie. Next year letting go of Jaire would be less of a sting on the dead cap.
crayzpackfan
January 25, 2025 at 09:50 am
His whole contract has been dead cap. Paying for something that isn't even there is dead money to me either way. Not to mention he's taking up a roster spot the entire time. If there were ever a player to just peel the band aid on it is sadly JA.
jannesbjornson
January 25, 2025 at 11:39 am
This draft will need more scrutiny after the supply of 5th and 6h year seniors dried up, post pandemic:
#27 Tyleik Williams DT OSU
#54 Lander Barton LB Utah
#87 Cobee Bryant CB Kansas
#110 Xavier Restrepo WR Miami
will not fall this far
#160 Mello Dotson CB Kansas
#176 Elijah Arroyo TE Miami
#200 Ahmed Hassanein Edge Boise State
he will be much higher
#239 Dillon Gabriel QB Oregon
#251 Jared Wilson C Georgia
Bring Davontae back. Snag Veterans from free agency for the O line depth. Jack Nelson in the 4th rd would work.
Start the Mockery
stockholder
January 25, 2025 at 06:15 pm
I say your draft will get dislikes.
So I did an upgrade- Mock #1=
27. Nic Scourton. DE T A&M. - Pass Rusher
54. Jonah Savaiinaea. OT Arz.- RT /RG
87. Jaylin Noel. WR. Iowa st. PR /KR/Slot
110. Jack Nelson. OT WI. - Versatile Ol
160 Jake Majors. C. Tex- -
176. Donte THORNTON JR. WR Tenn.- Deep threat
200 Tommi Hil CB NEB
239 Upton Stout. CBN Ken.
251. Caleb Ransom. CB Tulane
jannesbjornson
January 26, 2025 at 09:29 am
As I said before Scourton will not fall to Ted. Have to move uP for him. I would. They already have a RT in Tom. Put Wallace inside and put Morgan where he belongs at LT. Nelson won't leave the fourth round. They do not need more CBs to play on the practice squad. Veteran free agents for the O line depth. Majors is a guy to look for if he slides that far down the order. Barton and Stutsman are the thumpers. No more chase LBs who get knocked on their ass backwards. They don't tackle in College ball, any longer.
stockholder
January 26, 2025 at 08:04 am
JB- I'm not a Williams fan.
Last year you wanted a run stuffer.
Also why take Barton?
Unless your dumping Walker.
If I took a LB, it would be Campbell @23.
Stop the swinging door.
Your CB choices have come up in simulations.
My preference is depth on the OL.
A pass rusher at 200 doesn't work.
But the best thing about a mock early.
Is we don't have the testing numbers.
jannesbjornson
January 26, 2025 at 10:07 am
The inside guys are Cooper and Barton/Stustman and your guy Walker on the outside, or trade him. Walker is not a seek and destroy guy. He's there a click too late. The Kansas duo play the man 1:1 and go after the ball. These guys stand out when Watching the Games. Senior Bowl practices and Shrine feedback is all you need. Film, not underwear olympics. The 40 yard dash is meaningless for the Big guys. I wanted T. Sweat last draft for a reason. He signed Clark to three terms; Miami let Wilkins move on and D.C. traded Sweat, instead of paying him.
The kid from Boise State is a player.
jannesbjornson
January 26, 2025 at 10:16 am
Wiiliams is the quick twitch inside guy for Hafley's schemes. He is the fastest of the DTs in the draft. The only guys who worked the stunts this season were Karl and Wyatt. Get to the QB, don't watch him throw past your bull rushers. Slaton should be resigned.
stockholder
January 26, 2025 at 01:50 pm
Nolan will go first. Williams is 6'2. No thanks.
NFLfan
January 25, 2025 at 07:58 am
I'm concerned about finding a good DL coach. 2 well-respected interviewees, Kacy Rodgers and Aaron Whitecotton are likely off the table. Kacy has been hired by the Lions and it looks like the Jets are looking to keep Whitecotton.
crayzpackfan
January 25, 2025 at 08:31 am
I'm sure MLF will find some unqualified buddy of his climb aboard. It's all about that "continuity" right?
PeteK
January 25, 2025 at 09:33 am
Last buddy turned out well.
PeteK
January 25, 2025 at 09:32 am
Browns are 26 mill in the hole and Miles will be long in the tooth when they turn it around , Raiders have 95 to play with. Give Browns Van Ness and start with a 2rd and a fourth. He has two yrs left in his contract and would be a game wrecker for our D, and money left over for a FA CB, DJ Reed.
TKWorldWide
January 25, 2025 at 09:32 am
Is GB really in “win now” mode?
If so, how much impact can a rookie edge rusher make? Or is my mindset polluted by the rookie seasons of Gary and LVN?
Coldworld
January 25, 2025 at 10:07 am
Edge rusher can be an early impact position, if you get the right player and let them do what they are already good at primarily.
crayzpackfan
January 25, 2025 at 10:53 am
The "Green Bay Way" Doesn't really provide the opportunities for rookies to make an impact. I think Cooper is so damn good and extremely ready, he forced their hand making them go against their philosophy.
GregC
January 25, 2025 at 02:10 pm
Javon Bullard and Evan Williams also started as rookies. Jordan Morgan was going to start before he got injured in training camp, and he was sharing a starting role before he got hurt again. Last year, Musgrave and Kraft shared the starting TE job as rookies. Jayden Reed started and Dontayvion Wicks was a big part of the offense. Brooks and Wooden were part of the DL rotation. The year before, Quay Walker started as a rookie, Zach Tom had five starts, and Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs both got lots of playing time.
They are more open to having rookies play than they used to be.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 27, 2025 at 01:09 pm
They start rookies all the time in GB; more so with MLF than McCarthy. But they start rookie offensive line guys, rookie CBs, rookie WRs and yes, this year it was rookie safeties and off ball LBs. They didn't start Gary when they had the Smith Bros, and they didn't start LVN when they had Gary and Preston Smith. And both Gary and LVN were picked as high ceiling guys who would need time to develop in the NFL.
But the Green Bay way is far different than it used to be. If the rookie looks the part in training camp, they'll start him.
bleedgreen
January 25, 2025 at 08:45 pm
We have had so much success drafting edge rushers and defensive linemen. Lets keep doing it. Definition of insanity. Make a trade if you can and get a known quantity.
Coldworld
January 26, 2025 at 09:49 am
Teams rarely let top rushers go unless they think they are past it. It’s almost as rare as letting a top QB leave. The exception is a total rebuild scenario, which might be how the Browns look at things (though predicting their reaction is hard given how they got there). If that happens though, a lot of teams will be interested.
The other reason is a player simply effectively refusing to stay. Crosby would have to force his way out probably. The Raiders need some star power to hang their hat on. Those guys are usually extortionate or very late in the year transactions.
WD
January 25, 2025 at 10:26 am
After reading all the comments the picture looks grim. In my view there is only one of those mentioned that would significantly change the defense into a dynamic top of the line defense. That player is Maxx Crosby. Watch him play! He alone is a one man wreaking crew who lives to hunt opposing QBs. He can take over the game! Every asset has it's price. There is no one close to him in the draft. He makes Abdul Carter look like a choir boy! He would easily be worth a number one next year and a second rounder this year. Maybe even a player like Malik? Who is the QB now for the Raiders? Work out the damn deal and get it done. All else is folly.
Our offense was fine when Love was healthy. He was off a step all season. Draft another WR and a CB and we will be great! GO Pack!
crayzpackfan
January 25, 2025 at 11:00 am
Now that the Raiders have Grandpa Pete as the HC (a defensive minded guy), I highly doubt he will let Crosby go anywhere. He covets those locker room leaders.
Leatherhead
January 25, 2025 at 11:18 am
Last year, The Raiduhs were 3-2 without Crosby, and 1-11 with.
Packerpasty
January 25, 2025 at 11:40 am
""Las Vegas has shown absolutely no indication that it wants to move on from the star pass rusher in the coming months, nor has Crosby given an inkling that he wants to be dealt. The chances of the Raiders moving Crosby are slim, especially if they aren't able to extract a first-round draft pick in return.""
Leatherhead
January 25, 2025 at 11:17 am
Really, we don't need to take any POOR risks. We have enough money in FA to go after people, and we have 3 draft picks in the Top 100.
Personally, I'd cut ties with Alexander and use the $17M I'd save on getting two veteran Olineman. I'd use another piece of our FA money on a starting CB. I'd use the first round pick on a CB, I'd get a WR and an Olineman. Remember...we're losing Myers and next year Rhyan, Tom, and Walker will have to be resigned or they'll leave. I, personally, would not want to rely on Day 3 rookies and UDFA projects on the Oline in the playoffs again.
Although there would be some contract issues to handle, I think we could get at least a Day 2 pick for Alexander that we could use for whatever pet project people have. This way improves our corner situation, improves our coverage, which helps our pass rush. It starts to replace Watson and it stocks up the Oline for the rest of the Love window.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 25, 2025 at 09:20 pm
"I'd cut ties with Alexander and use the $17M I'd save"
Against the cap, getting rid of Ja in 2025 doesn't save nearly that much. I forget the exact number? Less than $7MM?
ricky
January 25, 2025 at 11:27 am
It becomes a question of getting a known quantity- someone who has shown he can be effective in the NFL, or a rookie you hope will develop into an effective player ASAP. Making a big splash in FA could well pay off. Last year it was McKinney and Jacobs. Would Gutey be willing to try something similar this year? Hopefully, yes.
Starrbrite
January 26, 2025 at 03:25 pm
Exactly right—pursue a proven commodity, such as McKinney/Jacobs. Both Crosby and Garrett are supremely proven.
Ron Wolf always said, “if you love a player, go get’em.” I don’t know how much Guty “loves” Crosby or Garrett, or anyone else. But if you can, grab a stud in FA.
LeotisHarris
January 25, 2025 at 01:24 pm
Crosby is coming off ankle surgery, but that's not what worries me most about him. While I believe he is a good husband and father, I feel there is a darker side to him. I see corrosion at the edges of his aura, and knowing he played his college ball at Directional Michigan makes me concerned about his ability to share etc. He's also a ginger and has a lot of tattoos; Ali, Jordan, Kobe *and* his daughter on his chest etc. Beside, who would coach him? Hawg Hanner isn't coming back to life, at least I don't think he is. I guess the way things are going, he might. Still, I'm concerned.
Myles should serve the remainder of his sentence in Cleveland with the other misfit toys. It's a good fit.
Guam
January 25, 2025 at 08:07 pm
Priceless Leotis.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 25, 2025 at 09:30 pm
I'm not worried about Maxx Crosby's tattoos or his aura. As owner TB12 isn't coming up off him, he's the sort of player you trade half your team for. I understand speculation and hype, but it's just silly thinking we could get him.
Packman60
January 25, 2025 at 06:28 pm
Ojulari from the Giants won't break the bank and has been very productive despite missing some games do to injury. This would allow the Packers to address DT or CB with their 1st round pick. There should be some great options to choose from at that point. A WR in the 2nd since the Packers will never take one in the 1st. The reminder of the draft for OL and defensive depth. I'd be shocked if the Packers traded for Crosby or Myles and don't see them spending the money on a free agent WR
SicSemperTyrannis
January 25, 2025 at 08:43 pm
"money left to go after a top free agent corner like ... Buffalo’s Rasul Douglas."
Rub it in, Corey; giving Sool away was the worst "trade" in the history of making bad trades. (Moreso for the way it was handled)
The question nobody's addressing is which is less likely to contribute as a rookie, an edge rusher / DL or CB or WR? I'm thinking the latter are more likely to find immediate success simply because building pro strength for 3 years is not the issue.
How Gutey juggles this will be interesting ...
Coldworld
January 26, 2025 at 10:36 am
Some corners break out early, as do some edge rushers. More so than WRs historically. However, they still aren’t the norm and it’s usually big school early picks that have played and succeeded in or against NFL like schemes. When we pick, we may not have such options. If Alexander’s issues are merely physical, that’s one reason to hang on to him and draft a CB this year.
At edge I think we have more chance of situational contributions through the draft, particularly if they go speed and twitch. At WR, it comes down to Doubs’ prognosis, but his role would almost certainly need a veteran to adequately fill next year given the emphasis on route running and consistency.
Watson we could draft and hope that the player is at least a situational deep threat, of which there are a few options likely through the draft. We could also look to pick up MVS as a cheaper bridge option and draft behind that. There are few size/speed alternatives in FA though. Perhaps Noah Brown who has a good career YPC, but he’s big and not particularly fast but like MVS, limited production.
jimtalkbox
January 27, 2025 at 11:25 am
Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush. If you can affect the passer with 4 guys, you're giving your defense a much better chance to be successful.
I'm tired of doing the "Clay Matthews + some guys" or "Rashan Gary + some guys" method. We need 2 elite guys. Is it expensive? Yes. But that's the "next step".
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 27, 2025 at 01:11 pm
I don't understand the point of talking about guys that are under contract, like Crosby. Neither the player or the team has shown any interested in a trade. Maybe Cleveland's situation might mean they could be willing to trade a high priced player for a cheap draft pick. But otherwise, there's no point.