The Green Bay Packers will have a chance to evaluate their roster in the coming weeks at training camp, figuring out where some areas of need may persist. Entering training camp, depth along the defensive line was among the most prominent needs, but the young players at the position have been playing well thus far.
Experience on the offensive side of the ball could be used. The Packers have one of the youngest groups of wide receivers and tight ends in the history of the NFL. Jordan Love could certainly benefit from having an experienced option to turn to in the passing game.
However, the No. 1 need for the Packers will likely be their secondary. The last line of their defense has a chance to be excellent when healthy. Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes are one of the best cornerback trios in the NFL. Alas, Stokes is currently rehabbing from season-ending ankle and knee injuries suffered in Week 9 last season.
Stokes is currently on the physically-unable-to-perform list, bringing the cornerback back depth into question. At safety, the Packers’ situation is dire as it is the weakest position group on the team.
Naturally, adding an upgrade to the secondary before the 2023 season starts would make the most sense. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has suggested they fill that hole with a trade, acquiring Jalen Mills from the New England Patriots.
Mills was someone that the Patriots were going to cut earlier this offseason. But, according to Mike Reiss, his roster spot was saved after his contract was reworked into a one-year deal. Based on that information, it would seem Mills is certainly available for the right price.
What could that price be? A suggested deal from Ballentine would be the Packers sending a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for the versatile defensive back. Given the fact that New England nearly cut him earlier this offseason, that should be more than enough to get a deal done.
For the Packers, Mills would bring a lot of versatility to their defense. He can play cornerback on the perimeter or slot and has experience playing safety as well. That kind of ability to move around the formation will make him a useful piece for defensive coordinator Joe Barry as he can mix and match the personnel around him.
Mills also comes with championship experience. He was a starting defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles when they defeated the Patriots during Super Bowl 52. That kind of experience will certainly help what is a very young Packers team overall.
