Could Packers swing for the fences at the NFL trade deadline?

If Gutekunst aims, and is able, to add a player capable of making an impact approaching Parsons-level proportions, pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Seahawks to acquire Tariq Woolen could be the kind of blockbuster to push Green Bay’s defense over the top.

Over at Pro Football Focus, Thomas Valentine argues that Woolen isn’t just one of the top cornerbacks available but potentially an ideal fit for one of the Packers’ biggest rivals, the Detroit Lions.

“At his best, Woolen is a physically gifted corner with excellent ball skills,” Valentine writes for PFF. “Capable of playing sticky coverage. But through seven weeks, he’s allowed 26 receptions for 204 yards and a touchdown, and has permitted a career-high passer rating of 98.9 when targeted. On top of that, Woolen has generated a 29.0 PFF tackling grade, sixth-lowest among cornerbacks, while missing seven tackles. Woolen’s physical style of play has hampered him, too, and he’s been penalized six times — tied for seventh-most among cornerbacks.

“Though he’s underperformed, Woolen has a lot to offer; but as a free agent at the end of the 2025 season, the Seahawks might elect to cash in on him now. The emergence of Josh Jobe (57.2 grade; 67th) and Derion Kendrick (72.2 grade; 17th) has lessened the need for the Seahawks to invest significant capital in Woolen, who will be 27 next season. The Lions have a potential need at cornerback and could be in the market in the short term.”

Convincing the Seahawks, who are fighting for a playoff berth, as well, to trade Woolen could be a major hurdle, given Woolen has already posted 17 total tackles so far this season and is a key cog in their secondary.

Trading for Woolen could significantly upgrade the secondary in Hafley’s defense, with the added benefit of preventing the Lions from swooping in and dropping him into an already-dominant defense.