Packers Linked to Potential Trade for Eagles’ Defender

The Green Bay Packers are facing one glaring question heading into the upcoming 2025 NFL season. After parting ways with longtime star cornerback Jaire Alexander, there are legitimate reasons to be concerned about the position group.

Without Alexander on the roster, the Packers do not have a proven No. 1 cornerback. Nate Hobbs was signed to a lucrative deal in free agency, but he has struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career and has never been asked to be a true lockdown cornerback facing an opponents best wide receiver.

Outside of Hobbs, Green Bay has Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon, Javon Bullard, Kalen King, and Kamal Hadden as its top options.

Some believe that the Packers should go out and sign a free agent. Both Stephon Gilmore and Asante Samuel Jr. have been brought up as prime options. Rasul Douglas is also still a free agent and is familiar with Green Bay.

Another option has been suggested for the Packers. That option would include pulling off a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Beth Mishler-Elmore of Heavy Sports has suggested that Green Bay target a trade for Eagles’ 23-year-old cornerback Eli Ricks.

“Ricks could immediately compete with Valentine for outside reps and serve as a backup plan in case of injuries to Nixon or Hobbs,” Mishler-Elmore wrote. “At just 23, Ricks still has developmental upside and would be a low-cost insurance policy with the potential to grow into a long-term contributor — the definition of a low-risk, high-reward option.”

Ricks has not played a big role during his first two years with Philadelphia. He has totaled 21 tackles and three defended passes so far.

This would not be a move to “fix” the issues that the Packers could have in the secondary. Instead, it would be a move to add another intriguing piece who could step up into a bigger role if called upon.

Only time will tell what Green Bay chooses to do at the position. Brian Gutekunst might feel comfortable with the group that he currently has on the roster.

Should the Packers decide that they need to make an addition, Ricks could be an intriguing target.